Meet Yorckh Jacome | Visual Artist & Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yorckh Jacome and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yorckh, why did you pursue a creative career?
I just followed my talent. I never stopped drawing since childhood, so I wanted to do what I love. I decided to study graphic design because it allowed me to keep drawing, and during that time, I also became passionate about design.

Something unexpected happened during my decision to study design. I was already enrolled in the university, ready to study Civil Engineering, but a weekend before classes were about to start, I was rushed to the hospital for an emergency appendectomy. During my recovery, something made me reflect, and I realized that what I really wanted was to study something that would allow me to use and develop my creativity. So, I decided not to attend the university where I was enrolled and looked for one that offered Graphic Design.

Then I discovered the world of street art, and I knew I wanted to pursue it. I started applying my graphic design knowledge to my art, going out to paint and create. I began by painting bars in exchange for beer or similar deals. When I met who is now my wife, we took a six-month trip around Asia. During that trip, I had the idea to offer mural paintings in exchange for accommodation, which led me to paint many murals in different countries. That experience made me realize I could make a living from my art, and I eventually started getting paid for it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
During my time as a university student, I started to discover the great designers and illustrators of the era. This caught my attention and led me to explore urban art. I became fascinated by the work of major artists of the time like Banksy, Broken Fingaz, Shepard Fairey (Obey), Blu Blu… and I thought, “I want to paint on a large scale like them.” So, I started painting; first in my room, then on the walls outside my house. Later, I traded murals for beers in bars. It was a self-taught process of discovery, and that’s how I developed my style. When there were no walls to paint, I started creating my own canvases and discovered that painting on them also became a passion of mine.

For a couple of years, I worked at a design agency and was partially inactive in art. During that time, I met Johannah, my current wife, and on a six-month trip through various countries in Asia, I came up with the idea of exchanging murals for accommodation (I painted many), which strongly reignited my passion for art. After that trip, we decided to live in Sayulita, Nayarit, a tourist town on the coast of Mexico. It was there that I discovered a passion for motorbikes, surfing and martial arts. I also began to grow as an artist; this time I painted murals on commission and for payment, and I exhibited my art frequently. We lived there for five years. In the second to last year, my son was born, and we decided to move to Columbus, Ohio, in 2023, where the challenge was starting from scratch in a completely different place. Fortunately, I’ve managed to make connections and participate in some interesting projects.

Regarding my art, I am greatly inspired by nature, animals, and plants, their colors and textures. I like to integrate geometry and symmetry into these compositions. On the other hand, I really enjoy reinterpreting the Mesoamerican culture of my country, incorporating legends from Aztec, Mayan, and Olmec cultures, among others. My works don’t always have an obvious message; they range widely between the obvious and the abstract. My color palette is broad and almost always very saturated.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
First day: I’ll take him on a hike, maybe to some of the Metroparks. My favorite is Highbanks, and we could also look for a fly-fishing spot.

Second day: It would be nice to have a BBQ by Alum Creek Lake.

Third day: We could visit the Scioto Mile and walk around the area. After that, we could look for some live music on Summit St. Bourbon Café might be a good option.

Fourth day: We can take a road trip to Yellow Springs, have lunch there, and go for a hike.

Fifth day: We could visit the art museum, have a meal at Budd Dairy Food Hall, and later grab a beer and watch a movie at Studio 35.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My parents have always supported my career and even let me paint all over the house. My wife is incredibly supportive—she’s the first to give feedback and often inspires me with great ideas. I’m also grateful to everyone who enjoys my art and has one of my original pieces in their spaces. A big thanks to Moonshot as well for taking my graphic design career to the next level.

Website: https://behance.net/yorckhdesign

Instagram: @yorckhjj

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yorckh-juarez-jacome-8921aa70/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100032893466316

Image Credits
Surf photo. Emy Dossett
Motorcycle photo. Loic Geyer