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art of Robert Liu-Trujillo Tag

Character 179 – TT (Set It Off)

This is Tisean or TT from the 1996 film “Set It Off” played by actor Kimberly Elise. I’ve been slacking on my characters and its nice to stretch out by doing this illustration of TT. In the film she was quiet, timid, a single mother, but a fierce ally and team member of the crew. In order to escape poverty, she and three of her friends pull off multiple bank heists. Stay tuned for more.

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

May 19, 2025
in Character Design, Ilustration
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Shipping Merch videos

I’ve been making artwork and artwork to sell (merchandise) for a long time. Must of started about 20 years ago. I really got serious with it in 2016/17 though. But over the past 6 months I was inspired to try and make more videos documenting my everyday work as a small business owner and a working artist. there’s no benefactor for me, no trust fund, no rich patron. Just me, my hands, my mind, and my feet taking this stuff to the folks one day at a time.

In documenting thee everyday stuff I saw a Canadian artist named Maia Faddoul recording herself packaging her merch. At first I thought, who would want to watch me do that? But then, I thought why not give it a try. I’ve been sending still pictures of my books, paintings, prints, and stickers for years.

And not only is it working in terms of more sales, it is helping me understand how to promote myself in a natural non fake way. I’m not a comedian or great at making funny videos, but I make art and all I’m doing is finding another way to share it. These are 1 minute videos using my phone, tiktok or iMovie to edit them, then uploading them to Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube.

Soon, I’m going to make a pdf about what Ive learned after selling online, at book fairs, craft shows, out the trunk, and to larger businesses and organizations. Stay tuned….

Dig this? Check out this interbiew I did with sticker manufacturer and printer Sticker Giant!

May 8, 2025
in Merch
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Yoga award > Book

Ok, so I was just going through old work and found this illustration. I created some artwork for Yoga and mindfulness teacher Jill Guerra who teaches in Oakland schools. She was making an award for her students and then wrote a book which I was so honored to do illustrations for. You can order it for your school or local library or you can buy it directly from me. Check out this pose below.

Its amazing how things lead to others!

Dig this? Check out this interview Jill Guerra did about her work and her practice.

April 21, 2025
in General
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Sketchbook Pg 8- Fight Back!

My folks who’ve been down-u already know. For the folks who’ve never been involved in any resistance -paper, calls, emails, protest, direct action. I know, you’re in survival mode. Do what u can. For the folks who have some sort of privilege, get off your ass.

Whether you are old, young, white, Black, Brown, Queer, hetero, disabled, able bodied, red, blue, green, GET INVOLVED w/ organizing against the current gov’t attacks. Join an organization, support independent journalism, volunteer time, art, voice, $, resources, connections, whatever u can-folks have been sounding the alarm and if u haven’t done anything u gotta act-NOW!

Dig this? Share messages of upliftment and RESISTANCE.

April 18, 2025
in General
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Short story 35 – Spring Flowers

Nzingha didn’t like Richie when school started in September. In fact, they argued over pencils, erasers, foursquare, and school march slogans all winter. But, after he’d shared some of his lunch with her she gave him a slice of fruit, maybe two. Mr Newton asked them to call a truce so they did and. Nzingha started to pick Richie for her team when she was captain of the basketball team. He invited her to play soccer afterschool and in April they both decided to dress up like they’re grandparents for 70’s day and well….Richie made her smile on Friday. They’ve been best friends ever since.

This is a short story about two enemies turned best friends, the clothes they wear represent two historic youth lead activists groups. The Black Panther Party for Self Defense and The Brown Berets.

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

If you like the Panthers or the Berets check out some past illustrations of them Panther 2015 and Brown Berets 2018.

April 10, 2025
in General
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Children’s Portrait 80 – Dream

Fam, its been a minute since I shared a children’s portrait and this is number 80! This is a portrait of a young boy named Dream. His mom and family have been supporters of my creative work for over a decade from books to portraits. I painted her oldest child ZULU back in 2017! Dream is his younger bro 🙂

Check out this video timelapse of me painting him as well as some process shots below.

I haven’t done many of these time lapse videos but I’ve been getting more and more comfortable using my phone to document my work and doing a low lift like this is a step forward. I import short videos into I-Movie and cut them together in a way that was but it is no longer challenging. Link to watch.

Some shots of the painting process.

Here are some past children’s portraits:

Children’s Portrait 78 – Jidan and Bryant’s family

Children’s Portrait 77 – Stella

Collage of family portraits

Children’s portrait 63 – Jahbreel, Kubwa, & Jahlyl

Want a portrait If you’d like me to paint your child or family hit me up here

April 8, 2025
in General
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700 on Youtube!!!

A BIG Thank you is in order. My YouTube just hit 700+ subscribers. This is tiny 4 some but its big for me. Thx if u watched, shared, or subscribed. To put this in perspective, before the pandemic I had a bout 60-70 subscribers. If u have any Qs you’d like to see me explore feel free to comment on my videos or message me.

LINK TO MY channel

Dig this? Check out my series of tips for freelancers

March 21, 2025
in General
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I am a King poster-Illustration

UPDATE: This is the original art for an African American Male Achievement poster for Emerson Elementary. The original poster has been sold but I wanted to share the whole painting. You can see some process painting below…

Hey I painted this poster for Emerson Elementary in Oakland California. They are fundraising for the “African American Male Achievment” program there right now. They’re making prints for their families and they’re selling the original painting. If you’d like to get a bid in on it please

GO HERE

Dig this? Check out these portraits for Chapter 510/ Oakland Public Library

March 3, 2025
in Ilustration
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