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Mini comic 4-Space Graff

Space Graf is a short comic about a time when me and my homie went to the freight train yards to paint our names on trains decades ago. Just a colored pencil and an ink pen. I’m not trying to make the greatest illustration, just trying to finish a comics. Even if its 1 page long.

Whats this? I’ve had fits and starts with comics over the years. In 2016 I started working on an epic graphic novel and it was too much, I couldn’t finish. So I took a break and began doing mini comics (shorter more manageable stories) so I could do the most important part; finish them. This is a continuation of that.

Dig this? Check out some of my other comics

October 29, 2025
in Comics, General
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Inspiring Artist-Eva Sánchez Gómez

I came to Eva’s work through Instragram. In the general feed (if I’m checking out illustration) I occasionally see some heat and I loved this image right away when I saw it. Eva is a DOPE illustrator from Spain who uses traditional media such as water color and colored pencils to create some of the illest illustrations I’ve ever seen. Check out more of her work here.

Her work has a fierceness and softness to it that is unmatched. I love the down to earth emotion and the wild out there fantastical elements to it.

What’s this? This is where I share inspiring artists that have been inspiring to me in my work sometimes directly and other times indirectly. I loved seeing Eva Sánchez Gómez’s work online and hope to check some of her picture books one day if I can get them in the United States. Here are some other artists to check out:

Bea Gifted – illustrator

Elizabeth Catlett – Sculptor and fine artist

Olivia Fields– Illustrator, cartoonist

Helen Mingjue Chen– Illustrator, concept artist

Check out an interview w/Eva here.

Dig this? Check out my last inspiration board

October 12, 2025
in General
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Amanda Seales invites Nodotdul organizers on

This was a great show from Amanda Seales (Journalist, Comedian, former emcee). What critics of her don’t get is that she is not falling for the bullshit and if half of them really supported icons like Fannie Lou Hamer, Baldwin, Malcolm, etc they would be listening instead of trying to get click bate.

Anyways, I loive how she not only does her own research and analysis for us but she invites others own with knowledge to game us up as well. Case in point, today she had on two Korean American organizers on from Nodutdol an organization whos purpose is:

“We are diasporic Koreans and comrades based in occupied Indigenous lands known as the United States and Canada. We organize for a world free of imperialism, and for Korea’s re/unification and national liberation.“

Nodutdol organizers Jamie and Heath talk about the history of US imperialism in Korea, how South Korea is still occupied by the US, how North Korea is propagandized, and how this relates to Gaza, Guam, India, Puerto Rico and so much untold history. I learned a lot as someone with a parent born in Korea! Starting at the 2:12:00 mark, listen to this interview and get you some game.

Dig this? Check out this short story about Haenyeo or this illustration of a Jeju diver .

August 13, 2025
in Educational Resources, General
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Stay Principled & Curious- Vinyl Sticker

I made this sticker back in October of 2024 but somehow forgot to post it on my blog. So here it is again.

Stay Principled & Curious means to me. Stick to your guns but be willing to learn. So many jobs and careers in the arts ask us to not speak about issues or to remain quiet about injustice and I say fuck that. If you know something to be true, share it, stand by it, and let folks know. If you make a mistake, correct it. If you learn new information, share that too. But don’t remain silent. That is how injustice is allowed to continue because those with wealth, tech, and power bank on those who cannot speak and those who know something but remain silent staying silent. Nope.

Wanna send one to a friend?

GO HERE.

August 10, 2025
in General, Lettering/ Typography, Merch
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Short Story 36 – A lotta Summer

“This was a summer of alotta stuff. Mama Johnna and Mama Elise got sandwiches, water, masks, and our best walking shoes as we marched from High street and Mac all the way to Frank Ogawa Plaza. To protest again? Ugggh, I’m tired of going. But Mama said it was to protest police taking away our neighbors, our friends, and our family. It seemed like everybody from school was there, Mrs Galeano our librarian, uncle George, even Mr Jason my teacher. The whole city was out and it felt good to shout and smile. Together.”

Me and my family protested ICE this summer and we’ve protested for Palestine recently too. Just wanted to make a short showing a family out in the streets. Shout out to Gallt and Zacker for the nudge to make it.

What is this? This is a short story. They are a way for me to sharpen my skills, to play, and to stretch out by trying new ideas for stories. In 2010 they started off as a way to practice the format of picture books but I’m interested in other formats now too. My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo and my most recent book is Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco published by Lee & Low Books.

Here’s some of my past short stories:

Dig this? Check out my first self published Art Book- 130 pages of sketches, paintings, characters, and more HERE

Sketch!!!

August 8, 2025
in General, Ilustration
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Character 181 – Frankie (Set it Off)

This is Frankie, played by the incredible Vivica A. Fox. Frankie in the film Set it Off was brave, traumatized, enraged, strategic, and fierce. She had lead her team, with her own flaws, and a comradery for her girls that was inspiring to see. One of Vivica’s best performances. The captain, the ring leader, the one to set it off.

On the film: I saw Set It Off when it came out. I think it was shortly after F. Gary Gray did “Friday” with Ice Cube, Nia Long, and Chris Tucker. I loved it back then. You never got to see 4 Black women wreck shit in a heist film back then so I was excited. I loved all of their characters, how they struggled, cared for each other, and I think writer Takashi Bufford who wrote the screenplay did a great job. I know he’s mentioned there are things that he’d change if he could redo the film. But I think it still stands up today. Shout out to Jada, Latifah, Vivica, Kimberly, and all of the cast and crew.

About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m an author/illustrator from the Bay Area and my most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Get it at your local public library or independent bookstore.

Dig this? Check out my throwback drawings of three characters from the 90’s film Mi Vida Loca

July 23, 2025
in Character Design, General
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ICE out of Dublin Protest

Me and my family took a trip out to Dublin, CA this week to protest ICE and the possibility of them trying to turn a federal detention facility into an ICE concentration camp. And this was lead by Japanese American Families for Justice and a coalition of over 60 organizations including artists, union workers, educators, grandma’s, and babies. Peep the video.

Dig this? check out this poster done in collab w/ East Bay Sanctuary Covenant, Jules Cowan, and Micah Bizant

July 21, 2025
in General
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Something NEW loading…

Shout out to 25+ parents/ adults who enlisted their kids to help me decide the direction of the story. All I can say is we have a winner and it’s exciting!!!!! If you wanna be the first to hear about all the things please sign up for my email newsletter here.

Image description: a hand written note on top of a blanket with the words:
I’m working on my third Kickstarter book project yall. I’m several months in and it’s getting exciting! Cannot wait to begin teasing more info to YOU! -Rob

About me: My name is Robert Liu-Trujillo. I’m an author/illustrator from the Bay Area and my most recent book is “Fresh Juice/ Jugo Fresco”. Get it at your local public library or independent bookstore.

Dig this? Check out my first and second kickstarters.

June 25, 2025
in General
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