Paulo D. Campos Illustration

Brazil possesses an array of Afro-Brazilian religions that  are syncretic in nature. Candomblé, Umbanda, and Quimbanda are a few of those traditions with roots in Africa. During the Portuguese colonization of Brazil, the Catholic church attempted to covert enslaved Africans, however they managed to maintain their beliefs and traditions by hiding them in Roman Catholic symbolism, outwardly practicing Catholicism but secretly praying to their own deities.  They are oral traditions without holy texts, passed down to future generations creating in Brazil an amalgam of various traditions.

Legend has it that a young woman from a tribe in the Amazon was so infatuated by the Moon that she would chase it at night, climbing up hills in hopes of turning into a star and follow it into the skies.  One night however, the young woman saw the reflection of the moon in the river, and reached for it ultimately drowning.  The moon recognizing her sacrifice, transformed the young woman into a different type of star, the Vitória-Régia, the star of the waters. 

Client: Scientific American

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Art Direction: Michael Mrak

Client: The New York Times

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Art Direction: Veronica Ferre

Iara, a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore, is a freshwater mermaid with a warrior's origin story.  Once the fiercest warrior in her father's tribe, Iara's two brother's grew envious of her and tried to kill her...ultimately failing. Iara, having killed her two brothers in self-defense was then sentenced to death herself, and as her body submerged into the river, the spirit of the Amazon River brought her back to life in the form of a mermaid.

Brazilian mixed martial artist. Reigning UFC Women’s Bantamweight champion.

Client: The New York Times

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Cover art for The Kenyon Review Nov/Dec 2016

Client: The New York Times

“Smart devices make it possible for parents to keep close tabs on their latchkey children, but is it really a good idea?”

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Contribution to Geeks OUT "Serving Pride: The Handbook for Your Queer History Dinner Party"

Client: Massachusetts General Hospital, Time Inc.

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Art Direction: Syndi Becker, Matt Hageman

Mapinguari,  a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore is a ferocious ape-like creature living in the Amazon rainforest.

Curupira, a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore.  He lives in the forests of Brazil.  Curupira is known to have fire red hair and feet turned backwards.  His footprints lead to his starting point often confusing hunters and poachers.  Curupira is also able to create illusions, and create a high-pitched whistle that is known to drive his victims mad.  Above all, Curupira is a protector of the forest known for attacking hunters who go after animals taking care of their offsprings.  Curupira also doesn't have time for you if you're greedy and take more than what you need from the forest. 

Meditation Space + Plants

Client: The New York Times

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Client: The New York Times

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Boto-cor-de-Rosa | Pink Amazon River Dolphin, a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore.  It's believed that the (Pink) Amazon River Dolphin transforms into an attractive man in the evenings, going to nearby villages and seducing the ladies.  While in human form, he wears all white and a hat to hide his dolphin blowhole that remains intact in his human form.

Client: Nautilus

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Client: New York Times

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Boitatá, a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore, is a giant fiery serpent that supposedly survived the a great deluge by eating the eyes of animals and corpses alike.

Mula sem Cabeça |  The Headless Mule, a mythological creature from Brazilian Folklore, is a woman that has been cursed by God for her sins (i.e. fornicating  with a priest in church) and condemned to turn into a fire-spewing headless mule, galloping through the countryside.