We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Juan Manuel Ramal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Juan Manuel , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?

From an early age, my love for art has been unwavering. I pursued various artistic disciplines, including drawing, painting, sculpting, and theater. At 17, I ventured to the United States, fueled by a fierce ambition to pursue my artistic passion.

Despite the challenges of adapting to a new language and securing my basic needs with the help of my 21 years old sister, I never lost sight of my artistic aspirations.

My breakthrough came when I landed a paid gig painting a mural for a friend’s son. This sparked a series of opportunities, as I launched a grassroots advertising campaign for my mural services and I got to collaborate with interior designers and homeowners, expanding my skills in specialty painting, faux finishes, restoration, and decoration.

Balancing survival needs, I secured a flexible job in a wholesale company warehouse in order to nurture my artistic endeavors. Venturing into entrepreneurship, I designed and sold cell phone cases online, building successful online stores, providing financial stability and freedom for internships in the Art Department’s low-budget and student films, shaping my path toward a career in production design.

Reflecting on my journey, every risk, from moving to entrepreneurship, has been worthwhile, leading to a rewarding career in the arts and film, adapting to changing times within the industry giving me the opportunity to expand my field of work into events and custom builds.

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.

It’s been quite the ride. Back in 2004, I packed up my dreams and moved to the city of Los Angeles. Fast forward to today, and I’m not just an artist, entrepreneur and CEO of Lucuma Studios – I’m also a proud father of two incredible daughters. These two lights in my life are my driving force, my constant reminder of why I hustle as hard as I do. Being a father has not only shaped who I am as a person but also fuels my passion to create a world that’s richer, more vibrant, and full of wonder.

Lucuma Studios is a Design and Fabrication shop based in LA, that specialize in crafting magic for commercials, music videos, experiential events, and art installations. Think production and set design, prop and set fabrication – you name it, we bring it to life.

We believe in the power of creativity and collaboration. We’re all about diving deep into the creative process, from concept to execution, ensuring that we deliver nothing short of excellence.. And we do it all with integrity, honesty, transparency and taking care of our team – because excellence isn’t just about what you create, but how you create it. Every project we take on is a chance to make an impact, to inspire, and to create something truly unforgettable.

Speaking of projects, there are a few that hold a special place in my heart. “Pachamama”, a 35 feet long art installation crafted for Burning Man 2018, stands out as a testament to our reverence for Mother Nature and our collective responsibility to protect her. This has been my theme of my artistic practice from quite a young age. And then there are the music videos – designed for artists like Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bruno Mars, and Chris Cornell, whose work has inspired me since my wishful thinking youth. These experiences were nothing short of extraordinary.

Simply put, I’m a dreamer, a doer, and a believer in the power of creativity to change the world. And through Lucuma Studios, I’m on a mission to spread that magic far and wide, one project at a time.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One story that truly encapsulates my resilience is the journey I embarked upon to pursue my dreams while navigating the challenges of being an immigrant and a single father. In 2012, for an entire year, I dove headfirst into internships on student films and low-budget projects, working exhausting 12+ hour days. But that was just the beginning. By nightfall, I’d shift gears to my online stores, hustling to generate income while also raising my two daughters. It was a balancing act like no other, a testament to my determination to carve out a better life for myself and my family.

Another defining moment came in 2018 when I poured my heart and soul into a passion project called “Pachamama,” a monumental art installation designed for Burning Man. For three and a half months, I poured every ounce of energy into bringing this vision to life, even halting other work commitments to focus solely on this endeavor. The magnitude of the project was daunting – a 35-foot-long, 20-foot-tall masterpiece that pushed me to my limits both creatively and physically.

But I wasn’t alone in this journey. Through the sheer generosity of friends who donated their time and skills, coupled with the support of a community that rallied behind me, we turned a dream into reality. Fundraiser parties and crowdfunding campaigns – every effort was a testament to the power of collaboration and the determined belief in our collective vision.

There were moments when self-doubt crept in, when the challenges were overwhelming. But it was the resilience instilled in me, coupled with the great support of those around me, that kept me going. And when “Pachamama” finally stood tall on the playa, it wasn’t just a testament to my resilience – it was a celebration of the boundless potential of the human spirit and teamwork.

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

Absolutely, my creative journey is driven by a deeply personal and ambitious mission. At its core, my goal is to attain a level of financial freedom that allows me the power to create without constraints. However, beyond financial independence, my journey is fueled by a relentless hunger for knowledge and spiritual growth.

I envision a future where I can create art that not only resonates with me on a profound level but also has the power to inspire others. My ultimate aspiration is to push the boundaries of conventional artistic styles, to merge various art forms into something truly transcendent.

In my dream world, I see myself crafting pieces that encompass storytelling, music, visual art, poetry, and evoke a myriad of emotions – from laughter to tears, from introspection to sheer joy. I believe in the transformative power of art, and my mission is to create work that touches people deeply, engaging every sense and stirring the soul. Which is the direction where my next project is going.

Ultimately, my creative journey is about more than just creating beautiful pieces; it’s about crafting experiences that connect us all on a profound level, fostering a sense of unity, empathy, and optimism in an often chaotic world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juanramal.com
• Instagram: @juanma_ramal
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-manuel-ramal-263477192/
• Other: www.lucumastudios.com

Image Credits
Jesse Belvin, Cinespia, Tom Stahl, John Carlson, Daniel Feighery