Here are 4 Talented Hispanic and Latinx Creatives to Support During National Hispanic Heritage Month

@dora_cuenca

Now through October 15th is National Hispanic Heritage Month! This time calls for celebrating the Latinx and Hispanic American community’s diverse cultures, achievements, and contributions. Curious as to how this annual celebration got started and what it means? Here’s everything you need to know about National Hispanic Heritage Month and what you can do to celebrate the Latinx and Hispanic-owned small businesses.

@dora_cuenca

How did National Hispanic Heritage Month start?

Let’s go back to the roots of this celebratory time! Beginning as a week-long observance in 1968 under President Lyndon Johnson, it was expanded to a full month in 1988. The dates—September 15 to October 15—are significant because they coincide with the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15, followed by Mexico on September 16 and Chile on September 18. It’s essential to recognize the inclusion of these communities during National Hispanic Heritage Month to educate others on multiculturalism further and continue to encourage progress. This month is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the histories of these communities and the creatives, makers, and small businesses representing them.

🎉 Here are some ways you can celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month

1. Educate yourself on Hispanic and Latinx history

Dig into National Hispanic Heritage Month’s history and learn more about Hispanic and Latinx culture from the Smithsonian Learning Lab. Did you know that Latin Jazz is a combination of African-American and Latin rhythms first mixed together in the 1940s? You can find out more about this, among other fun facts, on their website!

2. Donate to Hispanic and Latinx advocacy groups

Donating what you can to Latinx and Hispanic advocacy groups will go a long way in building a stronger community together. Consider donating monthly to your local organizations actively uplifting and representing Hispanic and Latinx voices, and volunteer your time to attend community events and information sessions. Advocacy groups like The Hispanic Institute and United We Dream are great starting points to getting involved.

3. Support Hispanic and Latinx-owned creatives

Shop the creatives behind Latinx and Hispanic-owned small businesses! Browse these beautiful works by some amazing creatives pouring their heritages, hearts, and souls into artistic masterpieces.

Dora Cuenca

Dora Cuenca is a Costa Rican artist based in New Jersey who illustrates and designs chic and contemporary art that represents her love of life. Dora instills her personality into each piece she creates through complementary color combinations and meaningful mantras on modern prints and abstract murals.

Peep this beautiful Kraft Mailer design by @dora_cuenca that adds the perfect flair to packages. Psst – you can actually use and customize Dora’s mailer design for your brand through our Community Design feature!

Karla Alcazar

Karla Alcazar is an illustrator based in Mexico, creating whimsical wonderments and telling sweet stories through her work. Karla’s illustrations often depict cute animals and friends enjoying magical moments together or serve as reminders to take it easy and celebrate the life around you.

@karla_alcazar_ expresses a message of self-love and gratitude for the beauty in everyday life with a custom card featuring her painterly style.

Alan Vázquez

Alan Vázquez is gearing up for the Halloween season by switching up the spookiness with friendly and festive designs! Alan is a Mexican illustrator and big dreamer who injects some mirth and marvel into his work. His pieces highlight everything between mythical scenarios and serene moments during the day, accompanied by a magical friend or two.

@lele_melele draws up a squad of superstitious friends and fiends! The illustrative custom stickers that come with his prints turn Alan’s orders into a real treat (no tricks here!)

Melissa Castrillon

Playful prints and patterns and positivity, oh my! Melissa Castrillon, an English-Colombian artist based in the United Kingdom, is never short on curiosity and creativity. Her work is vibrantly saturated with colorful environments and imaginary beings that whisk you away on a fantastical journey. Melissa has authored children’s picture books, and her signature art style graces the cover of stories full of possibility and joy.

We’re in awe at the adorable cover of this picture book by @melissa.castrillon! Melissa wows with wondrous depictions of creative creatures in a compelling story about friendship.

🎁 That’s a wrap!

While National Hispanic Heritage Month continues until October 15, let’s recognize the legacy of Hispanic and Latinx experiences and celebrate creatives and communities year-round. Be sure to check out the creatives and their work to support further, and get even more inspired by all the artful packaging designs from our global Creative Community!