Mister Cartoon and Modelo honor Dia de los Muertos in a vibrant way, interview

Modelo has long supported the mindset of the “Fighting Spirit.” While that concept can be applied in many ways, its partnership with Mister Cartoon comes together not only in a visual representation of those words but through a celebration of community and culture. As Dia de los Muertos approaches, the collaboration isbringing a vibrancy to the family celebration.

Ahead of this year’s Dia de los Muertos celebration, Modelo and Mister Cartoon are encouraging everyone to participate in “Raise One In Their Honor” campaign. These digital ofrendas are a way to celebrate family members and put a joyful note into the annual event. Instead of focusing on what was lost, it is a time to memorialize the positive impact family members had.

During a recent conversation with Mister Cartoon, we spoke about what Dia de Los Muertos means to him. As he explained, in his family, “it was always a good time.” While the celebration comes from “our Aztec roots, it is a way of celebrating our loved ones that have passed.” It is not about focusing on the sadness, instead it is finding a way to bring the happiness to the gathering.

For Mister Cartoon, those ofrendas are a creative, vibrant way for people to celebrate. While the bold colors can capture his eye, it is more than a spattering of color. These celebrations are a way to keep the cultural celebrations from drifting away.

Although his tattoo style and artwork might live in shades of gray, this annual event with its colorful interpretations helps to keep that celebratory notion alive. As seen in the Modelo can designs, the color scheme has that vivid tone.

Mister Cartoon commented, “my artwork lives in a black and gray world like an old gangster movie or something. But, when I work with Modelo, it explodes. The bright marigolds come, and it is something that you normally wouldn’t see from me. Since we’re celebrating, this is kind of the opposite of my other artwork where the black and gray have shades of darkness. These skulls are like a party. They have guitars in their hands, trumpets in their head, it is a party from the dead through a celebration of brightness.”

As part of this year’s campaign, Mister Cartoon will be viewing all the submitted ofrendas and will choose one person to receive a special memorial tattoo. For him, it is important to flip that sad feeling into something positive, like a tattoo.

Explaining how this tattoo can be a positive vibe, he said, “they’re going to be able to wear it and take that dedication to that loved one’s wisdom even when they hit that dirt nap. It is real and it is honest.”

Offering some advice on getting a memorial tattoo, Mister Cartoon suggests that there are many directions. While he understands that some people may choose a realistic photo portrait, there are other ways to honor a loved one.

He suggested thinking of elements that they loved. From a drummer who was moved by music to a love of fashion, those special moments, memories, and personality traits celebrate them and can influence the design. Those idea are timeless.

In the end, Mister Cartoon wants everyone to remember the good times that people spent together. While his artwork may have clouds intermixed with rays of light or angels contrasted with skulls, each concept comes from his authentic heart. That sentiment might be the biggest guiding force to lead a Dia de los Muertos celebration.

For more information on the Mister Cartoon and Modelo partnership as well as this year’s digital ofrendas and promotion, please visit http://raiseoneintheirhonor.com/.