Siting here at home working on some new illustration inspired by my fpv journey.
hope you enjoy.
J.Diaz
photo by Deb Rey
If you’ve ever looked up to the sky and wondered what it would be like to soar through the clouds, then FPV (First-Person View) flying is about to take you on a wild ride of laughter, discovery, and more than a few facepalms. Let me take you on my incredible journey through the highs and lows of this exhilarating hobby, where the struggles are real, but the joys are even more profound.
As a curious idiot—yes, I proudly wear that badge—I embarked on this FPV adventure with wild dreams of racing through vibrant landscapes and performing aerial acrobatics that would make even an eagle envious. My first step? Research. Endless hours on YouTube and forums led me to believe I’d be the next drone pilot sensation. Spoiler alert: it didn’t quite go that way.
photo by Deb Rey
My first drone was an absolute beauty: sleek, shiny, and, frankly, a little intimidating. With wide eyes and trembling fingers, I took it out for its maiden flight. What could possibly go wrong? After a spectacular takeoff that saw my drone dart skywards, panic set in as it began to veer off course. I had one thought: “I have no idea what I’m doing!”
Before I knew it, my beautiful bird collided with a tree, and I was left with half a drone and a bruised ego. But hey, it was all part of the learning curve, right? After picking up the pieces (literally), I dove back into my research, armed with a newfound sense of goofy determination. Each crash and mishap became a hilarious chapter in my journey.
photo by Deb Rey
As I persisted, I discovered the incredible community that surrounds FPV flying—my fellow “homies.” These characters are the real magicians of the skies, each with a unique story and style. We bonded over shared experiences, from catastrophic crashes to triumphant tricks. With each flying session, laughter filled the air as we swapped tips, shared failures, and cheered each other on.
One of the joys of this hobby is how it unites people—from seasoned pilots to newcomers like myself, all with a shared passion for flying. Together, we explored abandoned buildings, skate parks, and breathtaking landscapes. I can’t count how many times I found myself giggling at a friend’s epic fail as they attempted a backflip on a drone, only to end up in a dizzying tumble to the ground. The camaraderie in our curiosity was palpable.
And let’s not forget the euphoric moments! Nothing compares to the rush of donning those FPV goggles and experiencing flight as if you were in the cockpit. The world shrinks beneath you, and the beauty of the surroundings reveals itself in ways you never thought possible. Those breathtaking vistas, the adrenaline of racing through trees, and the sense of freedom are invaluable.
With every challenge I faced—be it fixing a broken propeller or convincing myself that yes, I could indeed fly through that gap—I learned that FPV flying is as much about embracing the journey as it is about the destination. It taught me resilience, humility, and camaraderie in the most unexpected ways.
So, here I am, a slightly wiser yet still curious idiot, with a passion for FPV flying that’s only getting stronger. It’s a journey filled with struggles, laughter, and unforgettable friendships. If you’ve ever considered taking to the skies, I say go for it! Embrace the learning curve, revel in the joys, and remember: it’s not just about where you fly; it’s about who you meet along the way.
Let’s keep flying, friends! ✈️💨
coming soon……
I’m thrilled to share my newest illustration work created entirely in Adobe Illustrator—a vibrant character born from my fascination with vector illustration! 🎨✨ This latest project has not only allowed me to express my creativity but has also deepened my appreciation for the art of digital design.
Creating a character from scratch is a truly rewarding experience. The process begins with brainstorming ideas and sketching concepts, where every line drawn sparks a new layer of inspiration. With vector graphics, I love the precision and scalability they offer. It’s incredible how I can build my character with clean lines and vibrant colors, ensuring every detail shines at any size!
One of the greatest joys of web creative is witnessing the evolution of an idea into a fully-formed piece of art. As I developed this character, I found myself experimenting with different shapes and color palettes, allowing my creativity to flow freely. That moment when everything clicks together—a unique character with personality and flair—is immensely fulfilling.
Moreover, the process of development isn’t just about the final product; it’s about the journey. Each step—whether it's refining shapes, playing with shadows, or adding textures—contributes to a deeper understanding of design principles. I find that the more I immerse myself in this creative process, the more I grow as an artist.
Vector illustrations have become more than just a style for me; they’re a form of storytelling. Every curve and color choice communicates a narrative that I’m excited to share with the world. I can’t wait for you to see the result of this creative adventure, and I hope it inspires other artists to take the plunge into the wonderful world of digital illustration!
Stay tuned as I continue to explore new characters and creative projects in my journey. Let’s embrace the beauty of web creative together! 🌟
#VectorIllustration #AdobeIllustrator #DigitalArt #CreativeProcess #CharacterDesign #WebCreative #ArtJourney
Working on the branding for the 2019 WWE NXT TakeOver in Brooklyn was an incredible journey that showcased the power of collaboration and creativity. Our goal was to encapsulate the vibrant energy and unique flair of Brooklyn while embedding it into the DNA of the WWE brand.
The project was a true team effort, drawing insights and talents from multiple departments—including marketing, creative design, and event production. We aimed to create an atmosphere that resonated with the local culture, reflecting the unmistakable Brooklyn vibes that fans have come to love.
From color palettes that embodied the energy of Brooklyn’s skyline to design elements that mirrored the local sports teams, every detail was thoughtfully considered. The branding materials, from posters to merchandise, aimed to evoke excitement and anticipation, enhancing the overall event experience.
The phrase "Ultimate Brooklyn Experience" became the cornerstone of our branding strategy, conveying the thrill of WWE’s high-octane performances situated in one of the most iconic neighborhoods. By harnessing the influence of local culture and merging it with WWE’s dynamic identity, we successfully created a brand narrative that resonated with both local fans and the global WWE audience.
The collaboration and creativity poured into this project not only elevated the WWE branding for NXT TakeOver 2019 but also highlighted how powerful teamwork can lead to exceptional outcomes in the world of sports entertainment. The success of this campaign reinforced the importance of blending brand identity with local culture, ensuring that every event feels like a unique celebration of community and passion.
This experience stands as a testament to the artistry of branding—where creativity meets cultural significance, and every project becomes a memorable chapter in the ever-evolving story of WWE
Transforming Visions into Reality: My Journey in Key Art Design
In the world of entertainment, first impressions matter, and that’s where I come in! 🌟 I’m thrilled to showcase my latest work: a captivating key art poster created for the Net GE Network, WWE, History Channel, and other major entertainment names.
This project highlights my diverse photo manipulation skills and expert digital painting techniques, blending creativity with storytelling to create visually stunning posters that leave a lasting impact. Whether it’s crafting dynamic character compositions or bringing narratives to life through compelling visuals, each piece represents the essence of what these brands symbolize.
Join me on this artistic journey as I explore the fusion of creativity and technology, pushing the boundaries of design to capture the essence of these iconic brands. Check out the variety of styles and techniques in my portfolio, and witness how I elevate brands with each creation! 🎨✨
Let’s redefine visual storytelling together! #KeyArt #GraphicDesign #PhotoManipulation #DigitalArt #WWE #EntertainmentDesign
Got an amazing opportunity to get to design and direct a seminar video campaine for the Igor Gracie Academy in westchester ny, filmed and edited .
Working on some thing new , keeps you motivated to strive for greatness in your profession.
here is a glimpson a new real estate video i am directing .
this past president day weekend i team up with the We Defy Foundation and Renzo Gracie academy had contacted me to direct and film an event in hart of new york city.this event was to raise money to help disabled vets in there journey to fight against ptsd and 22 suicided that attacke the veteran community on a day to day. this was an amazing experience and great team to colaberate with.
working with the legendary family of martial arts has been a great privilege and excellent experience….
i was employed by Igor Gracie over the past year to become the Director of Marketing and Social Media for his brand, i was task to generate some key art marketing peices for there online camain for there most anticipated work shop .
![gracie-advendture-8.5x-11-print-2022[1371].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5f32c74cdfc92c3c5d7c64a8/1678723123994-I54A4OU9ZBKEJO8TXSBD/gracie-advendture-8.5x-11-print-2022%5B1371%5D.jpg)
� CAPTURED GoPro hero7 /ND8 #fpvfreestyle #fpv #fpvlife #drone #fpvdrone #fpvaddiction #dronestagram #fpvaddict #fpvpilot #quadcopter #fpvmagazine #fpvlifestyle #videography #goprohero7 #iflightgo #iflightnazgul5 #fpv #fpvfreestyle #fpvbeginner #fpvlife #fpvcinematic #goprosession #djifpv #djifpvsystem
sessions is a on going personal project that hold dear to my heart, ialways loved filmin and action when i was in my mid 20`s i was an action photographer working freelance for skate magazines, it seem like ages ago as i got older and started a family i had to change my hobbies and lifestyle, 5years ago i started jiujitsu and sincethat day i havent looked back anything els and with that came this project a way to show case jiu jtsu in a skate style edits so when we get much older we can alwasy look back at the thing that we dedicated blood sweet and tears for.
and this is all shot on an IPhone 12 Pro….
learning new skills is always challenging .live is about growth, what better way to grow than a challenge. here i am learning to fly FPV “first person view” drones. you can tell a-lot about me in this video, i am not afraid of failure.
Filmed and Edited by: J.Diaz
