Bio
Alvaro Linares, an illustrator living in Los Angeles, California. Most of his art Artwork is inspired by Central American Urban Stories. His Illustration skills are based on traditional and digital mediums. When it comes to programs he is able to work with Photoshop, Illustration, Animatic CC, and InDesign. With an education in illustration at California State University, Long Beach.
Statement
My creative process is influenced by real animals and Central American folklore. My passion to create creatures comes from a mythical creature from El Salvador called the Cuyancuat which is an animal with a pork head and the body of a snake. My focus as an artist is to create believable creatures that can fit on a story. One part of my process before I start creating a creature I read as much as I can to make something that can be related in society. In order to make my creatures design I analyse the anatomy of different animals then combine it to make my creatures more believable. My creatures design can be incorporated in a live action movie, video game, or animated movie. As a designer I work hard to make creatures that are pleasurable for others.
As a designer it is really important for me to be able to work with different mediums. My illustration skills are based on traditional mediums like oil paint, acrylics, watercolors, gouache and soft pastels. Also I work with digital programs like Photoshop, Illustration, Animatic CC, and Indesign. Being able to work with traditional and digital media gave me the freedom to combine both within my work.
Another aspect I incorporate in my work is my personal experience. I do not focus on creatures only but also on social injustice that has affected me. Some of the social injustice I went through when I lived in El Salvador for example corruption, poverty, and labor work. Showing social injustices makes my work more believable and powerful.
