Sacramento‑born artist Cecelia Perez is turning her lifelong passion for drawing into a platform for Chicano culture that reaches national brands. From sketching animals at age four to designing limited‑edition McDonald’s cups for Hispanic Heritage Month, Perez’s work reflects the vibrant iconography of her community.

Local roots, national reach

Raised in Sacramento, Perez credits her parents and the historic Royal Chicano Air Force collective for introducing her to the bold colors and activist spirit of Chicano art. “It was really inspiring to see all those colors and pictures,” she says.

Now living in the Bay Area, she continues to start each day with a sketchbook, saying, “I wake up, and I draw… it’s an absolute dream come true to be able to do this on a daily basis.”

High‑profile collaborations

Her mural on a McDonald’s on Pacific Avenue in Stockton caught the fast‑food giant’s eye, leading to a limited‑edition cup for Hispanic Heritage Month and a spot in a national commercial. Perez also appeared in a Modelo campaign that highlighted her artwork.

Beyond fast food, Perez has created designs for the Sacramento Kings, the San Francisco Giants and the youth‑focused retailer Zumiez, where her “Hey Ruca” brand is sold both online and in stores.

Community impact

Despite her growing list of national partnerships, Perez says Sacramento remains a major source of inspiration. She hopes her work keeps the nostalgia and pride of Chicano heritage alive for future generations.

In addition to her visual art, Perez is preparing to launch her first hard‑copy magazine and serves as an ambassador for Ford, further expanding the reach of her cultural storytelling.

Looking ahead

As part of KCRA’s 2026 Project CommUNITY for Hispanic Heritage Month, Perez’s story highlights how local talent can influence national brands while staying rooted in community values and family heritage.

Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.