With a hunger for visual arts Joaquin isn’t ever far from a pencil and a sheet of paper. Colombian born, Joaquin was raised in the GTA in an underserved elementary school, with minimal arts resources. Joaquin had to shoulder the responsibility to further his love for the arts; local library programs served as his only relief. It was only later through mentors and eager secondary school teachers Joaquin found the support he needed to further hone his skills. These opportunities allowed him to study art and design at the University level, giving chance to his passion becoming a career. Joaquin has understood the need for a strong foundation from an early age the importance of proper guidance and tools in nurturing creative inclinations.
With a Bachelor of Design in Illustration from OCAD U, Joaquin is continuing pursuing his professional career in the arts and freelance illustration. An avid supporter of community arts, Joaquin seeks out opportunities to lead workshops and teach students of all ages and abilities from a spectrum of socio-economic backgrounds. Teaching art classes in various schools in Toronto, an Artist-Educator for DAREarts, among other community programming Joaquin pushes to nurse youths’ creative voices in the city and empower creative leadership in their respective communities.