Infected By Art Book - Volume 7

My name’s Marcel Mercado, I’m an illustrator and concept artist.

I want to make more than pretty images, I want to tell great stories. To make something complex without being distracting, and be clear without making it too cartoonish.

I don’t sleep as much anymore. It's not a time-management issue, I just enjoy creating imaginary worlds too much to spend anytime asleep.

From an early age I grew up looking at art. whether it was comic books, newspaper strips, or the 16th Century Spanish town I frequented growing up. My first art class I spent in the summers of that old city. From Middle to High school I found myself attending a specialized art school. I learned Art between the traditional liberal academic course. Although I ended up skipping a lot of classes from my Sophomore year to Senior year(the beach was only a 10 minute walk!)

I moved to the States for college where I acquired my bachelor of Computer Arts. There I transitioned from the traditional media to a digital one. I learned to use 3d software as well as adobe programs like After Effects and Photoshop.

I got a job at a video game outsource house in Florida. There I learned a great deal of the video game industry.I worked with big and small companies alike. Figuring out solutions and implementing ideas. I learned a great deal from companies like Gearbox, Nickelodeon, EA, 2k, and so many others.

My journey has taken me through unexpected alleys and amazing venues. I have been a painter, compositor, texture artist, art director, concept artist and illustrator. Today I find myself on a new path, a path of uncertainty and excitement. A path filled with the fear of losing but also the courage of overcoming. Today I find myself a freelance illustrator. Which is why I can’t find myself to sleep too much anymore, there’s much left to do.