Meet John Parra | Artist/Illustrator/Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with John Parra and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi John, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
In art school l knew I wanted to be a freelance illustrator and run my own business. In some ways I was inspired by my own father who had his own landscape and construction company, whom I worked for growing up. I remember him telling me; how great it was to be your own boss, that it is hard work, but when you get to do something you love and get to be creative; you feel proud.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Much of my art style comes from my early upbringing. I grew up in Southern California and started drawing at a very early age. My father was an amateur artist and one of my early influences and mentors. He would tell us stories and draw for my brothers and I growing up. My mother too was an inspiration. She was an educator who loved books and art. She would take us to the library and museums when we were young. A big part of my art is also inspired by my Latino roots on my father’s side. Mexican folk art and retablos, the artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and much more were all early influences. My goal has always been to be a working artist. I believe in hard work and persistence. Both of these has helped establish me in my field for the past 25 years. I also want to be a life-long-learner, to improve where I can in my art and business and to stay strong, positive, and interested in the work.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in New York so there are endless choices. I will describe a recent visit when my brother and his fiancé came to stay. We all met at Washington Square Park and had an amazing dinner down nearby MacDougal Street. Next day I had a book signing in Soho where we all met, we then took a trip out to Governor’s Island to have tacos and drinks, and see the open house art installations. we walked battery park up the west side to the Irish Hungry Memorial park, and had dinner. That night we went to the comedy cellar for a fantastic show. The next day it was the Cloisters and MET museum, rest, then a Rage Against the Machine concert at Madison Square Garden. All in all, a great trip with family and amazing people along the way.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To my many of my amazing teachers and mentors growing up, especially Frank Sardisco, Sandy Tellefson, and Larry Carroll.

Website: https://johnparraart.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnparraart/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnparraart

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JohnParraArt

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jparra13/featured