We had the good fortune of connecting with Manuel Trujillo and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manuel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My love for art has always been the inspiration. I enjoy creating characters and environments from different worlds and stories. Over the years I have continued to study art, through figure anatomy, concept design and drawing from everything around me.

I have been doing freelance illustration and art work for over a decade and have continued to grow my clients.

Along with my freelance art, I have been creating art work in the disc golf world for a number of years and developed a modest following through my work with Discmania, a manufacturer that was based out of Colorado at the time. I decided the use that following and create my own products featuring my original artwork.

A stained glass window depicts a man with long hair and beard raising his hand, with a crowd and structures in background.

Black and white illustration of a man with sunglasses and a beard, with mechanical and wing elements, and the name Kirk MatthewWs.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have always been a creative. That led me to a BFA degree in Computer Animation from Ringling College of Art and Design. Since graduating in 2000 I have been working in the video game industry, from large studios such as Warner Brothers and Sony, to smaller companies here in Colorado, Illfonic and Deck Nine Games.

Illustration and traditional art has always been a passion for me and something I’ve constantly worked on to improve. I attened Watts Atelier in San Diego where I really began to refine my figurative art. I continue to study anatomy at such places like the Institute of Anatomical Research in Colorado Springs.

I’m never without a pen and paper to sketch with. Whether at home in my free time or out in the town I am constantly drawing. People may think being in artist is easy because of “talent”, but it is a constant endeavor. Every day I strive to improve my art through studies, both by doint the work, reading about art, and watching other artist.

The thing I am most proud of is how broad my style can go, from realism to stylized.

Illustration of a large animal skull with mushrooms and flowers, set against a forested mountain background, promoting Beaver Ranch Disc Golf Course.

Portrait of a man with a beard and styled hair against a blue background.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The biggest attraction that I would show friends when they are in town is Red Rocks. I always recommend catching a show there since I feel there is no better place on earth to take in a concert.

Since I’m big into disc golf the mountain courses are a must. Beautiful views, amazing course and great people. Plus the hikes are great excercise. You have to make sure those visitors are getting there water intake at that elevation. The courses of the 285 corridor and incredible, starting with Beaver Ranch.

I’m a beg fan of local brewereis and New Terrain is a great spot to grab a pint.

For a dinner, 5281 Steakhouse has a great Steak Oscar.

If you want a great slice of pizza, you have to hit up MC’s Brooklyn Pizzeria. The owner is very friendly and the pie is the best in the area.

Man holding a large fish, wearing a cap, t-shirt, shorts, and sneakers, with a camera hanging from his shoulder.

Black and white portrait of a man with curly hair, a beard, and a serious expression, wearing a collared shirt.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person I would like to recognize the most is my amazing wife, Amanda. She takes on so much as I work late nights and early mornings to create as much art as possible. Without her, none of this would be possible.

Second, my kids, who give me so much joy and inspiration.

My mom, who I would never be where I am without her.

Website: www.artofempty.com; www.soulcrusherdg.com

Instagram: @art_of_empty

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manueltrujillo/

Twitter: @art_of_empty

A person poses in front of a colorful illustrated card with mountains, birds, and decorative elements, part of a hero series.

Colorful illustration of people playing disc golf outdoors with a hill, trees, and a blue sky, holding a disc labeled 'Flip Up TPA'.

Image Credits
All images are created by me. Profile photo is a personal photo.

Bevel Flip Up Beer lable is copyright Bevel Brewing(Bend, OR)

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.