Meet Ana Rodriguez | Illustrator

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

Hi Ana, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to create artwork that was personal to people ,not just merely decorative. It was a very organic transition how it went from communicating from the heart through illustration to doing live painting events where I’d invite people to paint with me and be part of the process. I want people to not feel intimidated by a brush, I didn’t want to simply give them some colors and expect them to create art. I intent to show them that the process of picture making is intuitive and very human at the rawest levels

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
First of all I am an immigrant. That experience really wrapped the way I see my life. Facing the typical challenges that come with being an immigrant made me incredibly strong and resilient. I think my art really shows who I am as a person and how I stand in the world. My portraits are a testament of how life has taught me to read people and to really see them as they are. I have come a long way in my profession as a designer having put myself through school and now developing a name for myself as an illustrator. I am very excited about this newer phase of my career as a creative because as I grow I become more connected to myself and others and more in tune with what’s going on in my community. I guess I feel that my experience has given me a real voice, I want people to know that fear is a friendly monster that’s trying to protect you but if you are brave enough you can use that fear as an ally to accomplish your goals.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh Miami! I have fallen in love with this hot mess of a city. It’s so vibrant. I believe Miami has really come into its own this past decade, it’s a relatively young city that is now figuring out its own identity making it a really great spot to be at as an artist. I’d start with a walk along the Miami River starting in Brickell at the Underline (Miami’s very own HighLine) going west through Jose Marti Park and getting to that new bridge on 1st street. The views of downtown Miami and Brickell are just killer from there. Then get a cocktail at Casa Florida, a very chill spot that feels like your best friend’s backyard. Dinner at Kiki on the River with the cool river breeze and finishing off at Lagniappe for some amazing local music, which truly is its own kind here in Miami with the funky mixture of jazz and latin sounds. If the trip is longer then the keys are always a good idea, the drive alone will take your breath away.

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?
There’s a book called The Lost Art of Heart Navigation by Jeff Nixa. It came into my hands later in my process when I had already developed my style but it really aligned with my beliefs and helped me connect even further with the part of me that wants to keep on going and creating.

Also, Tommy Arnold a magnificent illustrator who I took a class with a few years back. He really helped me with my ideation process and to take my craft seriously.

Instagram: @nitastrokes