Artist Interview: Juan Cañón
Juan David Martínez Cañón is a talented traditional and digital artist from Cali, Colombia, with a passion for blending modern tools and classical techniques. A graduate of Universidad del Valle with a BA in Visual Arts, Juan discovered the transformative power of artistic expression through his studies and his involvement in creative events and expos exploring the intersection of video games and art. Drawing since the age of four, he considers art not just a skill but a therapeutic escape, channeling his creativity through pencil sketches, charcoal work, and digital mediums like Photoshop and Illustrator.
In addition to his visual art, Juan is a musician and a member of the band Titano Boa. Together with the band’s vocalist, he crafts powerful designs and illustrations that reflect deep emotions, from love and horror to the harsh realities of life in Colombia. Through his artwork, Juan aims to preserve the cultural heritage of pre-Colombian traditions while addressing modern themes like alienation, violence, and the loss of connection in today’s digital age. His work serves as a bridge between past and present, encouraging others to reflect, reconnect, and appreciate the value of creativity.
We asked Juan about his art, creative process, and inspirations.
Bloodmoon, 2022
Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?
Well, I didn’t even know digital art was a thing. In college, some of my friends were talking about selling a tablet for painting—a Genius, I remember. It’s funny because all my life, I’d seen these incredible illustrations and graphic designs that were so sharp and well-executed, but I never knew how they were made. Funny enough, I bought the tablet they were selling because I was intrigued. That was probably in 2012. I also installed Photoshop, Illustrator, and Medibang Paint Pro. I discovered DeviantArt, concept art, and, with the internet, I researched all of my favorite artists and illustrators from around the world. My friend Hernán Erazo, who is also the vocalist of Titano Boa and a designer, gave me tips and tricks for better design using different software. Right now, I love to mix traditional art and digital. I see it as a tool to enhance our work.
Historia Olvidada, 2018
What are some of the themes or stories you feel most passionate about exploring through your work?
I spent too much time practicing with portraits and video game fan art, so right now, with the band’s project, I try to mix charcoal portraits with comics and digital painting. Titano Boa represents the old ways of pre-Colombian culture. We are not Native Americans, but we appreciate what our ancestors did and respect all those teachings and culture that, even nowadays, show themselves a little bit—even in our Spanish language.
We are living in strange but interesting times now. People spend too much time with social media. Family is not as important as it used to be. Phones are more addictive than anything. So my art and the band’s art not only express that feeling of alienation from society and the hate for our never-ending violence but also the fact that we are forgetting the old ways. We are forgetting to respect animals, to respect our women, to spend quality time with family, to read, to draw… to live.
Insane Boa Attack!, 2022
Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?
As a perfectionist, it’s very hard to like your own art. I feel happy with what I’ve accomplished, but I always feel I can do better. I’m proud of publishing only one copy of all the Titano Boa art collection—haha! All my designs and Hernán Erazo’s designs are very important to me. Maybe the comics and the Native American Wayuu series are the most valuable because of the time I spent doing them. Also, the Dark Souls series I did and video game fan art, in general, were the first ones I created with a digital tablet, so they’re very nostalgic to me.
Olvido Wayu, 2022
How does your music influence your artwork, and vice versa? Could you share an example of a design that came directly from a song or feeling in your music?
Art without music cannot exist. I can’t imagine making art and not listening to some fine tunes. Music is really an inspiration. Since our band’s music is a little bit on the aggressive spectrum, we try to do the same with the art. The first impact of analyzing every detail and technique of the piece is crucial. There’s a song called “Desde el Abismo” or “From the Abyss” where Bachué, the goddess of all Colombian creation, transforms into the mighty Titano Boa to try and rescue the civilization she created. “Leyenda Bachué” is directly inspired by that tune.
Leyenda Bachue, 2018
Working on events and expos about art in video games sounds so fun! What was that experience like, and do video games inspire your work in any way?
Oh yes, they do. I can say without a doubt that I became a musician and illustrator because of video games—plain and simple. If people only knew how important video games are—not only as an escape or a hobby but as an inspiration for kids, teens, and even adults to create some form of art.
In college, we organized three events called Uniarcade, where we had debates with professors and students about art in video games, politics in video games, philosophy and music in games, etc. Of course, we played a lot of GoldenEye, Smash Bros, and even Just Dance during those events. There was a big art exhibit featuring students from all semesters who liked games and showcased—and even sold—their art. We even got the Philharmonic Band of Universidad del Valle to play some James Bond and Lord of the Rings tunes… it was a blast!
Zombiguar, 2022
Many artists describe art as a form of therapy. How has creating art helped you personally, and what advice would you give to others who want to use art as an emotional outlet?
Just opening a bottle of fresh paint and smelling it is enough to feel good and relaxed. Art in general has helped me a lot with stress. There was a time when art became stressful because, as a professional, you have to give all you have to make the best piece. My advice is to just forget about time and even your own opinion. Do art because you enjoy it—art for the sake of art.
Horror Tomb, 2022
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m super lazy… but with a little bit of Colombian coffee, the magic happens!
What’s next for you? Are there any exciting projects or goals you’re working toward that you’d like to share with our readers?
Well, my goal—and the band’s goal—is to get the illustrations book published. If not, we’re fine. We’re going to continue creating designs and illustrations and posting them on the website.
And just hoping to be alive and well to keep doing what we love.
Thanks so much for this opportunity, and thanks to all the readers and artists!
¡Gracias a todos y saludos desde Colombia!
Escuela de Asesinos (Hernan Erazo, 2016)
