The Illustrator

Jesus “Chuy” Martinez, artist and illustrator

Born and raised in Southern California during the golden age of arcade video games (the late 1970s and early ’80s), Jesus “Chuy” Martinez’ love of art was heavily influenced by the graphics of video games. If he was not skateboarding or BMX riding with friends, he was hanging out at the beach or in the arcade. Comic books were another big artistic influence in Martinez’ life, as was a muralist by the name of Manuel Unzueta.

At the age of 13, Martinez would often visit a local Boys Club. During one of these visits he met Unzueta, who introduced him to the world of art and took him under his wing. Unzueta would end up having an incredible influence on Martinez’ career path and life.

Unzueta coached Martinez in the arts, showing him how to plan out drawings and keeping him motivated to learn various art techniques. After working with Unzueta, Martinez was hooked and began creating his own murals. Martinez painted anything and everything from that moment on using any medium and process he learned: acrylic, oil, spray paint, airbrush and more. He could work with anything he could get his hands on.

Even though Martinez never considered making a living as an artist, people began taking an interest in his art and inquiring about whether it was for sale. He soon found himself happily making a living doing the one thing he truly enjoyed, creating art.

“One of the best things in life,” says Martinez, “is to be able to do something you love and get paid for it.”