We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Hugo Maldonado. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Hugo below.

Hugo, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

The best investment was investing in myself. It has helped me develop my artistic and innovative abilities. I freed myself from having any restrictions and allowed myself to collaborate with others that share my vision and can help make it a reality.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a graphic designer that has worked in Hollywood for over 10 years. Notable credits include Big Bang Theory, Will & Grace, Fuller House, etc. I always had the inspiration to tell my own stories and in 2019 I decided to fully pursue that dream. VALLERO! is my first comic book issue, a Mexican Western story about a man that finds himself in a rundown to where he is their last hope to survive. The Western genre has inspired me all my life, it was only right that my first project be a Western. I began to translate my scripts into a graphic novel format and surround myself with seasoned creatives to bring this project to life. I’m most proud of completing a series that’s fully my vision and I’ve seen grow since it was a seed of an idea. Each customer gets a piece of me every time they purchase an issue of VALLERO!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to inspire others to pursue their dream job. If it’s being a writer, painter, director, etc. I want people to know the first step is to let yourself know this is who you are and who you want to be. It’s not an easy task or journey but it doesn’t mean you need to do this alone. The best tool to have is a community of people that you can turn to when things get tough, when you’re unsure of things, and when faced with self-doubt. You always need this group of people to remind you of how brave you are for chasing your dream and to know you are not doing this alone. The most important part is the act of doing, and to learn to enjoy the process, even when things don’t go your way. Hard
times create strong people.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As a member of society my job is to support those artists that I connect with and that inspire me. The support of your community is crucial to keeping your craft alive. Financial support is the best way to show appreciation for your favorite artists but we live in a social media world where the smallest gesture like a ‘repost’ or a ‘shout out’ can go a long way. The hardest part for us creatives is having to wear multiple hats (in most cases), you need to be your own, publicist, accountant, videographer, etc. If we can have the help of our community to share our work, gift it to others, and get our craft in front as many eyes as possible, that’s just as supportive as making a purchase. (in my
opinion)

Contact Info:

• Website: VALLERO COMICS @Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Vallero-1-Hugo-Maldonado/dp/108802145X
• Instagram: valleroseries
• Facebook: VALLERO the Series. https://www.facebook.com/home.php
• Other: BARNES & NOBLE: VALLERO Issues #1-3 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vallero-2-hugo-maldonado/1141706430?ean=9781087972510 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vallero-3-hugo-maldonado/1142247555?ean=9781087961552