Today we’d like to introduce you to Rudy Gardea.
Hi Rudy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I studied and graduated with a BFA in Illustration from California State at Long Beach. I began as a Graphic Artist and Illustrator and have been blessed to work for clients such as the NFL, Northrup Grumman and Boeing. I’ve been featured in various books, documentaries and various presentations for clients such as NASA. I have worked in education for the Art Institute at Orange County, Saddleback College and Mt. Sierra College for 20 years beginning in 2000 before landing at Santa Margarita Catholic High School in Rancho Santa Margarita 7 years ago. I am currently managing my Commercial Art and Creative Education responsibilities with much enthusiasm.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been an amazing endeavor. I graduated with a traditional Illustration degree using pencils, paint and brushes. At my graduation show I had plenty of interest until they asked if I had any computer art skills. When I said that I didn’t the thanked me and moved on. I realized I had to get some digital art skills, so I went to Long Beach City College. I studied there for a year while working at a low paying art job for a model company. I then accepted a job at an Ad Agency in Los Angeles working for the man that came up with the Cool-Aid tagline “Oh Yeah!” In the professional ranks the details matter and are essential to survive. I worked on the City of Los Angeles presentation to the NFL to land a team in the 90’s. I had rough computer skills and struggled there for three months before being laid off. I was asked back a week later when things picked up, but I chose to move on. I began working at a marketing firm while studying animation in Hollywood at night. I was invited to tour and apply at Fox feature animation, so I went and spent an afternoon there during their rewrite of the Quest for Camelot project. The recruiter said I was hired and would be scheduled to return the following week to sign paperwork. He then stipulated that the movie Titan AE was being released that weekend and if it didn’t do well, they may close the studio which is exactly what happened. I then toured Fil Roman where the Simpsons were created. As I toured, I had a few friends working there and they told me that their jobs were week to week now as they were moving the operation to South Korea. That’s when I realized the end of my animation aspirations were over. I worked for a sign company and was in negotiations to move to China on a two-year contract to initiate an animation studio there, but delays led me to accept a Tradeshow freelance position with the Bowman Design Group. The best experience in the Design industry I ever had. I was respected and was treated very well. I was there for three months working on an NFL traveling show which was amazing with no expense spared. We rated higher than the show that took place outside of the Super Bowl. We transitioned from that project to the Joint Strike Fighter for Northrup Grumman to the Joint Chiefs in Washington DC. I was preparing a presentation featuring future tech for the Generals to consider for the United States Military branches. At this point I was offered a full-time position. I turned it down because I was hesitant to advertise weapons of war. I loved the people there and learned so much it was bittersweet. As I drove home, I was uncertain of my decision and was considering going to Europe alone to do some soul searching. Upon going to my parents’ house right after my last day I received a random phone call to interview at a college the following day for a faculty position. I never considered teaching art and graphics prior to that moment. I went in the next day on a Friday in late September and was offered the job. I accepted and began on Monday. It was a school that didn’t require a portfolio review, so I wondered about the model. I thought I’d teach for the three months and then resume my full-time creative career…25 years ago. I love teaching and helping students on their life journey just as I was. I am the first Gardea to ever receive a college degree so to chase a career in the creative endeavor seemed like a dream. I eventually was asked to get a master’s degree by the Art Institute which I did attending the Miami International School of Art and Design. I received my MFA with my thesis subject being Propaganda methodology in 2008. This creative journey has been incredible, and I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve met amazing people, and some were creative heroes of mine growing up. People like Jack Kirby and John Romita of Marvel Comics as well as Ray Harryhausen who was the practitioner of stop motion animation in the movie industry. I am thankful to God for the life I’ve had and look forward to the next challenge.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am primarily an illustrator and I have worked on comic sequential art, narrative illustration depicting aviation stories and book illustrations. I draw in a cross hatch style that is traditional black and white style as well as gouache painting for books and I am perhaps best known for my vector illustration depicting Godzilla for G-Fan International Godzilla Magazine doing many covers over the last 15 years. I think what sets me apart is that I was trained traditionally and evolved into digital art. This double edged sword has made me more flexible and available for a diverse set of jobs. I used Adobe Illustrator to create more complex illustration in the early days and have amassed more hours of experience in this program than most. I am the most proud of getting an assignment at 5pm to finish by the next day consisting of twelve aviation assets to complete for inclusion in an animated presentation. I was asked to do the job by a friend in a desperate hurry without knowing my fee or for whom it was for. When I submitted the work the next day my friend was very happy and said that the client elevated me to the A Team. I got paid more than they ever paid for such a rush job and it was for Boeing’s presentation to NASA! What a great experience as I continued to work with them for the following 4 months. It is a great feeling knowing that you can come through when the stress is high.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
Most psychologists and motivational speakers argue that regret is more difficult to live with than fear. I have always used this understanding to garner my strength and persevere knowing regret would consume me. The courage to overcome my fear is thrilling and builds your confidence knowing that I stood against fear and won. Ultimately, knowing I was good enough or not is still knowing, versus wondering for the rest of your life. I have a strong faith that my creator is with me at all times and that I use my God given discernment to make decisions regarding my life’s path. Stay true to self and keep your integrity when making your decisions and it seems I have always been rewarded. I remember when I turned down a solid job working with Northup Grumman due to my concerns about selling weapons of war. I was fighting myself thinking that I may morally disagree with my talents being used for such an endeavor but it would lead to financial security. I chose living without the guilt. By the time I got home that afternoon after respectfully turning down the offer I randomly received a phone call asking me to teach at a college. It seems the Lord spoke to me telling me stay the course because your blessings are being unfurled before you. Teaching was not in my immediate plans by plan to teach for 3 months is now at the 25 year mark and continues. Have faith that your journey is coming whether you like it or not. Stick to your integrity and moral compass. See how your life gets directed in a beautiful way. You have an amazing gift and you need to use it. It seems ultimately, that the people I know including myself embrace the challenge of taking a risk to reap greater rewards and lessons about yourself. It’s a beautiful pursuit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rudygardeaart.com
- Instagram: rudygardeaart
- Youtube: rudygardeaart
