Django Reinhardt, original jazz illustration by Alejandro Milà

Ten years ago, I was selling original illustrations at art fairs, and my Costa Rican friend, Ana Acevedo, bought this tribute to one of the greatest guitarists and composers in music history.

The jazz of Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli, and their band has been with us since we were kids—those jazz standards echo everywhere, from smoky clubs to a random café in Japan. Like many in my generation, I first heard of Django through Woody Allen’s brilliant Sweet and Lowdown, where a down-and-out guitarist idolizes him, knowing he’ll never match his genius.

Months later, an awesome Brazilian tattoo artist, Ricardo Braga Tattoo, told me a Django fan loved the illustration and wanted it inked. What an honor!

So, here’s the story of a little illustration that’s probably hanging in Ana’s home (she’s now in Barcelona, I’m in Costa Rica) and living on the skin of a swing lover in Brazil.

Thanks so much!

✨🎵✨

Django Reinhardt, original jazz illustration by Alejandro Milà

Shane Gillis portrait by Alejandro Milà

Shane Gillis is one of the best comedians today, and although he’s a bit far from me, I look forward to the day I can go see a live show and laugh in person, not just through a screen.

The comedians I connect with the most and admire are those who dance on the edge of humor’s boundaries.

During these months when I haven’t stopped working, one needs to unwind, and laughing is one of the most effective ways to release all the stress that builds up. This drawing tribute is my way of thanking him.

When I started drawing professionally, one of the things I struggled with—and still find a bit challenging, though less so—was doing caricatures of people. I’ve always envied those great illustrators and artists who take one look at your face and, with a few exaggerated strokes, manage to nail the portrait perfectly.

God didn’t lead me down the path of caricature, but every now and then I like to practice to refine my style and, in the process, pay tribute to the figures I admire most.

Shane Gillis portrait by Alejandro Milà