Fernando “Ski” Romero is a New York-based graffiti artist and muralist whose vibrant, layered works reflect the rhythm, tension, and spirit of the city that raised him. Born and bred in Astoria, Queens, Romero’s creative journey began in the early 1990s, painting subways and city streets—following in the footsteps of the graffiti legends who shaped New York’s visual culture.

After graduating from Thomas Edison High School, Romero went on to study at Parsons School of Design, where he earned a degree in Marketing in 2002. He spent several years in the corporate world, working in PR and marketing, before ultimately returning to his first love: art. In 2005, he left his 9-to-5 behind and began selling his artwork in SoHo, turning the streets of downtown Manhattan into both gallery and proving ground. By 2009, his bold, evolving style had captured the attention of curators and collectors, leading to his first gallery exhibitions and an ever-growing audience.

Romero’s practice combines photography, silk-screening, and mixed media with large-scale murals that tell stories of memory, movement, and urban identity. His signature aesthetic—a balance of abstraction, architectural elements, and graffiti motifs—is meant to be unpacked layer by layer, much like the city itself. With each piece, he invites viewers to rediscover beauty in the unexpected, and to see graffiti not as vandalism, but as preservation—a visual chronicle of time and place.

Over the years, Romero’s work has traveled across borders, appearing in exhibitions and public projects worldwide. He has collaborated with major brands such as Davidoff Cigars, Round21, and NBA Lab, and his art has been featured on popular shows including Californication, Ray Donovan, and Hot 97. Deeply committed to community, Romero has also devoted time to mentoring inner-city youth—one of the most meaningful parts of his career.

 For Romero, art is a process of continual evolution—pushing boundaries, refining voice, and connecting with people through creativity and authenticity. He lives and works in Long Island City, New York.