Maria Jose Da Luz's work in a styled room
Maria Jose Da Luz portrait
Artist

Maria Jose Da Luz

Vibrant characters and playful nature scenes define the happy art of Maria Jose Da Luz.

20 Works

About Maria

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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.

Visual voice

Da Luz’s aesthetic is defined by a bold use of color and a lighthearted, illustrative approach to nature and character design. Her work blends graphic typography with organic subjects, ranging from local Costa Rican wildlife like sloths to imaginative, friendly creatures.
Happy ArtIllustrated PortraitsCosta Rican WildlifeWhimsical MonstersVibrant Typography

Good to Know

Where is Maria Jose Da Luz based?

She is a graphic designer and illustrator based in San José, Costa Rica.

What defines her "happy art" style?

Her style is characterized by the use of vibrant colors, playful characters, and a whimsical tone that reimagines the world through a joyful lens.

What are recurring subjects in her work?

Her illustrations frequently feature sloths, cats, friendly monsters, and elements of nature combined with typography.

Does she create art for public spaces?

Yes, she is known for her public mural installations located throughout downtown San José.

What are her "Illustrated Portraits"?

These are specialized works where she reimagines real children as whimsical, stylized characters.

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