Rafael Lopez

Internationally known illustrator Rafael Lopez grew up in Mexico City, Mexico, the son of architects. He credits Mexico’s rich culture and the work of its muralists for the strong graphic style that characterizes his art. Lopez studied illustration at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles where he also teaches. Today this award-winning illustrator creates art for clients such as Apple Computers, IBM, the Los Angeles Times, Los Lobos, the World Wildlife Fund, and several non-profit organizations. Lopez and his wife Candice, who heads the Graphics Arts department at San Diego City College, are among the original founders of San Diego’s celebrated Urban Art Trail, a Neighborhood Art project designed to revitalize a run-down area of the city. A gigantic mural by Lopez is a major feature of the Urban Art Trail; other works have been featured in Communication Arts, the American Illustration Annual, and Graphic Design USA. A resident of San Diego, Lopez travels frequently to speak to groups of artists, designers, and illustrators about using art to build community. He and his wife regularly perform a variety of dances, including the merengue, at local salsa clubs.