“Companion” 18x18 - Raymond Argumedo Collab.

I first encountered Raymond Argumedo's work through an unsolicited direct message inquiry about collaboration. Given my cautious approach to such propositions stemming from past experiences, I typically decline. However, his work captivated me instantly, prompting a desire to foster a genuine connection beyond mere acquaintanceship. Our paths finally crossed at Designercon 2019, where our mutual appreciation for art and camaraderie flourished over conversations and some Cerveza. Over the ensuing five years, our friendship solidified, paving the way for a collaborative endeavor. Feeling comfortable and aligned with Raymond creatively and spiritually, I broached the idea of collaboration, initially envisioning portraits of women, a nod to his signature style. However, upon exploration, this direction felt contrived. It was during discussions about an upcoming collaboration with Shepard Fairey that Raymond expressed interest in incorporating an animal motif. After numerous conversations,