Freelance illustrator · Colima, Mexico
Carlos Chak Hernández
Master’s in Mexican Art History and specialist in Mexican art and culture.
Freelance illustrator based in Colima, one of the smallest states in Mexico. His sketchbook and his iPad are an extension of himself, and that need to create still drives all of his work.
His real name is Carlos Eduardo Hernández López.
In short
Roots and journey
Illustration, research, museums and teaching: the key facts of his path.
Roots
He brings Mexican visual tradition into current projects from around the world.
He mixes cultural roots and pre-Hispanic imagery with a modern look, for brands that want an authentic visual identity with character. He has drawn since childhood; the sketchbook is an extension of himself.
- Hand drawing
- Acrylic painting
- Traditional printmaking
- Digital printing
- Physical products
- Editorial publications
- Interactive content
Exhibitions
+30developed at Patrimonio Cultural and the Pinacoteca (UdeC), from exhibition design to visual identity.
Cultural heritage
2012–
2023
at the Dirección de Patrimonio Cultural (Cultural Heritage Office) and the Pinacoteca, Universidad de Colima.
2020–2023
Director of Museums
Universidad de Colima.
Techniques
4hand drawing, acrylic, traditional printmaking and digital printing.
Education
2016 · Master’s
Habitat Sciences (Ciencias del Hábitat), Mexican Art History track (UASLP), with CONACYT support.
Specialist in Mexican art and culture. Now working on his PhD.
Thesis
El discurso sobre patrimonio prehispánico en textos que fomentan la identidad cultural a los jóvenes colimenses
“Discourse on pre-Hispanic heritage in texts that promote cultural identity among young people in Colima” · written in Spanish
Advisor: Ruth Verónica Martínez Loera
Read the thesis in the UASLP repository, in Spanish (opens in a new tab)Teaching · now
Lecturer at the School of Architecture and Design (FAyD), Universidad de Colima
He shares tips, creative processes and tutorials on his YouTube channel.
- Design
- Creativity
- Applied illustration
His own products
5 kinds- Pins
- Digital prints
- Engravings
- Ceramics
- Embroidered patches
In his online shop.
2018
iPad Pro
More techniques and a closer bond with his community online.
International
Lima, Peru
Selected for “Imagen Palabra”, a group illustration show.
Experiments
Lab
His space for experimenting: projects, how he streamlines his processes, and trials that make life easier for creatives.
Exhibitions
- Semana de las Artes · IUBA
- “Detrás de la Máscara” · solo show
- “Imagen Palabra” · Lima
Design with a social purpose and deep respect for cultural memory.
20 articles · 2014–2025
Press
Articles about his art, his talks and his work at the Pinacoteca and the Museum Network.
See all pressLatest articles
Google Arts & Culture para museos: cómo digitalizamos el acervo universitario de Colima (opens on chakhernandez.art)
Visita embajadora de Noruega Pinacoteca Universitaria (opens on Universidad de Colima, in Spanish)
Restaura y renueva UdeC espacios culturales, tras sismo de septiembre (opens on Universidad de Colima, in Spanish)