Meet Eric Rodriguez

Today we’d like to introduce you to Eric Rodriguez.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was born and raised in the Central Valley of California. I grew up in the largest city of the mostly rural Tulare County, but even then I was far removed from the culture hubs in Northern and Southern Cali. Although it’s the “Gateway to the Sequoias”, my home city can definitely be considered a farm town — at least at the time of my adolescence.

Any fun to be had or adventure to be found had to be deliberately sought out. Since the art and culture of more metropolitan places was not immediately available, I learned to make the most of whatever resources I had. It was these teenage years where the connections between friendship and storytelling were made in my mind, and the longing to find purpose through belonging to a place started. I grew to cherish any friendships I made that inspired and encouraged my artistic pursuits. As an adult, I’ve learned to be grateful for this.

When the time came to pick a path towards higher education and beyond, I opted for the part of my life that had always propelled me forward: illustration.

That’s what brought me to Los Angeles, where I studied at Otis College of Art and Design. Eight years after graduating, I think my work is still fueled by the friendships that support me and desire to feel connected to a place.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think my struggles have been distinct or different from anyone else who’s forced to live in a system that requires you to work in order to survive.

Beyond that, I’ve been lucky in the sense that some of my most difficult challenges have been those I’ve imposed on myself. I’ve had to work hard to get out of my own way.

I’ve been privileged with good health, a loving family, and supportive friends and that’s made all the difference.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Outside of freelance illustration, I currently work for a print-on-demand company that creates all sorts of printed apparel items. I create designs for customers that they can use for their business; I design everything from graphic tees to embroidered hats to sublimated print dresses. It’s rewarding work, in its own way, but the work I’m most proud of are the projects that are directly tied to whatever community I’ve been a part of.

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
It’s difficult to resist at least partially defining success as being able to live off my work. However, that’s a structural trap I’m trying desperately to escape.

By the time I’m too old to lift a pen, I want to feel more proud than embarrassed of the work I’ve done. I want to feel more curious than ignorant, more caring than callous. Right now, I feel the best way to accomplish that is to participate in projects that enhance my community and give back to the people in my life I care about.

Contact Info:

• Website: pulppen.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulppen_/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/pulppen_

Image Credit:
Eric Rodriguez

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