Meet Jorge Rodriguez | Artist & Designer

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

Hi Jorge, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It’s quite simple. I love drawing, design and building. And I wanted to develop my own work, and have full control over the result. The business is still growing and changing, it’s a baby. I just want to see what it will become.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My practice deals in art and design. With that said, I approach all projects with a mix of instinct and careful diagnosis of my parameters. I love working with clients to see what they’re looking for, but everything goes back to wanting to make people wonder. I guess that’s what sets me apart; I want people to look at my work and get close to it, catch the details, find the symbolism, see textures, and think and feel. Starting a business might be the easy part. The hard part is finding the right direction to maximize growth. It goes beyond money though. Money was a big catalyst in the beginning, but growth (for me) is about what this practice is becoming. What I’ll paint next, how things will be designed, what the buildings will feel like inside. This is what’s important. I’m still overcoming challenges, but that’s part of the growth. I welcome them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That’s tough, Miami changes very quickly. Let me answer instinctively. First day, we would go to the beach. Not south beach, probably up between 40th and 50th street, where there are less people. We’d have some beers from Concrete Beach or Vezasur, like a Mango Wheat. Then we’d go to El Palacio de Los Jugos, the one on Flagler and 57th. That is the very best one, and no one can tell me otherwise. Probably at night, for a chill vibe and some good music, we’d go to Lincoln’s Beard Brewery. Personally, that’s my favorite bar in all of Miami. Second day, I’d take them to the PAMM. Then we’d go to Dogma’s for some high quality burgers. And at night, go bar hopping. Probably Mama Tried, then maybe The Corner, and Finally Las Rosas or Churchills. Third day, we’d have a bbq at Matheson Hammock park with my friends. Relax and be outside, and then maybe go to Lagniappe for wine or Bougies in South Miami (depending on the night). This is a compilation of actual people who have come to visit, different characters on different nights. The places are endless, these are just the first that came to mind.

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?
My parents, who nourished ambition. My friends, who challenged and supported the whole way. And my partner in crime, who teaches me every day.

Website: Miamiurbangarage.com
Instagram: @jrodr520

Image Credits
Taimi Torres