Justin Santora grew up in the greater Chicagoland area and graduated from Northeastern Illinois University with a degree in studio art and secondary education. Unenthused with the prospect of a career as a high school art teacher and motivated by some of Chicago’s many well-known rock poster artists, Santora began working as a freelance illustrator and screen printer. Justin has been producing handmade posters, screen printed art, paintings and illustrations professionally since 2008.
Much of Santora’s work is focused around images of quiet rural or suburban settings, construction, decay, architecture, and large open spaces. His approach is also informed by an interest in anarcho-syndicalism, egalitarianism, and animal rights, as well as a lifelong passion for skateboarding and punk rock. Santora has exhibited work in various cities in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He currently lives in Chicago with his wife and cat and enjoys riding his bike to the studio every day to draw and print.
