Sam Estrada

My name is Sam Estrada, and I am a Catholic digital illustrator and graphic designer in Washington state.

Since I was a child, I was always interested in art. Classmates at school would come and start conversations with me whenever they would see me draw superheroes or TV characters, and it was a fun way for me to connect with others. Since my faith was very important to me, my dream was to someday use my artistic abilities to draw others to God and the saints.

Eventually, that love for evangelization led me to seriously discern a religious vocation. I joined an order of religious brothers known as the Oblate Apostles of the Two Hearts of Jesus and Mary. After novitiate, I was recruited to draw graphics for homeschool programs, allowing me to use my talent to teach the faith. I was in my element.

Unfortunately in 2017, after ten years of religious life, I got sick and was sent home. In a state of devastation and confusion, I prayed to Our Lady for clarity concerning my vocation. My prayer manifested into a series of drawings, which turned into pages, which eventually led to my first publication: “Our Lady of Fatima: The Graphic Novel”.

Since then, I have illustrated more than five published works, and I now work as a full-time freelance illustrator assisting multiple Catholic publications companies, including Tan Books, Marian Press, and Holy Heroes

Although I initially thought I was called to religious life, I met a wonderful Catholic woman in 2020. While dating and discerning with each other, I realized we not only loved God and each other, but we also shared a desire to evangelize and serve. We were married 2022 in a beautiful Catholic church, surrounded by our family and friends.

In this past year, we have had wonderful opportunities to travel and visit various churches, youth groups, and organizations around the country. I not only get to give art tutorials and share my books and life story with young people, but we are able to give our listeners hope. Our main message is: “When you give your gifts and talents to Christ, His grace will sustain you with everything you need, for He cannot be outdone in generosity.”