An Inspired Chat with Johnny Felix of Aurora, il

Johnny Felix shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Johnny , really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Fear in life. We struggle different types of fear in life but the most important process is taking the risk & learning the success & failures in life. I always have quote that I say “Impossible Is Possible” in life. You have to believe in you to create the journey & goals in life. Our secret of fear is worrying about someone judging you. Let yourself be free and as long you are happy in life no one can’t take that away from you

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Johnny Felix, known artistically as Talento Creations, is a Puerto Rican visual artist based in Aurora, Illinois. He
began using the name “Talento” in November 2021, drawing inspiration from the Spanish word for talent as a
way to express his creative vision and inspire both youth and adults. His parents and family are originally
from Yabucoa, Puerto Rico, and he keeps his cultural roots alive through his art and heritage.

Johnny’s work stands out for its imaginative use of holographic glitter, which creates movement and evokes a
sense of wonder. One of his most recognized series, “Urban Pulse,” was inspired by the visual rhythm of
heartbeat monitors in hospitals. He developed this body of work in memory of his mother-in-law, who
passed away from cancer.

Two key elements often found in Johnny’s art are:
1. 2. Inspirational quotes written on the back of each canvas to offer a deeper perspective.
A signature style he calls “Talento Direction”, which uses graffiti-style arrows to symbolize direction,
self-empowerment, and the creation of one’s own universe.
Another signature of his style is his use of glow-in-the-dark paint, which he describes as representing the
energy of hidden talent—an inner light that lives within each person, often unseen by the world.

Beyond visual art, Johnny is a lifelong baseball enthusiast and deeply admires Puerto Rican legend Roberto
Clemente for his humanitarian spirit and impact through sports.
Johnny’s artwork has reached a wide audience, including:

-Custom pieces created for comedians and legendary wrestlers
-A collaboration with Reza Footwear and CALIWATER, a company co-founded by actor Vanessa Hudgens
and Oliver Trevena
-A live glow-in-the-dark painting performance at Navy Pier in partnership with the Autism Hero Project
-Participation in Art Basel Weekend in Miami
-Guest speaking engagements at schools, expanding his influence to Oklahoma, Los Angeles, Ghana
(Africa), and more
-He has also generously donated artworks to support nonprofit organizations, further cementing his role as
both a creative and community-driven artist.
-Barrio Art Festival & Navi Festival at The National Museum Of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture
Gallery Accomplishments
-EVAC GALLERY Manhattan, New York
-ARTESAN GALLERY Aurora, IL
-NAPERVILLE ART LEAGUE GALLERY Naperville, IL
-HOLY ART GALLERY Greece, London, Spain, Italy
-SAPHIRA & VENTURA GALLERY Brazil, New York

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
I taught myself to be self taught in the creative world. I always challenge myself to do my artwork different & never seen in life.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
4 years ago I show the art world what was my statement & art creation & it has made an impact towards my audience to believe in themselves life & to relate to the art creation & the story of my art & life.

I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
You will always get the real me in the art world & my downtime in life. I’m passion telling my art, kind & listening conversations with the public telling about there life. Authentic is very important to me to tell my story so I can create motivation to the audience that can create an impact in life.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
What regret not doing is scouting for future artist like me. I would like in the future before my journey is done in the artworld to create to visit underground artist & help them create opportunities like I did to see who has the passion & strength & integrity as a true artist.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @talento_creations

Image Credits
Manuel Espinoza
Autism Hero Project
Johnny Felix