Louis Santiago

I create art because it’s where I find peace in the chaos. Life comes with pressure, stress, noise—and art is how I quiet all of it.

Currently 24th

in their Group
VOTE

You decide who will appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display their work at The Art of Elysium's Salon!

Voting for the Top 20 ends Thursday the 14th of May at 7PM PDT

What is The People's Artist?

Learn More
What is your favorite type of art to create?

Hyper-realistic portraits. There’s something powerful about taking a single photograph and turning it into something that feels alive. It’s more than just recreating an image it’s capturing emotion, memory, and presence. When I hand that piece to someone, it’s not just art it’s their story. It’s someone they love. It’s a moment that matters. That connection is what drives me.

Where do you find inspiration?

My children are my biggest inspiration—they’re my reason. And my wife is my foundation. She’s my most influential supporter, the one who keeps me grounded and pushing forward. Beyond that, I’m inspired by people—their stories, their memories, their need to hold onto something meaningful. Being able to take a moment that matters to someone and bring it to life—that’s what fuels me every time I pick up a pencil.

What would you do with $25,000?

I won’t pretend it wouldn’t matter it would. But the truth is, most of it would go straight to my family. My wife and my kids are behind everything I do. They come first, always.And a small part of it? That goes right back into my art into the tools and materials that allow me to keep creating and sharing. Because at the end of the day, money comes and goes. Art doesn’t. A real piece of art lives with someone. It holds emotion, memory, and meaning. That’s where its value is. That’s why I do this

The Art of Elysium

Vote for Louis Santiago to become The People's Artist while supporting a great cause! Cast your free daily vote or make an even bigger impact when you vote by donation, supporting The Art of Elysium in their mission to use art as a catalyst to help people triumph over difficult life challenges.


1 Vote
10 Votes
25 Votes
50 Votes
100 Votes
250 Votes
Other Amount

Enter donation - $1 per vote

Are you an artist?

Register now for your opportunity to appear in Artforum Magazine, take home $25,000, and display your artwork at The Art of Elysium's Salon.

Register For Free

Powered by Colossal

Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like The People's Artist, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.


Explore Colossal Fundraising