Luitello – My Ninja Turtle Self-Portrait

For this piece, I decided to take a creative spin on one of my all-time favorite franchises — the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! I imagined what it would be like to step into their world, grab a bo staff, and join the fight alongside the heroes in a half shell. The result? Luitello, my own Ninja Turtle alter ego! 🐢

I gave this version of myself the signature purple mask and bo staff, taking inspiration from Donatello — the team’s tech genius and inventor. But instead of sticking strictly to the classic turtle design, I mixed in some human traits and modern clothing to make it feel more personal and grounded. The torn jeans and casual stance give it that mix of street and sewer style that fits perfectly in the TMNT universe.

In the background, I added a mechanical creature to hint at the kind of enemies Luitello might face — something tech-based, of course! After all, what’s a modern-day turtle warrior without a few robotic foes to battle?

Creating Luitello was a blast and a way to celebrate both nostalgia and personal creativity. It’s a tribute to growing up with the Turtles, drawing inspiration from their teamwork, humor, and timeless sense of adventure.

💬 What do you think of Luitello?
Would he fit in with the team, or maybe lead a new generation of shell heroes? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

🖌️ Art by: Luis Zena
🎨 Title: Luitello
📅 Year: 2025