Today we’d like to introduce you to Humberto Cruz.
Humberto, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born in California but raised in Mexico, and I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. In 2001, I moved to San Diego and studied graphic design.
After college, it was tough finding a full-time gig. I knew I didn’t want the typical 9-to-5 graphic design job—it just wasn’t for me. So I started posting my work on social media, mainly Instagram. That was 12 years ago, and I haven’t stopped since. Sharing my work online is what opened the doors to the opportunities I have today.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were moments when I felt like people didn’t believe in me—or maybe it was me not believing in myself. That led to a lot of anxiety. I had to rebuild that self-trust, little by little.
At the same time, I worked in a grocery store—20 years of that—while still creating and posting my art on social media, mostly Instagram. It’s been 12 years of consistently putting my work out there. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been real.
It’s been quite a journey, and I’m proud of where I come from, how I was raised, and everything I’ve pushed through to get here.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an artist and graphic designer with a strong focus on illustration. I love drawing both digitally and by hand—on paper, canvas, and anything in between.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with brands and stores around the world, including UGG, Chanel, Casetify, Zara, Kangol, Zadig & Voltaire, Uniqlo, Pleasing, and more.
One of my proudest moments was in 2022, when I illustrated two album covers for Colombian singer Karol G. Seeing my art in Times Square, on merch (official and even some bootleg), in music videos, and featured in her world tour was surreal. It took me a while to truly realize that it was a dream come true.
One of my most recent projects was painting the roof of a 1964 Impala lowrider. Working with car paint and brushes was a whole new challenge—but I pulled it off, and it was an incredible experience.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest advice is to believe in yourself—even when it feels like no one else does. Work hard, stay consistent, and don’t give up, no matter how long it takes. Don’t let outside noise or doubt get in your way. Everyone will have an opinion, but only you know what truly drives you.
Do what your heart tells you to do. Create what feels real to you, not what you think others want to see. That’s where the magic is.
As artists, we’re born with something special—it’s in us. But it’s up to us to nurture it, trust it, and let it grow. The path might be long, and it won’t always be easy, but if you stay true to yourself and keep putting in the work, you’ll get where you’re meant to be
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.iscreamcolour.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iscreamcolour/
