Steven Sebastian Bales
- Illustration
- Visual Development
- Digital & Traditional Media
About Me
Artist Bio
My Inspiration
Methodology
Steven Bales is a Nicaraguan-American, multidisciplinary artist from Hayward, CA. He begins nearly all of his projects using his mastery of freehand drawing, thumbnail sketching, storyboarding, and photography. His broad background includes editorial illustration, visual development, fine art exhibitions and installations, filmmaking,
Steven Bales is a Nicaraguan-American, multidisciplinary artist from Hayward, CA. He begins nearly all of his projects using his mastery of freehand drawing, thumbnail sketching, storyboarding, and photography. His broad background includes editorial illustration, visual development, fine art exhibitions and installations, filmmaking, animation, story writing, critical writing, grant writing, research projects, social media content, 3d projects, public mural painting, photography, and more.
Bales recently completed his Illustration B.F.A. program at CSU East Bay in 2026, and has an A.A. in Art with an Emphasis in Painting from Chabot College. He has also recently finished the 1st edition of his tech-noir graphic novel, The City of Mt. Diablo, while the 1st edition of his children’s book series, Sebastian of the Earth, is also nearly complete.
Currently, Bales is a board member of the Sun Gallery, Hayward, and he is exploring career opportunities in visual development, illustration, & teaching. He enjoys movies, reading science fiction, swimming, and exploring the world, and he draws every single day.
Methodology
My Inspiration
Methodology
Much like capturing a person’s likeness and essence in a portrait, I excel at visually distilling and expressing the specific personality I intend each character or caricature to convey. I use anything necessary to get the results I desire or need to tell a story, create a character, or to evoke a thought or feeling. Building from my ba
Much like capturing a person’s likeness and essence in a portrait, I excel at visually distilling and expressing the specific personality I intend each character or caricature to convey. I use anything necessary to get the results I desire or need to tell a story, create a character, or to evoke a thought or feeling. Building from my background in acrylic & oil painting, I’ve been mastering digital drawing, painting, photo, and video compositing during my current journey earning my Illustration BFA. However, my favorite mediums, & how all my work is born, will always be good old fashioned graphite pencils on paper.
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
My Inspiration
I have been passionately making art since before I can remember. Growing up in the Bay Area, my work is influenced by the region’s psychedelic-countercultural movement, thrash-metal, street mural art, social consciousness, and magic. I would describe my art as symbolic and surreal, and my portraiture reminiscent of magical realism. I am
I have been passionately making art since before I can remember. Growing up in the Bay Area, my work is influenced by the region’s psychedelic-countercultural movement, thrash-metal, street mural art, social consciousness, and magic. I would describe my art as symbolic and surreal, and my portraiture reminiscent of magical realism. I am inspired by the human condition and all of its beauty, frailty, strength, darkness, and endurance. I am inspired by my friend and Sensei, renowned artist Andrew Kong Knight. I am inspired by the talents of everyday people. And, most of all, I am inspired by my family.
Hella fine art by steven bales
Thank you for visiting! I invite you to explore my portfolio and visit my shop.
Special thanks to my Art Sensei, Andrew Kong Knight , and of all those who have supported and encouraged me throughout this life.