024: Tony Dela Cruz

Tony Dela Cruz is a Guamanian independent illustrator/designer with a rich background in the video gaming industry and collaborations with major brands like Marvel and Star Wars. He now resides in Seattle, Washington with his wife.

For Dela Cruz, art transcends its various forms to represent the essence of humanity itself. His artistic journey began with a fascination for drawing, fueled by exposure to comic books and his father's sketches. Despite lacking a formal art program in high school, his fine art studies at the University of Guam played a pivotal role in honing his skills and emphasizing the importance of finding one's artistic voice.

Drawing inspiration from observations in the world around him, he finds creative fuel in everything from music to fellow artists' work. When faced with artistic challenges or a lack of motivation, he believes in taking breaks and exploring the outdoors, rejecting the notion of "artist's block" in favor of trusting in the latent creativity within.

Color theory and infusing personality into his pieces are central to Dela Cruz's artistic signature. His creative process involves gathering references, sketching layouts, and meticulous tinkering with colors until the artwork evokes the desired feeling.

As a freelancer, he grapples with self-editing and knowing when a piece is complete. He believes artists play a vital role in society as custodians of conscience, urging self-reflection and mindfulness in an ever-changing world.

Despite the challenges, Dela Cruz's artistic evolution has led him to a place of comfort and confidence in his voice as an artist. His advice to aspiring artists is simple yet profound: create relentlessly and pursue art for the love of it, trusting that everything else will fall into place.

To read Tony Dela Cruz’ full interview, continue reading below. Also, check out his artwork on his Instagram as well as his website, where you can purchase prints. Thanks again!

Please introduce yourself and describe what you do.

My name is Tony Dela Cruz, I am an independent illustrator/designer. I have previously worked in the video gaming industry and have designed licensed work for Marvel, Star Wars as well as a number of independent publishers. I was born and raised on Guam and now currently live with my wife in Seattle, Washington.

How would you define art?

I define art in all its forms as the one thing that truly makes us human.

Why did you choose your art form?

I was always interested in drawing. I used to see my Dad sketch here and there and when I got into reading comic books, I was hooked by the art form.

How did your high school/college years affect the work you make today?

My high school did not have an actual art program. It wasn't until my fine art studies at the University of Guam that I would not only develop and start to fine tune my skill, but it was here that the importance of finding one's voice would be impressed upon me.

Who do you idolize?

I am not sure idolize is the correct word for me. I was definitely and still am influenced by artists both in the classic fine art arena as well as those in the more pop cultural arena such as comic book artists and movie concept artists. I wish I could name one individual or person.

Where do you get your inspiration?

I get my inspiration mainly through observation. The world is full of design and color ideas. Sometimes music inspires me

I come from a long family line of musicians. I am fully aware that music has also shaped me in some way. I do also get inspired by fellow artists regardless of their medium and the subject matter they choose.

What do you do when you're stuck on an artwork or lacking motivation or inspiration?

I take breaks, get outside. I never like to use the word "artist's block" I believe the art is already there, I just need to find my way to the art itself.

What do you like incorporating most into your art?

The one thing I like incorporating into my art is color. Color theory is something I used to struggle with for a time in my development and career.

If I could add one more thing, it would be incorporating some sort of personality into my pieces.

What is something that you add to your art as your signature?

I think my signature in all my pieces, or at least what people have told me is my use of color and composition.

I take pride that people respond to those elements and I think they have become my calling card.

Take us through your process for making art.

When I create any art piece, I like to gather reference material such as photos and art. I also like to look at other types of art and sometimes photos of nature for their use of color. I then begin with sketches and layouts, then proceed from there. If I am not under a specific deadline from a client I do like to take my time. Once a piece is completed, I like to spend a few days messing with the final color. I tweak colors often until the very end. It's usually a "feeling" more than any strict plan.

What do you struggle with the most when making art?

For me, I struggle with self-editing. As a freelancer or independent artist I have to be my own art director. So, I am almost always in my head listening to old art teachers and art directors and recalling their advice and just things they grilled in me. Restraint and knowing when the art is done is difficult.

What role do artists have in society?

I think artists in society have to be their conscience. They have to remind society that it's important to be self-reflective and be in the moment of things.

What characteristics do you think all artists share?

I think all artists suffer from "imposter syndrome." It's hard not to feel sometimes that your work isn't good enough. We need to remind ourselves that the process of creating, that journey is what makes us artists and not the final product.

What’s your favorite place in Guam?

My favorite place or places on Guam are the beaches or any place to catch a sunrise or sunset. Absolutely nothing beats a Guam sunset or sunrise.

How has your artwork evolved over time?

I think my art has evolved in a way that I can now feel comfortable in where I am at the moment. My art is my voice now.

That is something we as artists have to discover for ourselves and no schooling or training can teach you that.

Why did you choose to become an artist?

I chose art simply because it moves me.

Is your art geared towards a specific audience?

I gear my art to a mass audience. The pop culture crowd for sure.

Do you have any tips for aspiring artists?

Create, create, create. Do it for the love, everything else will follow.

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