José Armando Márquez Carranza @amarquezart

Illustrator and Plastic Artist born in Santa Ana, El Salvador.

His passion for art, the surf and skate subculture opened a path in which he found a perfect balance, allowing him to create a very unique style in his illustrations. What he expresses and communicates in each of his works is a lifestyle to establish a strong connection with those who identify with his pieces, showcasing his personality in each of them, the love for nature above all, the humor in surfing, and everyday life itself. The more a person feels inspired or identified with each of his creations, his passion for art, surf, and skate grows.

His journey began in 2016 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he completed his studies in plastic arts and illustration, then began working as a freelancer. During that time, he had the honor of being invited to participate in various events surrounded by many artists from different disciplines. Among them, music festivals like Lollapalooza, Corona Sunsets, and surf conventions.

In 2018, he returned to his native country, his beloved El Salvador, with a strong desire to contribute a bit of his creations to the art scene in his country and its inhabitants, emphasizing all the good they have: beautiful beaches, flora, fauna, and the warmth that Central Americans transmit. Armando is convinced that art is an important part of life; he believes that the emotions conveyed through art are inexplicable and sometimes stronger than one might think. He feeds on his passions: music, cinema, surfing, skateboarding, photography, and the surrounding nature.

Back in El Salvador, he has had the opportunity to work with Salvadoran entrepreneurs and brands such as Oldskool and ADDIKT (clothing, footwear, and accessories stores for skaters and surfers), PAPAYAS SURFBOARDS (surfboard factory based in El Salvador), MICHANTI (Hotel home of adventure), Puro Surf (Hotel & Performance Academy), Suprema y Regia (Salvadoran Brewery), MIDES (Comprehensive solid waste company, SURF CITY, MITUR (Ministry of Tourism of El Salvador), MICULTURA (Ministry of Culture of El Salvador), RON CIHUATAN (Salvadoran Rum), FISHERMAN RESORT (Beach Hotel).

International brands such as PHILLIP MORRIS (The world's strongest international tobacco company with headquarters in different countries), Wynwood Moto Garaje (The most important motorcycle shop in Wynwood Miami, FL), TreeOFive Miami (The strongest rolling papers shop in FL), Hermanos Surf Co California (Surf clothing store in Santa Cruz), ADIDAS ORIGINALS (Adidas Originals, the casual and sportswear brand created by the German multinational corporation Adidas), Juan Valdez Cafe (Multinational coffee shop chain based in Colombia specializing in retail coffee sales), HURLEY (Hurley International is a company dedicated to the production of clothing and surf, skate, and snowboard items). AVIANCA (The largest airline in Colombia, Ecuador, Central America).

Currently, Co-founder and Art Director of Ruts Studio.