Manuel Ponce is one of the most prolific artists in Mardi Gras today. A native New Orleanian, he has been working with carnival organizations for almost 30 years. He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of New Orleans in 1989 and simultaneously embarked on his career working for the largest float building company in the country, Blaine Kern Artists inc. While there, he was privileged to learn and develop his technique and unique style.

Manuel is now one of the lead artists at Kern Studios and designs floats for such super carnival krewes as Rex, Bacchus, Orpheus & Endymion. As an illustrator, his talents extend from float design to carnival throw items such as cups, doubloons and specialty medallion beads. He also has designed and illustrated several well received Limited Edition Carnival Prints. In this website you will get a glimpse of the float design process and see some of his favorite Mardi Gras float illustrations and prints.