Art Star by Humberto Cruz

Art Star by Humberto Cruz is the second book Unseen Sketchbooks have undertaken with this San Diego based illustrator. Rich in cultural references and experimentation this volume further explores the illustrators practice.

Humberto Cruz is an illustrator and graphic designer based in San Diego, CA. He was born in Salinas, California and was raised in Tijuana, Mexico. Influenced by pop culture, fashion and color, he describes his work as spontaneous, quirky, fun and enthusiastic. He primarily works with pastels, markers, acrylics and spray paint. He also focuses on digital media from initial concept development, to art creation.

This collection of works from Humberto documents his process and prolific output. Humberto references popular culture and iconography. The pages reveal how the illustrator works through a series of pages directly reproduced from Humberto’s sketchbooks. Multiple times emerge as you notice repeated links to contemporary culture.

The large format book is an immersive read that uses both illustration and typography to convey happy thoughts and positive energy.

PLEASE NOTE, Art Star by Humberto Cruz is available for pre order, shipping will start in May 2025.

Excerpt from interview with ‘It’s Nice That’:
‘Humberto Cruz doesn’t like to plan an artwork. Whatever he thinks or feels in the moment goes into his busy illustrations. Peppered with haphazard characters and symbols, Humberto etches into white paper with smudged pencil lines, smooth felt tips or crayons to create his distinctive works. Attacking every inch of empty white space with a visual element, Humberto’s works are a treasure map of delights. He references star signs, pop culture, the fashion industry, 50s cartoon icons and countless fuzzy bear-like creations (just to name a few) in his colourful assemblages. The list could go on, but we’ll let you discover your own interpretation of Humberto’s work for yourself.’

Full interview here:
https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/humberto-cruz-illustration-300720

More about Humberto Cruz

Art Star by Humberto Cruz specifications
78 pages
244mm x 300mm
Foil block cover
Hardback book with dust jacket with reader’s ribbon

Further interviews:
Becoming an Artist with Humberto Cruz – Block interview

Interview with Le Mile