3 characters by Alejandro Milà

In 2013, I had the great fortune of attending a conference by Oliviero Toscani at FID in Costa Rica. My mother and I were always huge admirers of Benetton’s fashion, largely because of the advertising campaigns Oliviero Toscani created in the 80s. 

One thing he said that really stuck with me was that he loved making portraits of everyone he met because he believed there is no ugly human being in the world.

And I think it marked me deeply because I identified so much with the master: I’m deeply interested in people’s faces and how I can get close to them by drawing the faces I see — sometimes without them even noticing.

3 characters by Alejandro Milà

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026 | Christmas card by Alejandro Milà

In a few days, one of the most beautiful days of the year arrives, when we gather with family surrounded by special dishes, sweets, turrones, Christmas lights, the nativity scene with Jesus, Mary and Joseph, the Three Wise Men riding their camels on their way to bring gifts to the little ones, and Santa Claus too, bringing presents on his sleigh pulled by Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

It’s a moment of wonder, hugs, and love — and a time to remember our loved ones who are no longer with us but surely watch over us from heaven.

I wish you all the very best for this Christmas and the coming year, to everyone who follows me and shows me so much love for my work, my little adventures, and daily life.

We’ll give it our all in 2026 and keep delivering beautiful illustrations to our loyal clients and to the new ones who will surely join us.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2026 to all. ❤️

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2026 | Christmas card by Alejandro Milà

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