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

Hi Art, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
For me, I never think of giving up. Yes, there are days when nothing comes out right, or I have some kind of block, but I can never give up. Art is something I am compelled to do. I need to empty my brain of ideas, good or awful, so that others can get through. I can’t not create.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a cartoonist at heart but I’d like to elevate cartoons into fine art. Cartoons get a bad rap by serious artists but I’m inspired by artists like Lichtenstein and Toulouse- Lautrec that used cartoons and illustrations to create their art. I received a lot of my cartoon training at the old Spumco “studio” with John K, but I’ve always loved to paint. I’m slowly combining my two loves into one.

Becoming a good artist takes a lot of work., don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy. Learn your fundamentals, learn all the rules, then you can bend them to your will.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start in my old stomping ground for most of the 2000’s, Burbank! Lots to see on Magnolia blvd, shops like Creature Features, Blast from the Past, and the Mystic Museum to name only a few. The best gallery in Burbank, in my opinion, is Hyaena Gallery. It’s a must-visit for me.

For food I’d check out Pinocchio’s and the Smoke House, also in Burbank. Or the Bear Pit in the valley.

Cocktails means hitting up the Tonga Hut or Tiki-Ti for a good time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to thank everyone that’s encouraged me throughout my life and people who support my art by purchasing merch or requesting commissions, but mostly I’d like to thank the friends I’ve made along the way that I consider peers, people like Paul Frank, Craig Yoe, Julie Bossinger, Carmen Acosta and Vincent Waller,

Website: arftheartiste.com

Instagram: @arf_the_artiste

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