Sierra Gómez is an artist and illustrator with a BFA in Illustration and a minor in Art History from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Music and film are constant influences in her work, with classic rock and horror movies shaping her artistic vision. The recurring presence of skulls in her art stems from her fascination with mortality — both its inevitability and its mystery. She finds beauty in this tension, capturing the eerie yet captivating space where life and death intertwine.

Through intricate pen and ink work, she crafts haunting narratives and unsettling imagery, often centering on skulls as a reflection of the delicate balance between life and death. Her creative journey took a transformative turn in college when she embraced digital tools, particularly Procreate. While she once preferred traditional mediums, she discovered that Procreate allowed her to maintain the tactile quality of her sketches while expanding the possibilities of her art. Now, digital illustration enables her to create anytime, anywhere.

"Dare to be creative, then create your future." – Sierra Gómez

We asked Sierra about her art, creative process, and inspirations.

Can you tell us about your background as a digital artist? How did you get started in this field?

When I started as an artist, I was set in my ways. Then I started college, and I quickly realized that I have to learn all different kinds of mediums in order to be a well rounded artist. When I learned about Procreate, it changed the way I viewed digital art, and I realized I can still have a traditional feel to my digital works. I’ve tried other programs but Procreate allowed for my traditional sketch designs to be digitized seamlessly. I love the ease in which I can create art anywhere at my fingertips. Digital art has helped me be creative everywhere I go. Now, it is so much easier to draw in the car, train, or subway.

What inspires your art? Are there any particular themes or subjects that you enjoy exploring through your artwork?

The music that I listen to and the media I watch has a substantial influence on my artwork. Listening to classic rock and watching horror movies has influenced my artwork in many ways. A major motif that remains consistent within my artwork are skulls. This inspiration comes from the fascination with the fragile boundary between life and death. I’m drawn to the unsettling beauty that emerges when these two concepts collide, in particular, the idea of mortality being both inevitable and unknown.

Can you tell us about some of your favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

My favorite piece is a large pen and ink illustration called “Deaths’ Throne”. Not only is it my favorite because I’m passionate about the concept, but because of the time I spent creating it. Over the course of three years, I would always add one or two different creatures. This project was a great concept that I liked that almost couldn’t be completely executed due to the fact it was almost damaged by water in my basement. What makes it even more special is that my growth as an artist shines through this singular piece. To me, drawing unsettling subjects reflects the desire to explore and communicate the uncomfortable.

How would you say your traditional art practices have an impact on your digital art?

My traditional artwork has heavily influenced my digital works. The skull logo I created was a traditional drawing for inktober that I liked, but wanted to alter it more to make it unique. The way in which I create digital artwork is similar to that of my traditional works in the way I use line and create textures.

Have there been any surprising or memorable responses to your work?

The most memorable reaction from my artwork was when I was commissioned for a “Nightmare before Christmas” anniversary gift painting. My client sent me a video of his girlfriend’s reaction to receiving the painting and she was in awe. It was touching to see how moved she was by the painting because she noticed the involved, poignant details that symbolized their relationship that were woven into the painting. It felt extremely rewarding to see that my artwork could make people so happy and have such a lasting impact.

What else fills your time when you’re not creating art?

When I am not creating art I am working. I currently work as an art teacher at Studio E Art and I also work at a graffiti art studio called Graff Lab Studio. In a way I am always creating, whether it’s commissions, personal work, or at the art studios. I am fortunate to be able to create art and do what I love every day. I feel extremely grateful for the people who have commissioned me and bought prints of my work because I am a young artist who has just begun a more formal career as an artist/illustrator.