Meet Raz | Illustrator, graphic desinger and comic book artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Raz, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
Thats a big question. My parents are from Costa Rica and imigrated to the US back in the late 60’s to Long Branch New Jersey where I was eventually born. My parents always made sure their culture was also part of me but that’s just the start. My parents did move around a lot as a kid and I picked things and influences along the way. My parents ended up move across the country to settle in the Los Angeles area. As a kid I soaked up that LA culture. Chicano culture, Lowrider and Hot Rod culture, beach vibes and skateboarding. Lots of Skateboarding. Mix that in with comics and punk and I can see that Art DNA begin to form. At the tailend of the whole Night Stalker serial killer thing we move cross country again and end up in Miami surrounded by family, aunts uncles, cousins something that I hadn’t have access to before and the Costa Rican culture began getting more and more re-inforced mixed in the cultural along with all the cultural vibes from Miami, before moving again this time to Costa Rica and really taking in my roots and formed a big part of my being before moving back to MIami then to North Carolina, but those early years really influenced my art style and the things that inspire me. My ever changing surrounding growing defienitely inspired me to constantly explore different art styles, themes and just continuously experiment but still having a connecting factor with each and every piece.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art I guess depending on who my audience is can be different things but as a braod description I’d say Pop Art, Pop Surrealism and Low Brow. Bring in those cartoon and comic book influences, the music that was part of life my surroundings of my youth all mix together and come out in differnet ways. My gallery art pieces which of late has been a juxtaposition of realism with the cartoons on my childhood. Balancing that adult life and responsibilities with still trying to keep the childlike sense of wonder, letting yourself still be in awe of things and staying curious. I keep pushing those themes in my gallery work. Then my more graphic art that lends itslelf to album covers, gig posters, tee desing and sketboard graphics hits thos Lowbrow notes messing with some of that hot rod/lowrider cultures and wierdo, fink inluences. When it comes to my personal pieces, the ones just for myself I think those represent a purer sense of self of who i am and what I am driven too be. A kid at heart. Comic books and music have always been the driving forces in my life and those moments when I’m drawing for myself that is what comes out. I love that I can switch gears and play in different playgrounds artistically, adapt like I’ve always done throughout my life and with each new piece be it for a gallery, for a tshirt or just for my self to keep pushing and keep exploring.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Sadly a lot of the places I’d take them have closed down. The Highlander would be one, great food, cheap beer, awesome art and live music. It hits all of the things I love. haven’t really found a replacement for that yet. Then L5P (Little 5 Points) and hit Criminal Records because music and comic books I could spend hours in there. From there we head out to O4W (Old 4th Ward) check out some art. Hit the ABV Gallery who have been awesome with me, inviting my to participate in a ton of events and group shows always providing a positive experience. Krog Street Tunnel, bring some spray cans with me so we can do some painting and check out all the awesome murals in the are that Forward Warrior curates. Drinks definitely need drinks, hit SOS Tiki out in Decatur and for a bit after drinks then go next door to Calle Latina for some incredible Latin fusion food. Food, art and music are a must and I would take you to those cool little spots I’ve discovered over the years living in the area and always finding new spots is a favorite hobby.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Family is key in my development, from my parents always supporting my strange doodles to my wife and kids always providing joy and inspiration and all those who saw potential in me. While in Costa Rica my arti teacher really demonstrated faith and belief in my talent pushing me to participate in competions and even trusting me to work in his ad agencie in the summers. All that really provided a sense of confidence in my self and my talents.

Website: razcitystudios.com

Instagram: razcity1

Twitter: Razcity

Facebook: Raz City Illustration

Other: https://www.patreon.com/RazCity Started work on my new comic book and will be documenting the entire process thru my Patreon account.