Behind every illustration by Salomé Castro lies a powerful story: the story of a Latina who embraces her roots, who transforms tradition into contemporary art, and who, through her colors, reminds us that culture is always alive. In this interview, Salomé opens her heart and shares how art has led her to reconnect with her essence, break stereotypes, and build a bridge between the past and the present.
Join us to learn about her voice, her inspiration, and the passion with which she celebrates what it means to be Latina.
What makes you most proud of being Latina?
I'm immensely proud of our roots, our history, and the way we always carry our culture with us. Being Latina means being resilient, passionate, and creative, and I think those qualities shine through in everything I do. I love the richness of our traditions and how we celebrate life with so much color, music, and flavor.
What have been the biggest challenges as a Latina living in the United States?
One of the biggest challenges has been fighting stereotypes and showing that our culture isn't a monolith. We're often seen through a single lens, but there's so much diversity in who we are. Also, as a Latina, I've had to work twice as hard to make my voice heard and my work valued, especially in the creative world.
What inspired you to become an artist?
Since I was little, I was fascinated by watching one of my aunts in Sinaloa sew and create incredible designs as a seamstress. Her ability to transform fabrics into beautiful pieces inspired me to explore art and design. With the advent of artificial intelligence, I discovered a way to incorporate and visualize my ideas more quickly and effectively. Additionally, with the rise of social media, I've been able to share my work with people around the world who, like me, have a deep love for color and culture.
Looking at your works, we see that they are strongly influenced by our culture. Tell us a little about your creative process.
My creative process begins with inspiration, and that comes from our history, our traditions, and especially from Latinas. I think about the colors, textures, and symbols that represent our roots. Then, I research, explore references, and blend the traditional with the modern. I use graphic design tools and AI technology to bring my vision to life and ensure each piece has a powerful and emotional message.
What moment or project marked a turning point in your career?
Definitely my Modern Mexicanas series. It was a project born from my love for our culture and my desire to reinterpret it for new generations. Seeing how it connected with so many people, and how they celebrated our identity through my art, was a transformative moment. It also gave me the confidence to dedicate myself 100% as an artist and entrepreneur.
Are there any artists (Latinx or from another region) who have influenced your work?
I greatly admire Creative Director Luis Fitch. He's been a mentor to me and taught me so much about art, design, and how to make my mark in the industry. I also find inspiration in other genres, such as the work of music video director Hype Williams, who revolutionized visual storytelling with his innovative use of color and composition.
How do you feel your work contributes to preserving or reinterpreting Latinx traditions?
My work seeks to bridge the gap between the traditional and the modern. On the one hand, I celebrate our roots by including symbols and cultural elements in my work, but I also adapt them to a contemporary context so that new generations can connect with them. It's a way of saying: our culture lives on and evolves, but it never loses its essence.
Which Latina do you admire the most?
I greatly admire former Mayor Marie Lopez Rogers. She was born to a family of migrant farmworkers and, despite the challenges, stayed in school and worked hard to achieve her goals. In 2006, she made history by being elected the first Latina mayor of Avondale, Arizona, and the city's 19th. Her leadership and dedication were so impactful that she was even recognized by President Obama. Her story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of representation.
What is the life of an entrepreneur like? How did you make the decision to try it?
Being an entrepreneur is a journey filled with challenges, but also a lot of fulfillment. I decided to try it because I felt I had something unique to offer and wanted to share my vision with the world. It has required a lot of discipline, creativity, and patience, but it has also been incredibly rewarding to see how my work resonates with others and how I can make a living doing what I love.
If you could give advice to your younger self, what would you say?
I would tell her not to be afraid to dream big and to embrace her roots with pride. Every step, even the mistakes, will bring her closer to her purpose. I would also remind her that her voice and perspective are valuable, and that art has the power to change lives, including her own.
Salomé Castro is much more than an illustrator; she is a visual storyteller who transforms her roots into art, and her art into memory. Through her colors and strokes, she invites us to reconnect with who we are, to embrace our stories, and to celebrate the richness of being Latina. Her journey as an artist and entrepreneur is a reminder that our voices deserve to be heard and that, by honoring our roots, we also open space for new generations who will find a home in art, like her. Don't forget to follow her at @Salomeillustrates
