Rising Stars: Meet Johnny Felix of Chicago area

Today we’d like to introduce you to Johnny Felix.

Hi Johnny , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Johnny Felix, known artistically as Talento Creations, is a Puerto Rican visual artist based in Aurora, Illinois. He began using the name “Talento” in November 2021, drawing inspiration from the Spanish word for talent as a way to express his creative vision and inspire both youth and adults. His parents and family are originally from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and he keeps his cultural roots alive through his art and heritage.

Johnny’s work stands out for its imaginative use of holographic glitter, which creates movement and evokes a sense of wonder. One of his most recognized series, “Urban Pulse,” was inspired by the visual rhythm of heartbeat monitors in hospitals. He developed this body of work in memory of his mother-in-law, who passed away from cancer.

Two key elements often found in Johnny’s art are:
Inspirational quotes written on the back of each canvas to offer a deeper perspective.
A signature style he calls “Talento Direction”, which uses graffiti-style arrows to symbolize direction, self-empowerment, and the creation of one’s own universe.

Another signature of his style is his use of glow-in-the-dark paint, which he describes as representing the energy of hidden talent—an inner light that lives within each person, often unseen by the world.
Beyond visual art, Johnny is a lifelong baseball enthusiast and deeply admires Puerto Rican legend Roberto Clemente for his humanitarian spirit and impact through sports.

Johnny’s artwork has reached a wide audience, including:

Custom pieces created for comedians and legendary wrestlers
A collaboration with Reza Footwear and CALIWATER, a company co-founded by actor Vanessa Hudgens and Oliver Trevena
A live glow-in-the-dark painting performance at Navy Pier in partnership with the Autism Hero Project
Participation in Art Basel Weekend in Miami
Guest speaking engagements at schools, expanding his influence to Oklahoma, Los Angeles, Ghana (Africa), and more

He has also generously donated artworks to support nonprofit organizations, further cementing his role as both a creative and community-driven artist.

2026 he will show more detail & inspiration artwork while his past artwork was a demonstration of craft how he started at 9 yrs old. Celebrating the past & new present.

Barrio Art Festival & Navi Festival at The National Museum Of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Gallery Accomplishments
EVAC GALLERY Manhattan, New York
ARTESAN GALLERY Aurora, IL
NAPERVILLE ART LEAGUE GALLERY Naperville, IL
HOLY ART GALLERY Greece, London, Spain, Italy
SAPHIRA & VENTURA GALLERY Brazil, New York

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Honestly, it’s a challenge you have to be consistent market yourself & enjoy yourself in your art journey. If you have passion you will make it enjoyable in your art career.

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?
My artwork is contemporary art. Artwork of consist different materials abstract, pop art, street art & more.

Johnny’s work stands out for its imaginative use of holographic glitter, which creates movement and evokes a sense of wonder. One of his most recognized series, “Urban Pulse,” was inspired by the visual rhythm of heartbeat monitors in hospitals. He developed this body of work in memory of his mother-in-law, who passed away from cancer.

Two key elements often found in Johnny’s art are:
Inspirational quotes written on the back of each canvas to offer a deeper perspective.
A signature style he calls “Talento Direction”, which uses graffiti-style arrows to symbolize direction, self-empowerment, and the creation of one’s own universe.

Another signature of his style is his use of glow-in-the-dark paint, which he describes as representing the energy of hidden talent—an inner light that lives within each person, often unseen by the world.

We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Risk taking for me comes with believing in yourself to create an opportunity & learn from mistakes to create more opportunities.

Nothing is perfect or correct, it’s a matter of a vision & creation you want to create & share to the world.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @talento_creations

Image Credits
Johnny Felix