BIO

Raised in Far Rockaway, Queens, NY, Daniel Larios—also known as the Cardiartist—was diagnosed with a congenital heart defect at just four years old. Since then, he has endured multiple heart surgeries throughout his childhood and into adulthood. Through every challenge, Daniel was blessed with artistic talent, creating logos and brand identities for several businesses. But this time, he chose to design something deeply personal: a logo that symbolizes how he survived the painful journey of being a heart patient.

Millions around the world can relate to the same struggles—feeling the anxiety before surgery, the pain of recovery, and the lasting scars both inside and out. This logo was born during a bleak and fragile point in Daniel’s life, when he was given a 50/50 chance of survival. Instead of giving in to fear, he leaned into the one thing that had been healing him since the age of four: art.

Determined to use the second chance God gave him, he created something meant to unite hearts everywhere and shift how people view heart patients. That vision became Cardiartist—a platform and movement to show that while we may not wear capes, we wear courage like armor.

“The Cardiartist is born to help us put on a brave face—because unlike a superhero, Cardiartist is far from perfect. But like myself and every other person with CHD, the one thing we’ve all perfected is courage.” – Cardiartist

🎨 Creative Heart Designs — Empowering the CHD Community Through Art

In 2023, Daniel launched and continues to host the first and only CHD-dedicated fundraiser of its kind—a creative initiative designed to raise funds for a different heart-related charity each year. Focused on celebrating and empowering the CHD community, this event uses the power of art to bring people together in support and solidarity.

Each year during Heart Month, a lineup of over 35 artists create original works on Cardiartist’s signature heart-shaped wooden canvases 🖼️. These powerful pieces are auctioned to benefit the heart community, helping fund resources, research, and support for those living with heart conditions.

It’s more than just a fundraiser—it’s a movement that blends creativity, connection, and courage in a format that continues to grow and inspire. While others raise awareness in many important ways, this fundraiser has carved out its own path—bringing artists and heart warriors together like never before.

While this bio shares the foundation of his journey, it only scratches the surface of this story— but the voice behind it tells it differently.

🎥 Watch a recent interview below.

To read the original interview, click HERE and refer to page 52