Maria Jose Da Luz

Maria Jose Da Luz is a Costa Rican graphic designer and children's illustrator working out of San José. Her practice, often referred to as "happy art," centers on vibrant palettes and whimsical characters that bring a sense of play to the everyday. She is particularly recognized for her "Illustrated Portraits," a series where she reimagines real children as fantastical, storybook figures. Beyond her digital illustrations and global challenge entries like Inktober, Da Luz brings her vision to the physical world through public mural installations in downtown San José. Her work frequently explores the natural world, featuring a recurring cast of sloths, cats, and friendly monsters alongside intricate typography.