From Miami Mechanic to Artist for Latin Music's Biggest Names: The Rise of KA$PER
The Nicaraguan-American painter, sculptor and designer is building a world beyond the canvas, and he's doing it from his hometown
Before KA$PER was creating art for Maluma, Ozuna and Nicky Jam, he was working as a mechanic in Miami. Today, the Nicaraguan-American painter, sculptor and designer has worked with more than 25 A-list talents and dozens of global brands, including Nike, Spotify, Rémy Martin and Patrón. His work has found collectors from New York to London, Australia and Germany, yet he is still building it all in Miami.
A Valentine's Day Painting Changes Everything
KA$PER's career took off during the pandemic when he posted a Valentine's Day painting on Instagram and landed five commissions within 24 hours. Just weeks later, a music executive discovered his work and commissioned a piece for Ñengo Flow.
He quit his mechanic job, set up shop in his mother's kitchen and quickly became a go-to artist within Miami's Latin music scene. Five years later, that scene has grown into a client list that also includes Universal Music Latino.
Making His Mark in South Florida
KA$PER created eight of the ten works in the world's first Basquiat NFT project, which was endorsed by The House of Basquiat. Last year, during Miami Art Week he was selected from a field of artists as the live painter for Nike and Foot Locker's "Forever King" activation, celebrating LeBron James' 23rd NBA season. In 2025, he also completed a residency at Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami and became the first artist to display a sculpture in its lobby. The centerpiece was a 6-foot silver sculpture that he designed and fabricated himself.
KA$HY and the Studio Behind Him
At the center of KA$PER's expanding world is KA$HY, his original character: a masked ghost with a dollar-sign third eye and the slogan "Be transparent." The character is quickly becoming the face of everything KA$PER builds.
What sets KA$PER apart is how hands-on he stays. While many artists send concepts to overseas manufacturers, he is involved from concept to fabrication. His studio, Ka$per Studios, is building a hub for art, fashion, music and cultural collaborations near the Miami Design District. It produces everything from large-scale installations to complete event branding. Its latest project was producing all of the signage for Corona Beach Club at the State Fair of Texas.
What's Next
KA$PER's next step is taking KA$HY into collectible sculptures, animation, fashion and immersive experiences, an identity meant to outlast him and provide a legacy for his family. He is also expanding into a space he has always wanted to explore: women’s fashion. His first women’s clothing line is launching soon, taking the creative energy of his art off the canvas and into something people can wear.
In the meantime, he is preparing for Miami Art Week, with the same hometown energy that carried him from his mother's kitchen to the biggest names in Latin music.
To follow KA$PER's work, visit Ka$per Studios online at https://kasper-studios.com/ or follow @kaspermiami on Instagram for more.