We recently connected with Hugo Mejia Guerra and have shared our conversation below.

Hugo, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Success often stems from a combination of passion, persistence, adaptability, and the ability to connect with others, Success in art often requires consistent practice, experimenting with techniques, and finding your unique voice. I remember one of my first commissions, I was hired to paint a Roll gate, the ones with the weir surface ( not smooth) I tried my best but the client was not liking the artwork and to be honest, yes it was not so good, he end up telling me to stop painting and fired me, in good terms, I accepted the failure but that didn’t stopped me, I went back to my apartment and started painting my own walls, now after almost 6 years later I can look back and see how my style and my craft has evolved and how my work has taken me to travel all over U.S. painting murals.

Hugo, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’ve been a muralist for over six years, and my passion for creating large-scale art began with a love for storytelling and transforming spaces. I started as a painter, experimenting with canvases, but the challenge and impact of working on walls and public spaces drew me in. Over the years, I’ve refined my craft, blending traditional techniques with modern inspirations, and bringing vibrant, meaningful pieces to life.I got into the industry when I was working at a pizzeria as a delivery driver, I notice how other places would have their windows decorated for the holidays and I offer to paint the windows from the pizzeria I used to work, they liked it so much I painted a second location they owned and from there people would see me painting outside and started asking for my number so I could paint for their business too, from there slowly but steadily I stared my mural business. I specialize in creating custom murals for both public and private spaces. My work ranges from bold, dynamic designs for commercial properties to intricate, personalized murals for homes, schools, or community spaces. Each project is tailored to fulfill a client’s vision. A mural isn’t just decoration—it transforms a space, sets a tone, and creates an emotional connection. My work helps:
• Businesses attract customers by making their spaces memorable and Instagram-worthy.
• Communities by revitalizing neighborhoods with art that sparks pride and conversation.
• Individuals by turning their spaces into personal expressions of beauty and meaning.
I think what set me apart from others it’s the ability of creating murals for my clientes with not much time ahead, the efficiency of executing the project in a short period of time. My approach combines deep collaboration with my clients and a commitment to quality and originality. I take the time to understand what my clients want to convey and translate that into visual stories that resonate. What makes my work distinct is my ability to balance artistic creativity with practical needs, ensuring the mural fits perfectly into the space and purpose.
One of my proudest achievements was an entire mansion I painted in Las Vegas called Graffiti Mansion, been the first Ecuadorian artist to paint this place with just the help of a small crew of 3 people, been this place well known for their creativity and amazing art That covers the whole place. When you work with me, you’re not just getting a mural—you’re getting a partner dedicated to bringing your vision to life. Whether it’s an ambitious large-scale project or an intimate, personal piece, I strive to make art that lasts, inspires, and stands out.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation as a muralist likely stems from a combination of artistic excellence, reliability, and meaningful connections.
Consistently producing high-quality, visually striking murals, people remember and talk about. Positive interactions with clients lead to repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals. Being reliable—meeting deadlines, staying within budget, and keeping communication open—helps clients feel confident in working with me. This is as important as the art itself.

We’d love to hear the story of how you turned a side-hustle into a something much bigger.

It all began with painting canvases and creating custom artwork for friends and family. I started selling my work and realized how much joy it brought to others—and to me. From there, I began hosting paint-and-sip events, which allowed me to connect with people while sharing my passion for art. I also painted windows for local businesses during holidays or special events, which helped me build relationships within the community.

At the time, I was working as a delivery driver at a pizzeria, so my art was something I did during my free time. It wasn’t easy balancing both, but every project I completed fueled my desire to take my craft to the next level. As my skills and confidence grew, I started painting murals on the side while working at a pest control company. Murals allowed me to combine my love for large-scale, impactful art with the storytelling element I had always enjoyed. Each project felt like a step closer to realizing my dream of becoming a full-time artist.

Key Milestones
1. First Mural Project: My first commissioned mural was a turning point. It gave me the opportunity to showcase my work on a larger scale and opened the door to more opportunities.
2. Word of Mouth & Referrals: Clients began referring me to others, and my network grew organically. The trust people placed in me to bring their visions to life was a huge motivator.
3. Quitting My Day Job: The moment I decided to leave my pest control job and focus solely on my art was both scary and exhilarating. It felt like a leap of faith, but the demand for my work made the transition possible.
4. Community Recognition: Completing murals in public spaces and local businesses helped establish my reputation and allowed me to connect with more people who appreciated my work.

Where I Am Today

Now, I’m proud to say that my passion has become my full-time career. I’ve gone from delivering pizzas and juggling odd jobs to creating meaningful art that transforms spaces and tells stories. The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the artist I am today.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Hugusart_
• Twitter: @hugusart

Image Credits

Hugus Mejia