The Pueblo-Born Artist Making Waves in Hollywood

Vanessa Torrez never planned on becoming a graphic designer, let alone one who would create posters for blockbuster movies. Growing up in Pueblo, Colorado, she dreamed of becoming a tattoo artist or an engineer. But a nudge from her mother led her to CSU Pueblo, where she discovered her true calling. Now based in Los Angeles, Torrez has worked on marketing materials for Disney, Netflix, and HBO. We caught up with her to talk about her journey from the San Luis Valley to Tinsel town.

CSU Pueblo: You've come a long way from Pueblo to Hollywood. How did your time at CSU Pueblo shape your career path?

Vanessa Torrez: CSU Pueblo was a game-changer for me. I had no idea what graphic design was when I started college. My mom suggested it, and I just went with it. The small-town feel of the campus allowed me to focus on my studies without feeling overwhelmed. It was there that I took an elective in oil painting, which sparked a passion I never knew I had. That course set the foundation for my work in both digital design and traditional art.

CSU Pueblo: Your work on the Deadpool movie poster gained a lot of attention. What was that experience like?

VT: Working on Deadpool was incredible. We started in January, and it was about a six-month project. We did everything from posters to bus wraps and even international marketing. One of my posters was chosen for the Olympics tennis region in France, which was a huge honor. It's surreal to see your work on such a massive scale.

CSU Pueblo: You're also deeply involved in the Lowrider community. How does that influence your art?

VT: Lowriding is in my blood. I grew up bouncing around in the back of my dad's lowrider, and it's always been a part of my life. In LA, the Lowrider community became my second family. It's how I made most of my connections when I first moved here. Now, I'm one of the few women painting lowriders, and I was recently chosen to be one of the artists for the Peterson Automotive Museum's exhibit. It's a way for me to blend my cultural heritage with my art.

CSU Pueblo: As a Latina woman in the entertainment industry, have you faced any challenges?

VT: Absolutely. Both the entertainment industry and the Lowrider community are predominantly male. As a Hispanic woman, I often find myself fighting for promotions against my male peers in graphic design. In the Lowrider world, I'm usually the only woman painter. It's challenging, but I feel like I'm breaking barriers and paving the way for other women of color in both fields.

CSU Pueblo: What advice would you give to aspiring artists from small towns like Pueblo?

VT: Don't be afraid to take risks. When I moved to LA, I had $600 to my name and no job lined up. I worked multiple jobs, including DoorDash and teaching painting classes, just to get by. It wasn't easy, but every small job and struggle led me to where I am now. Build your portfolio, take those small design jobs, and keep pushing. Your unique background is your strength – use it to stand out in the industry.

CSU Pueblo: What's next for Vanessa Torrez?

VT: I'm excited to continue growing in both the entertainment industry and the Lowrider art scene. I'm working on some projects I can't talk about yet, but they're pushing me creatively. I also have my own lowrider that I'll be painting soon. Ultimately, I want to keep creating art that represents my culture and inspires other Latina artists to pursue their dreams, no matter where they're from.