Meet Stephen Ramirez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Stephen Ramirez.

Hi Stephen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Originally born in El Paso, TX but moved to Colorado when I was five. Art has always been a part of my life, growing up I got my inspiration and influences from reading comics and manga.

I’m traditionally an illustration artist but recently these past couple of years have picked up other mediums and am now more so interested in expanding on my talents and seeing how far I can push my skill. I’m hoping to one day be featured in respected galleries (across the world would be amazing) and have my own animated films as well. I just want to take care of my family.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not how I envisioned it going down but I think life is supposed to work a little bit like that. Growth occurs through the struggles of failure but I’m definitely happy and in love with the process of learning new techniques.

If anything I’ve found through my darkest times that’s when I made a lot of growth in my work. Putting too much of oneself into their pieces though can be dangerous especially if you’re in a not-okay state of mind. Better to have positive stimuli around than to consistently drown within yourself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Recently I’ve been working a lot with acrylic painting over the past couple of years but the main mediums I work in are illustration, digital, animation, and acrylic painting.

Can’t quite afford oil paint but hopefully one day. I typically like to get my hands on anything under the umbrella of art. I’m really fascinated with the idea of how far I can really push my talents.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say try to seek others that share the same passions and goals as you. Especially if those individuals are better than you, that’s a good way to grow in any aspect. Whether it’s in sports, music, art, your job, etc. Your passion alone will drive the potential of your skill through the skies.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @taco_shark