Juan Agustin Antonio Pliego Coonejo was born in Tolus Estado, Mexico. Pliego came to New York in 1965 and studied graphic design, which led to work as a layout editor for "Ladies Home Journal". During this time, he took his first silversmithing course with silversmith William Seitz at the YMCA on 8th Ave. and 50th St. Pliego soon became Seitz's teaching assistant. Pliego replaced Seitz in 1974, teaching at the Y until 1980, when he established J. P. Crafts Studio on 21st St. He retired in 1986.