About the Artist

Rafael Corona is a painter, tattoo artist, and illustrator based in Chicago, Illinois.

You will often find Rafa lighting up a room with riffs, jokes, and silly voices as he tattoos everything from adorable animations to renaissance masters at Mayday Tattoo in Chicago’s West Side.

From the Bean to the Bear and with a nod to the Midwest’s frigid temperatures, Rafael’s newest collection, “Actually Chilly” is blue and bold. It combines his love of everything Chicago and urban living, with a sense of whimsy and a whole bunch of penguins.

Though born in Los Angeles, Rafael moved to Chicago at a young age and began his artistic journey early. Rafael’s childhood was spent in a sea of super heros and comic books, constantly drawing and creating. Now with 20 years of experience, Rafael’s art seamlessly blends multiple genres and mediums. Whether it’s a multicolor ode to Pokemon, a delicate and illustrated floral arrangement, a seductive and surrealist portrait, or a minimalist pop art; Rafael is at home creating it.

Rafael’s artwork has been featured in the card game, “Fight Your Friends,” and adorning Bridgeport’s renowned restaurant, the Duck Inn. He designed and painted a massive, wall sized video game character mural for audio and music post production house, Noisefloor. Rafael was featured in Sharpie’s “Art Battle” multimedia show and live painted at the “The Living Canvas” tattoo art experience.