Today we’d like to introduce you to Julian Catania.
Julian, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started when I was growing up in Argentina, where I would draw and paint with my grandpa. After moving to the United States, we stayed in touch, but I hadn’t seen him for a few years before he passed away. His passing inspired me to use the name ‘Pichuquito,’ a nickname he gave me that means ‘grandpa’s little bird.’ It’s the only nickname anyone has ever given me, and it reminds me that he’s always with me.
Back in middle school, I started writing ‘Pichuquito’ everywhere, on my soccer shin guards, notebooks, skateboard, and many other places. The name gave me confidence and became a symbol of who I am. Growing up, I spent most of my time skateboarding and filming at the local skatepark in El Segundo. I was inspired by the other skateboarders, graffiti characters, and street art around Los Angeles. My dad often took my brother and I to art shows, skate contests, and nearby skateparks because he knew how much we loved art and skating.
Attending Art in the Streets at MOCA in 2011 had a huge impact on me. In high school, I began drawing my own graffiti-style character and named him ‘Pichuquito.’ My friends noticed and encouraged me to make shirts, saying they’d love to wear them. That’s when I realized I had something special. Pichuquito has grown into a passion that feels alive. Sharing my art and story with the world truly makes me happy, especially when it can make someone’s day or inspire them.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I’m extremely happy with how things have turned out. I’m grateful that the community I grew up in, El Segundo, has been so supportive and accepting of my art and what I do.
I’m now a full time Adapted PE teacher, and I love my job. This is my first year teaching, and it’s been an amazing experience so far. Getting here took a lot of time and dedication. I was in college for nine years while working multiple jobs. I worked at the airport, coached high school soccer, worked at Starbucks throughout my entire time in school, and also worked as an instructional aide for students with special needs.
Even through all that, I always made time for Pichuquito. It’s something I’ve stuck with no matter how busy life got, I’m proud of the balance I’ve built. I truly believe in Pichuquito, and everyone who knows me knows it’s a big part of who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I create art that revolves around my character, ‘Pichuquito.’ Every piece I make includes him in some way. I love working with this character because the possibilities are endless, there’s always a new way to exhibit him through different styles, colors, and ideas.
I’m very proud that I’ve stayed committed to Pichuquito over the years. I think it’s important to stay true to what you believe in and keep developing your ideas.
I’m also proud of the two murals I’ve painted in El Segundo, California. They mean a lot to me because they represent both my art and my community. My goal is to keep painting more murals, they’re so much fun and great way to connect with people.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think taking risks is really important. Both of my parents took a huge risk when they moved from Argentina to the United States with nothing. I still remember seeing all my toys and video games being sold before we left. So, risk-taking has been a part of my life from an early age.
When it comes to art, I take risks all the time, whether it’s investing money in materials, clothing to paint on, or simply spending my time creating. Sometimes it can feel uncertain, but I see it as an investment in what I love. Without risk, there’s no reward or growth.
I also take creative risks by reaching out to companies and people I dream of collaborating with. Most of the time I don’t get a response, but I keep trying because every risk brings me closer to new opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pichuquito.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pichuquito_/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtByPichquito
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pichuquito
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@pichuquito_?lang=en
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Elena Wagner Bagues (@ewbfotos)
