Today we’d like to introduce you to Peter Ruiz.
Hi Peter, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When I was young, I loved drawing cars, characters, and coloring in coloring books. Our local grocery store, Albertson’s, used to hold coloring contests for every holiday. The idea was to color their Albertson’s coloring page for a chance to win the first place prize of $5.00. I always won the coloring contests.
Over the years, I continued drawing and learning new art mediums such as colored pencils, color ink designs, markers, watercolor, murals, airbrushing, and cartoon animation cels. Eventually, I started painting canvas art with acrylic paint and found that I really enjoyed it.
The funny thing is that I always created artwork for myself, never with the intention of selling it. Eventually, friends and co-workers started asking me to draw, paint, design, or illustrate something for them offering to pay me for my time. That’s when the opportunity opened up for me.
I have always been passionate about computer graphic art and photography. Over the years, I have learned from various art formats such as graphic designs, illustrations, commercial and pop art, as well as photography. I started taking my art more seriously by designing flyers for small local businesses, doing photography for concerts, local events, car shows to celebrity guest apperances.
The doors opened and I started creating graphic posters, banner, and 8×10 prints for meet and greet events featuring former WWE wrestling superstars. My specialization now lies in designing posters, graphic prints, and banners for various clients. You can spot most of my banner designs at almost every Con event.
“The remarkable thing about all of this is that I am self-taught. Apart from an advanced art class in high school, I have never received any formal graphic design training or attended an art school. You can achieve anything you want in life if you work hard and pursue your passion.”
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?
“There is never a smooth road. There are hiccups along the way in anything you do, but you learn from that and better yourself. You hone in on your skills and learn from mistakes. I can honestly say that I love what I do and I have a passion for it. When you have that passion, the results will reflect in your work.”
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
“I am a jack of all trades. I am a photographer, a DJ, a graphic artist, and a talent representative for various voice-over actors, TV and movie actors for meet-and-greets and special guest appearances. Additionally, I have a career as a Behavioral Health Specialist with the County of Riverside.”
What sets me apart is my passion for helping others, especially those starting their own businesses. I am supportive and encouraging, and I believe in their ability to succeed. I am known for being professional, detail-oriented, dedicated to what I do and very hard working.
What matters most to you?
As I get older self-care and spending time with your family is important. We may work hard and enjoy what we do, and it’s nice to have the things you want but we have to remember that family comes first, and I’m working hard to accomplish that.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rzgraphics.my.canva.site/
- Instagram: @rzgraphics1
- Other: @djlaw951
Image Credits
Headshot photo: by Israel Ruiz @95xvisual
