Get Animated by Cheyne Gallarde

Cheynerama’s illustrations are giving LGBTQ culture meets vintage comic books. His pieces are heavily inspired by the art of drag and an array of cult classics, transforming his ideas into vibrant works of art. Cheyne Gallarde, award-winning queer illustrator, chatted with OFM about his unique take on pop art.

Have you always been into creating art, and when did you get started?

I’ve been an artist ever since I could pick up a pencil. I have distinct memories of drawing the Saturday morning cartoons I’d watch as a child in the 80s. I was the kid who would draw in the margins of my school homework and all over my homemade, paper-bag book covers.

How has your style changed over the years, and how would you describe it now?

My illustration style has evolved so much over the years. My style has gone from a Mary Blair-style, Golden Books illustration phase, to a Sailor Jerry, traditional tattoo phase, to even a brief 90s-anime phase. I attribute the frequent style changes to my insatiable curiosity and always wondering what something would look like. Now, I’ve found my niche of combining vintage comics with pop culture, and I love it.

How does it feel to advocate for the queer community?

It feels amazing! I get to create the art I wish I saw as a kid. As a gay, Brown Asian, representation in the media was close to none, so I get to draw people that I identify with, as well as other under-represented communities. It brings me such joy to draw queer and trans people and people of color as superheroes.

What inspires you to create these vibrant and fun illustrations?

I love using color as a storytelling element while paying tribute to the limited-palette comics of the golden age.

How does it feel to channel your queerness into a creative outlet? 

It feels great to be able to be openly queer and highlight other queer people in my art. I think, by celebrating queer culture so openly, it gives LGBTQ people a sense of pride in being represented.

Why do you feel it’s important to highlight queer culture? 

We live in an era where there are so many talented queer artists and actors, but they always seem to miss out on big opportunities given to cisgender, heterosexual contemporaries. Until we are afforded the same freedoms and opportunities as them, I think it’s important to shine as we are. So, I use my art to spotlight and celebrate queer people and culture in super ways.

What’s been your monumental moment thus far in your career?

Probably doing a three-story mural for the POW! WOW! Hawaii Festival in 2020. Spending a week on a cherry-picker painting my tribute to queer people of Hawaii was worth it because now it’s on display in a heavily trafficked area and continues to be photographed and talked about.

Where and how can someone purchase an illustration?

I open my online shop occasionally, so signing up for my mailing list is the best way to be notified. I will have a huge booth at DragCon LA in 2022, so I hope people can stop by then.

How is it being able to team up with Adobe and other queer creatives to tell your story in the Create Change series? 

I still can’t believe that actually happened! Out of all the amazing LGBTQ artists, to be invited to discuss art and creativity with Bob the Drag Queen was an amazing and humbling experience. It can feel a little stressful when I think about all the future generations who may see our chat, but I take the responsibility with humility and honor.

What inspires you about the art of drag?

Growing up, I’ve always admired fierce females, so drag is like a super version of that. In addition, as someone with stage and screen experience, strong character design and performance appeals to me very much, so I love seeing drag performers who have a strong character. I also love how drag is always evolving, and I am so happy to see drag kings and AFAB queens get appreciation in media nowadays.

What does Cheynerama’s future look like; do you have anything in the works you can share?

I never know what I’ll be doing next—One minute, I could be illustrating a lunchbox for pop stars like Ariana Grande, and the next, I could be drawing plastic Halloween masks for drag legends like the Boulet Brothers. I’ll just continue to make art and go with the flow! I’m a Scorpio, so as a water sign, I’ve learned to adapt quickly. It’s a wild ride, and I’m enjoying every minute of it!    

Photos by Cheyne Gallarde