Luís Cruz
Artist
Born in 1971 at the historic old hospital in Almada, this local creative visionary has dedicated his life to blending art, music, and design in a vibrant career spanning several decades and disciplines. A father of two—a beautiful daughter and a wonderful son—he has always prioritized fun and passion in his work, which has led him to a profession he deeply loves. From a very early age, he was immersed in a politically active and culturally rich environment, which fueled his desire to create and innovate. His childhood was filled with creative activities, from painting and music to various other arts introduced by his parents and friends. This formative period cultivated a lifelong pursuit of creativity and self-expression.
Passionate about skateboarding, he found in this sport a dynamic outlet for both physical activity and artistic exploration. This passion for skateboarding became a driving force in his decision to become a graphic designer, allowing him to combine his love for art, community, and adventure. His professional career began in 1990 as art director at Skate Portugal, a pioneering publication in the national skateboarding scene. His career expanded rapidly, leading him to take on roles at advertising agencies such as Regrafi, Artefvisão, Young & Rubicam, @agency, and Publicis. In addition to his work at these agencies, he has consistently devoted himself to personal projects in various fields. He co-founded the Almada Skate Association in 1990 and, later, the Zona Solta Association, both of which played significant roles in promoting the local skateboarding culture.
His editorial contributions are extensive, including the development and design of several major publications: Crutz Zine, Skateportugal, Megafone, Tribus, Urbe, Slang, Manka-te Tainha, Surge Skateboard magazine, VSP – 2007, and VHILS aka Alexandre Farto – Selected Works. Each project demonstrates his ability to capture the essence of urban culture and skateboarding through innovative design. Video and animation have also become an integral part of his work, adding a dynamic dimension to his graphic designs. His video projects range from VJ performances at renowned venues and festivals to television commercials and skateboarding documentaries. His collaborations include Daweseal, Buraka Som Sistema, Octa Push, Cais Sodré Funk Connection, Vulcanus Lava, Drill, Grupo CRH, and Radical Zone—a sports television program. As co-founder of Unicode Sonora with Nuno Quartilho, he expanded into radio, producing a show on RadioZero.pt from 2005 to 2008. His DJ residencies have spanned renowned venues in Lisbon and Porto, with performances across Europe in cities such as London, Berlin, and Barcelona. As a result, the record label Iberian Records was founded. In 2006, he turned to teaching, joining Etic_, the School of Innovation and Creation Technologies, in Lisbon.
His role as an educator in the fields of design and multimedia has been a source of inspiration, leading him to invest in various training formats and workshops, sharing his vast knowledge and experience with new generations of designers. In 2009, he launched the skateboarding magazine “Surge,” a free national publication, in collaboration with Pedro Raimundo and Silvia Ferreira. This project further solidified his influence in the skateboarding and design communities. Reflecting on his multifaceted career, he often remarks: “I am a designer by default and many other things by nature.” His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, passion, and community in building a rewarding and memorable life. “Long live youth!”
LUÍS CRUZ’S POSTER
