Brian Herrera

Born in Veracruz, Mexico and raised in the vibrant cultural landscape of Chicago, Brian Herrera emerged as a multifaceted artist blending illustration, design, and storytelling. His work delves into the complexities of immigrant identity, infusing his work with a passion for music and street art. The visual narratives experiment with a deep connection to his roots and a profound exploration of cultural themes.

Herrera’s portfolio boasts an array of impressive projects, including product design for distinguished establishments like Rick Bayless’ Brewery Cruz Blanca and Dark Matter Coffee, a pioneering coffee brand renowned for its innovation, based in the heart of Chicago. Furthermore, he has made significant contributions in the realms of Creative Direction and Illustration with Universal Music Group’s celebrated 2022 Latinx and Hispanic Heritage Month campaign. He has been showcased in esteemed institutions like the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City, as well as the Creative Resilience art show in the bustling DTLA Arts District, among others.

Herrera’s recent recognition includes the Victor K. McElheny Award from MIT and the Knight Science Journalism program for his illustration work, further acknowledging his unique contributions to the intersection of art and science.

Throughout his journey, Herrera has lent his creative expertise to various notable collaborations. Notably, he has worked with Luxury Brand Hermés on live activations as well as global sports brand Adidas, leaving an imprint during the high-profile 2020 NBA All-Star Game. His artistic acumen has also been showcased at Poster House NYC, further solidifying his reputation as a sought-after creative talent. Beyond these accomplishments, Herrera has lent his unique vision to alternative Latin and punk bands and artists, including emerging talents like Cabeza de Chivo, Rudy de Anda, and French Police. Moreover, he has made invaluable contributions to renowned nonprofit organizations such as The Center for Cultural Power (Culture Strike), Define American, Immigrants Rising, and Borderless Magazine, employing his artistry to shed light on the immigrant experience.

 He is currently working on a short film about the DIY punk scene in the Southside of Chicago with the help of Full Spectrum Features and Periscope Post and Audio at Cinespace Studios Chicago, further pushing the boundaries of storytelling through visual media. With each project he undertakes, Herrera continues to push boundaries, combining his innate creativity with a profound understanding of the visual language to create captivating and resonant experiences for his audience.