First Impressions - Lucas Graciano

The multi award-winning artist talks how he got started

Where did you grow up and how has this influenced your art?

I grew up in San Diego, California. As a kid, I would ride my skateboard down to the local game shop where they carried fantasy cards done by artists Frank Frazetta and Boris Vallejo. The art on these cards forever made a mark on me. This was just the beginning though. A comic store opened up in town and this is where I’d learn about the San Diego Comic Con, which opened up the art world to me. Out of high school, I found the Watts Atelier of the Arts school, which was in a neighbouring town. This is where I gained the skills to be able to work as a professional.

What, outside of art, has most influenced your artwork?

Books, movies and video games definitely played a big part, just to name a few. Over the last several years I’ve been able to travel the world, and I think this has helped influence me in all new ways.