Wilfredo Santiago was born and raised in the South Bronx in New York City, He lived there for twenty years before spending two years living in Puerto Rico, then five years living in Philadelphia before returning to New York City. He currently resides in Brooklyn.
 

Wilfredo's introduction to art began in elementary school. He began drawing in the sixth grade; he painted his very first mural in the hallways of C.S. 50 in the Bronx. In junior high school, Wilfredo created landscapes, self-portraits and still-life art. He copied the old masters by looking at art history books. He created his first portfolio for the High School of Art and Design, where he graduated second in his Illustration class.

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From there, Wilfredo went on to a summer program at Cooper Union where only 60 people were accepted out of all applicants. He then enrolled in the University of the Arts, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree.

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Wilfredo currently works for the NYC Board of Education as a Para Professional. He also teaches art to senior citizens at the Brooklyn Public Library. He is currently pursuing his Masters degree in TESOL at Boricua College.

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His dream job is to be an art teacher at his old high school.