Today we’d like to introduce you to Mario.
Hi Mario, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Mario A. Hernández is a multidisciplinary artist, filmmaker, and founder of Herdz Media, whose work blends culture, community, and storytelling. Based in East Los Angeles, Mario brings deep roots and visual flair to every project, drawing inspiration from Chicano heritage, urban landscapes, and everyday people.
Currently, Mario works with both LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes and El Pueblo de Los Ángeles, where he continues to uplift and preserve the city’s rich cultural narratives through visual art, film, and design. As a muralist and graphic designer, his work lives on walls and in media across the city, bold, heartfelt, and always authentic.
Through Herdz Media, Mario tells stories that resonate, whether it’s a coming-of-age short, a cultural docuseries, or a visual campaign rooted in community pride. With a passion for collaboration and a commitment to heritage, Mario A. Hernández continues to shape the visual voice of modern Chicano expression.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Growing up, I didn’t always have the financial support others might take for granted. My neighborhood was filled with gangs, violence, drugs, and alcohol; it wasn’t easy staying out of trouble. But my father, a contractor who could tear down and rebuild an entire roof with his bare hands, showed me the meaning of hard work. He was like a superhero to me, and I worked alongside him, learning the value of resilience and dedication. At the same time, I found an escape in art. While others got caught up in the chaos, I turned to creativity. From ceramics to computer graphics, art became my safe space; it took up more and more of my time and gave me a sense of purpose and joy. With determination, I pursued a college education and found not only success but a deep love for the arts. Those experiences shaped who I am today: hardworking, passionate, and driven to build a better life.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I currently work as the Graphic Communications Manager at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, an institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating Mexican American and Latino culture in Los Angeles. In this role, I manage a wide range of creative responsibilities including graphic design, photography, social media content, and video production. I also conduct interviews and develop visual narratives that highlight cultural stories and community voices.
In addition, I hold the same position part-time at El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, home to the iconic Olvera Street, where I continue to create engaging visual content that promotes cultural heritage and history.
Outside of work, I’m an artist and filmmaker with a deep passion for storytelling. I create short films and visual art pieces that reflect identity, culture, and personal experiences. From ceramics to computer graphics, my creative journey has allowed me to explore multiple art forms and merge traditional and digital mediums.
What I’m most proud of is being able to use my creative skills to preserve and amplify the voices of my community, telling stories that matter and ensuring our heritage remains vibrant for future generations.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend cultural authenticity with modern design and storytelling techniques. I bring not only technical expertise but also a deep personal connection to the narratives I share, which makes my work both visually compelling and culturally meaningful.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something surprising that most people who know my work might not know about me is that behind the camera and the murals, I’m also a proud Zoot Suiter. I love dressing up in full drape and hitting the streets, or TikTok, with content that keeps Pachuco and Chicano culture alive in a fun, modern way. For me, it’s not just about style—it’s about honoring the past, preserving our stories, and reminding people that Chicano history is bold, beautiful, and still thriving. It’s a way of bringing the soul of our culture to new generations, one swing, strut, or sketch at a time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/herdzmedia
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@herdzmedia
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@herdzmedia
Image Credits
Mario A. Hernandez
