Daily Inspiration: Meet Ivan Zuno

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Zuno.

Hi Ivan, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m originally from the beautiful city of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. My father left my mother and me when I was still a toddler. When I was around five years old, my mother made the difficult decision to leave me in the care of my grandparents while she traveled to the U.S. in search of a better life for both of us.
While still in Mexico, I attended a private elementary school. During a class assignment, my teacher asked us to create a drawing that showed a dangerous or unsafe situation or act. I looked around the room for inspiration and noticed a chair, a table, a shelf, and a refrigerator. I began to draw those objects. I illustrated them stacked on top of one another, teetering as if they were about to collapse. At the very top, I drew a man standing on his tiptoes, reaching up to change a lightbulb. In the background, I included a ladder leaning against the wall to show that the safer choice would have been to use it instead. My teacher was very impressed, and I remember thinking, Why is she so impressed? Isn’t drawing like this normal for everyone? It was in that moment that I realized I had a unique skill. Looking back, I don’t remember a time before drawing—and I never stopped.
Around that same age, I experienced a life‑threatening accident. I fractured my skull and required emergency surgery. I remember drifting in and out of consciousness while hearing doctors urge me to keep fighting. I believe I had a glimpse of death that day, and that experience reshaped me—instilling resilience, gratitude, and a deep respect for the gifts life offers, especially my ability to create art.
After the accident, my mother immediately returned to Mexico from the U.S. It seemed like she was there within minutes. Not long after, we reunited and moved to the United States, where I’ve lived ever since.
I continued drawing throughout grade school, mostly using pencil and ink. In my teenage years, I discovered graffiti, which became my first real experience working with color. My friends and I traded graffiti sketchbooks, and I began creating bold, colorful pieces filled with characters and stylized lettering using drafting markers and ink. Eventually, I brought that same style to walls, painting with aerosol spray paint.
After high school and into my early twenties, I kept drawing, mainly in sketchbooks. While people consistently showed interest in my work, my first major breakthrough didn’t come until my late twenties. I was hired to create characters and icons for a game board. That first paid commission gave me the validation I needed to fully believe in my path as an artist. It was also the moment I realized—for the first time—that I could actually make real money from art.
That client retained me as a part‑time creative associate for several years, and I worked on many additional projects. Not long after, I took my first formal painting class, where I learned the fundamentals of acrylic and oil painting. That experience completely changed my life—I fell in love with painting.
It’s been over 15 years since that first paid project, and since then I’ve built a long list of satisfied clients who’ve trusted me to bring their artistic ideas to life. I’ve collaborated with incredible artists and organizations and immersed myself fully in the art world.
Today, my work is deeply inspired by nature, spiritual themes, surrealism, and political issues. I’m drawn to imagery and concepts that challenge perception, spark curiosity, and ignite inspiration—both in myself and in others. As an artist, I’m constantly evolving and learning how to tap deeper into my creative potential.
Four years ago, I became a paint instructor at a studio in Long Beach, California, where I discovered my passion for teaching. Since then, I’ve led countless classes and had the privilege of watching people—many of whom had never painted before—create something they never thought they could. It’s been one of the most rewarding roles of my life.
Today, I continue teaching and expanding my artistic reach. I’m grateful for the consistent opportunities to work in the arts, and even more grateful for those who take interest in my story. My current commission comes from an art collector and longtime client who’s given me full creative freedom. For this piece, I’ve decided to revisit my early childhood experiences and tell a part of my story—this time through paint.
What once felt tragic and traumatic, I now recognize as a victory—the story of survival and the groundwork for future creations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I grew up in a single parent low-income household. I believe my mother did everything she could to enrich my talent- however, most of her time and attention was in trying to make ends meet for us. In addition to having financial troubles, up until my adulthood, I was undocumented. As a result, I missed many opportunities including art school scholarships and job offers. I am now a U.S. citizen who has built his life and professional artist journey from the ground up. There is not one day that I don’t thank the universe for the opportunities that I’ve had and the ones to come.

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?
As an artist, I strive to remain a sponge—constantly learning from other artists and exploring a variety of techniques. While I think I maintain a distinct and recognizable style, one of my greatest strengths lies in my ability to absorb inspiration and thoughtfully incorporate it into my own work. This approach has become the foundation of how I refine and elevate my skills.

Although drawing was my first love, painting has become my weapon of choice. From landscapes and portraits to animals and mind‑bending surreal pieces, I find excitement in exploring every subject. My work has been described as a clash between fine art and street art with influences ranging from graphic novels to tattoo art. Teaching is another passion of mine, and it has not gone unnoticed—many students who have participated in my classes have taken the time to share meaningful feedback about their experiences. Two years ago, this passion inspired me to launch a mobile paint party business, where I share my love for painting and help bring out the artist in children, seniors, and creatives of all kinds—right in their homes, offices, or workplaces.

My ability to adapt to any social environment, paired with a natural sense of humor, allows me to organically entertain while creating genuine connections. The joy of sharing my talent is the sauce of my success—I call it where fine art meets fun art!

The greatest gift an artist can receive is the opportunity to leave behind a legacy through art. While there is still so much more for me to create and discover, I find deep pride in knowing that I’ve already begun shaping mine. I’ve learned that people usually buy art for two reasons: either the work itself is compelling, or they feel a personal connection to the artist. Often, buyers want to take home a piece of the artist as much as the artwork—because the artist’s story resonates with them, or they find just as much value in the journey behind the art as they do in the actual art piece.

There are thousands of artists more traditionally successful than I am, many of whom I admire. Still, I’ve reached a level of success I’m proud of, in part because collectors are often drawn not only to my work, but to my story. Growing up with limited resources shaped this sort of underdog narrative rooted in persistence, growth, and carving out a name despite the odds. A story that often resonates with people from all walks of life, not just artists.

When working with clients, I make the process as seamless as possible by taking as much off their plate as I can. I prioritize clear communication, professionalism, and openness at every stage. No matter the size or scope of a project, I approach it with the same level of care, focus, and dedication.

Above all, creating art genuinely makes me happy—and that joy carries through in the work I create.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
I don’t have one go-to app, book, or podcast—I like mixing it up. Lately, I’ve been deep into Neil deGrasse Tyson’s podcasts, feeding my curiosity about the universe and how humans tick. I’m also big on meditation apps and podcasts. I often find myself juggling multiple things at once, feeling like the man in my very first drawing—those furniture pieces I sketched as a kid now feel like the things I’m trying to hold together as an adult. But I embrace the challenge and take tremendous pride in every accomplishment. When it’s time to recharge, I love taking my dog to the beach or going on a hike—unplugging for a while and giving my mind, body, and soul a nourishing boost.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ivanzuno.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanzunoart?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
• Other: https://ivanzuno.com/cheers-of-paint