No Loco / Poster

Created by U.S. Marine veteran Jilmar Ramos-Gomez and artist/designer Enrique “Rico” Padilla, “No Loco” draws inspiration from the art form that helped Jilmar begin healing after one of the darkest chapters of his life. Following a severe PTSD episode that led to his unlawful detention by ICE, Jilmar was admitted to a psychiatric ward, where he was introduced to blackout poetry.

At the heart of the piece stands a closed-eyed Marine, surrounded by abstract disorder that mirrors the confusion and intensity of living with PTSD. From that turmoil emerges a gentle stream of leaves and flowing water, representing the peace Jilmar now experiences through therapy, medication, and self-work. The flower growing from his rifle embodies the transformation from death into life. The ladybug pays tribute to the good-luck charm that always appeared on his uniform before missions in Afghanistan; the one day it didn’t appear marked his unit’s most harrowing battle. Through “No Loco,” Jilmar and Rico hope to inspire others to seek peace, clarity, and purpose—especially those navigating PTSD or other mental health challenges.