Meet Ivan Roque | Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ivan Roque and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ivan, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe that without risks there’s no reward. When you choose to follow your dreams you must sacrifice so much it’s crazy but the end result is almost always worth it. Don’t get me wrong I’ve had a fair share of losses but its all a part of the process. That’s how you learn you know. As I’ve gotten older I try to take more calculated risks but still take them whenever I see an opportunity for my business to thrive and grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been an artist since I was a kid but coming from a blue collar Cuban family I never thought that art was ever an option as a career. The only one that was truly supportive from the beginning was my mother who was a postal carrier that gave up her own dreams many years ago and she didn’t want see me live a life of regrets and what ifs as well. It was a difficult path even to the point I was practically homeless living in my tiny art studio in Opa Locka at one point. Thankfully I was able to get past that and now have a flourishing career and have worked with many brands and municipalities. My biggest pride is actually my scholarship the Roque Future Creator’s Fund which I started about three years ago at my old high school.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Personally I would take them many of the museums that we have here such as the Perez Art Museum, the BASS Art Museum and the Rubell Family Collection just to name a few. I would also take them to iconic landmarks such as Vizcaya, Fairchild Botanical Garden and maybe even the Metro Zoo. I would check out neighborhoods such as Wynwood, Design District, Little Havana and obviously you have to go to South Beach. If we have time definitely a trip down Tamiami Trail to check out the everglades and a day trip down to the keys. Places to eat I would like to keep it local with Sanguich de Miami, Chef Creole and Fritanga Caña Brava just to keep it simple. I don’t really hangout as much as I used to but I would say stick to the downtown area such as Over and Under as well as Sweet Caroline if your up for some karaoke.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The people I would like to shout out is everyone that has contributed in some shape, way or form to my career and growth as an artist. Organizations that I’m truly grateful for is that of Yo Miami, Wyn 317 Gallery and old high school Mater Academy. When it comes to a person I gotta say that my mom is the biggest shout out as she was the one that saw the potential in me and pushed me to pursue my purpose in life which is to become an artist.

Website: https://www.IVANROQUE.com

Instagram: @ivanjroque

Image Credits
All images taken by myself.