Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio Navarrete.
Hi Sergio, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was four, my father initiated my creative journey by teaching me how to use basic shapes like circles, triangles, squares, rectangles, and lines to sketch animals, people, and vehicles. By six, I was sketching comic book superheroes. It wasn’t until my last year of elementary school that I began delving deeper into my artistic pursuits, crafting short comics and designing characters for my own stories.
As I entered middle school, my skills flourished further. I started taking on commissioned artwork, ranging from scientific illustrations of cells to designing logos for rock bands and drawing military aircraft for clients. However, my confidence took a hit when my art teacher refused to accept my work for a public school illustration contest, deeming me too much of a “professional” artist. Undeterred, I teamed up with my best friend at the time for the contest, and although they took first place, my second-place win fueled my determination to improve.
At nineteen, life led me away from art, but after a twenty-year hiatus and a relocation to Houston, Texas, I rediscovered my passion. In my spare time from my primary job, I immersed myself in creating intricate artwork, exploring various styles, subjects, and mediums. My move to Austin in 2016 reignited my desire to illustrate, even as I balanced it with running my construction company.
Although I’ve never been a full-time artist, I continue to pursue my passion, creating illustrations during my days off. While I dream of making art my sole focus someday, I find joy in the balance of my current endeavors. I occasionally accept commissions, and living in Austin has provided opportunities to showcase my work in exhibitions, connecting with fellow art enthusiasts and sharing the stories behind each piece. However, lately, I’ve become more reserved about sharing my art publicly.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wouldn’t characterize my journey as particularly rough, unlike the dedicated artists who rely on their craft for a living. My challenges are more rooted in the balancing act of everyday life—juggling commitments to both creativity and relationships and prioritizing tasks that often encroach upon precious decompression time. As the proprietor of a small construction firm, my days are consumed by the demands of the job: drafting bids, overseeing projects, managing materials, all of which extend well into the evenings. Finding dedicated time for creative endeavors becomes a formidable task, usually resulting in quick sketches to sustain my creative flow.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Currently, my professional endeavors lie outside the realm of art, yet I harbor a fervent aspiration for it to become my vocation. While I take pride in my prowess in construction, I aspire to accord my artistic pursuits the recognition they deserve. Dedication has been the hallmark of my journey as I’ve devoted substantial time to honing my craft on paper and canvas, continuously seeking knowledge to inch closer to my dream. Renowned for my graphite illustrations featuring comic characters, sports icons, pinups, and portraiture, graphite has become my preferred medium due to its enduring quality compared to others. Despite time constraints, I persevere in creating, cultivating patience even in moments of setback when a piece falters and requires a fresh start—an integral part of my learning curve. What distinguishes my art is its blend of realism with a touch of comic-inspired flair, eschewing hyper-realism for a style I term as comic-realism, occasionally infused with subtle hints of color.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
During my mid-20s to early 30s, I held the position of a hockey goalie. While not in a professional capacity, I approached the game with the dedication as if I were vying for an NHL draft spot. This passion took me to various places like Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico, creating memorable experiences. However, it also contributed to a two-decade break from my artistic pursuits. Alongside my love for hockey, I thoroughly enjoy cooking breakfast.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sergio_navarrete_art/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sergio.navarrete.medina
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/serg_navarrete
