Mateu Velasco was born in New York, but moved to Brazil shortly thereafter — he considers himself more Brazilian than American. He graduated with a design degree and currently resides in Rio de Janeiro. At the age of 25, Velasco has already been working for nearly half a decade as an illustrator for magazines, newspapers, fashion and design companies, books, and even some everyday products — "anything that needs a draw," as he puts it. His work also includes graffiti and jobs for both TV and movies. Constantly steeping himself in art books and exhibitions, Velasco says his influences are too many to list, preferring to let his work speak for itself.