Cypress Artist Daniel Montifar Wins International Illustration Contest
Cypress resident Daniel Montifar has emerged as a winner in the renowned L. Ron Hubbard Illustrators of the Future Contest, marking a significant milestone in his artistic career. Montifar’s victory earned him a trip to Hollywood, where he will participate in a week-long master class, attend an awards event, and see his artwork published in L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future Volume 41, an international bestselling anthology.
Montifar’s path to artistic success began in his early years in Queens, New York, where he was immersed in a vibrant cultural environment. Born to a Bolivian and Filipino family, Montifar’s love for art was influenced by his multicultural upbringing. Surrounded by the bustling energy of New York City, he found inspiration in everything around him, from his mother’s passion for Star Wars to his father’s collection of comics. This environment nurtured his fascination with sci-fi and fantasy, which led him to become a dedicated sketch artist from a young age.
“Growing up in a family that loved sci-fi, comics, and art, I couldn’t help but be drawn to it all,” Montifar said. “I always had a sketchbook in hand, capturing the scenes and characters from my imagination.”
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Montifar’s journey continued when he moved to Houston as a high school freshman, a transition that proved pivotal in his artistic evolution. It was in Texas that he further honed his skills, winning several prestigious awards, including the Golden Key Scholastic Art Award and the AIGA Worldstudio Award. These early recognitions solidified his passion for art, pushing him to pursue his craft even further.
Currently studying at Ringling College of Art and Design in Florida, Montifar is committed to refining his skills and exploring new artistic realms. His work is a blend of imaginative storytelling and exceptional technical skill, capturing the spirit of fantasy and sci-fi that first ignited his passion for illustration.
The Illustrators of the Future Contest, which has been a gateway for emerging artists in the genre of speculative fiction, was founded in 1988. It provides a platform for illustrators to showcase their talent on a global stage. Past judges include prominent names like Bob Eggleton, a multiple Chesley and Hugo Award winner, and Larry Elmore, known for his iconic Dungeons & Dragons covers.
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Montifar’s selection as a winner places him alongside other notable emerging talents in the world of speculative art. “Winning this contest is a huge honor,” Montifar said. “It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from industry professionals and showcase my work on an international scale.”
Over the past 35 years, the Illustrators of the Future Contest has seen more than 400 winners, with their artwork gracing thousands of books, comic books, and films. Winners have also contributed to major television shows and movies, further solidifying the contest’s legacy as a key incubator for artistic talent in the speculative fiction genre.
The contest has garnered significant recognition within the science fiction and fantasy communities, as the Writers of the Future and Illustrators of the Future programs have collectively produced over 2,000 novels and 6,300 short stories, along with 6,800 illustrations. The influence of the contest continues to grow, helping to shape the future of both writing and illustration in speculative fiction.
With a passion rooted in family, culture, and a love for fantastical worlds, Montifar’s future as an illustrator looks promising, as he continues to refine his craft and expand his creative horizons.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
