Where would we be without illustrated leather bunnies?
To celebrate our “family pride” this year, we collaborated with California-based artist Humberto Cruz (AKA I Scream Colour) on a Pride 2022 Collection that colors outside the family lines. This year’s Pride Pack, along with the limited edition Pride T-Shirt, 'Daddy Chill' Bucket Hat and 'Daddy Chill' Dad Hat illustrate an unconventional family photo. If you've been absolutely delighted by our collection of loud and proud creatures in every size, shape and hue, you know who to thank.
Humberto Cruz is an illustrator and graphic designer based in San Diego, CA. Influenced by pop culture, fashion and color, he describes his work as spontaneous, quirky, fun and enthusiastic. He primarily works with pastels, markers and spray paint and focuses on digital media from initial concept development, to art creation.
Humberto Cruz incorporates his love for 80s culture and 90s cartoons into his work. Despite his colorful doodles depicting a dream-like state, the illustrator is still very down to earth. When he’s not making art or enjoying a gorgeous sunset, his focus shifts to issues surrounding the environment and mental health.
What is the meaning of family to you?
Family means having someone who loves you unconditionally for who you are. In the best and worst of times, family is loving and supportive of one another. Always.
How has the idea of “family” shifted through the years?
The concept of what it means to be a family has changed in many ways through my life. I remember in the 90’s and early 2000’s, a traditional family consisted of a mother and a father and their kids. There was no representation for the LGBTQ community in the media like there is today. Gay marriage is possible now and I feel like there’s more hope to raise a family in non-traditional ways than there was before. There’s still a lot of work to do. And I continue to hope that things will get better, so the idea of family keeps growing and growing.
Do you think Queerness and Cannabis have a connection?
Definitely, yes. I think cannabis is a beautiful thing because it can bring out a person's true colors. I've seen it bring out people's queerness in honest and joyful ways, and in a lot of ways it can take the pressure of being someone so you can just be yourself.
Does Queerness influence your art?
All the time and it keeps me inspired. If it wasn’t for it, I think my art would be boring. I like to keep it colorful, joyful and a little bit devilish.
