About The artist: Cuban-American illustrator and educator Tony Rodriguez brings a dynamic blend of flat color and bold lines to his depictions of pop culture icons, both past and present. His distinctive work has garnered acclaim from prestigious organizations including The Society of Illustrators New York, Communication Arts, NBC Universal, Creative Quarterly, 3x3, American Illustration, Latin American Ilustración, The Illustration Academy, Visual Arts Passage, Illustration Age, Applied Arts, Entertainment Tonight, The Society For News Design, Gallery1988, and the UK's World Illustration Awards.

U.S. & International clients include: Rolling Stone Magazine, The L.A. Times, The Wall Street Journal, The New Yorker, GQ, Smithsonian Magazine, The Village Voice, Johns Hopkins Magazine, The New Republic, The Boston Globe, The Washington Post, The Dallas Morning News, American Cowboy Magazine, Computer Arts Magazine, WIRED Magazine, Country Weekly, DAS Magazine, Blow Up Magazine, Yankee Magazine, Nurant Magazine, Ace Entertainment, Facebook TV, Videodrome, Humanities Magazine, Rhapsody Magazine, Misc Magazine, Peeps Magazine, The London Evening Standard, Common Good Magazine, BBC Focus Magazine, Milk X Magazine, Flaunt Magazine, Black Key Group, The Beach Boys, and Red Light Management. Rodriguez currently teaches Illustration at Middle Tennessee State University.

Born: 1987

Phone: 813-334-1585

Location: Murfreesboro, TN

Email: tonyrodriguezillustration@gmail.com

Exhibitions

"Illustrators 67 Part I," Society of Illustrators, Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, New York, NY. (January 11, 2025 - February 11, 2025). Juried exhibition, Juried, International. https://societyillustrators.org/annual-exhibition/ - Four illustrations were selected from over 5,000 entries in this juried annual international exhibition featuring the most outstanding works of the year by leading contemporary illustrators worldwide providing a platform to the global community to express the events and movements of our times.

"Biennial 2024 MTSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition," MTSU, Todd Hall Art Gallery, Murfreesboro, TN. (December 2024 - January 1, 2025). Group exhibition, Local. Additional Documentation 7 illustrations were exhibited at Todd Hall gallery with the show introducing the artwork of new faculty of Art and Design while also updating the public of the artistry of the department's more senior professors. 

"Cover Your Eyes," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (October 11, 2024 - November 1, 2024. Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/search?q=cover+your+eyes Additional Documentation - One illustration represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Crazy 4 Cult 18," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (August 9, 2024 - August 26, 2024. Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/cult18 Additional Documentation - One illustration represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Smorgasbord," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (June 8, 2024 - August, 2024). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/search?q=smorgasbord Additional Documentation - One illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"The Party," AI-AP, Angel Orensanz Foundation, New York, NY. (November 9, 2023). Juried exhibition, Juried. https://www.ai-ap.com/events/theparty/
Additional Documentation This international juried exhibition showcased the artwork from photographers, illustrators, art directors, designers, curators, and editors that were selected as winners for AI42, AP39, and IMAA11.

"Crazy 4 Cult 17," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (August 4, 2023 - August 26, 2023). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/cult17 Additional Documentation - Two illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Idiot Box 2023," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (June 2, 2023 - June 17, 2023). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/idiot23
Additional Documentation - Two illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"AI 42 The Archive," American Illustration, Virtual Exhbition. (May 2023). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.ai-ap.com/archive/AI/annual/42/#
Additional Documentation One illustration represented in a virtual, permanent exhibition showcasing the selected and chosen pieces from the international competition American Illustration 42. 

"Raised by Rainbows," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (March 10, 2023 - March 31, 2023). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/4eva - One illustration represented in an invitation-only curated physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Illustrators 65 Part I," Society of Illustrators, Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, New York, NY. (January 11, 2023 - February 11, 2023). Juried exhibition, Juried, International. https://societyillustrators.org/annual-exhibition/ - One illustration was selected from over 4,000 entries in this juried annual international exhibition featuring the most outstanding works of the year by leading contemporary illustrators worldwide providing a platform to the global community to express the events and movements of our times.

"Crazy 4 Cult 16," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (October 1, 2022 - October 15, 2022). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/cult16 - Four illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Biennial 2022 MTSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition," MTSU, Todd Hall Art Gallery, Murfreesboro, TN. (August 2022 - September 2022). Group exhibition, Local. Additional Documentation One illustration was exhibited at Todd Hall gallery with the show introducing the artwork of new faculty of Art and Design while also updating the public of the artistry of the department's more senior professors. 

"Idiot Box 2022," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (August 20, 2022 - September 3, 2022). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/idiot22 - Five illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 - each sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"CQ67 Online Gallery," Creative Quarterly, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2022). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.cqjournal.com/gallery/67
One illustration represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing the winners and runner-ups from the international competition Creative Quarterly 67 for three years. 

"The 90's," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (April 30, 2022 - May 8, 2022). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/nines - Three illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 sold as a limited run. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Illustrators 64 Part II," Society of Illustrators, Museum of Illustration at the Society of Illustrators, New York, NY. (March 9, 2022 - May 7, 2022). Juried exhibition, Juried, International. https://societyillustrators.org/event/illu64part2/ - Two illustrations were among 519 winning entries from 3,270 entries in this juried annual international exhibition featuring the most outstanding works of the year by leading contemporary illustrators worldwide providing a platform to the global community to express the events and movements of our times. The winning entries will be both exhibited in New York and published in the Society of Illustrators Annual -- the leading directory of American and international illustration.

"Outside the Lines: Illustration in the 21st Century," Institute of Art & Design at New England College, Roger Williams Gallery, Manchester, NH. (February 11, 2022 - March 12, 2022). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://www.nec.edu/event/exhibiton-outside-the-lines/ Two illustrations being shown at a physical exhibition featuring professional/client illustration work from practicing illustrators from across the country.

"Twenty Years Later," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (December 4, 2021 - December 18, 2021). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/2001 - One illustration represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 showcased as a limited run of 10 tangibles. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"The Party IRL," AI-AP, Angel Orensanz Foundation, New York, NY. (November 11, 2021). Juried exhibition, Juried. https://www.ai-ap.com/events/theparty/
This international juried exhibition showcased the artwork from photographers, illustrators, art directors, designers, curators, and editors that were selected as winners for AI40, AP36, and Int'l Motion Art Awards 9.

"25th Anniversary of Scream," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (October 15, 2021 - October 30, 2021). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/scream25 - One illustration represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 showcased as a limited run of 10 tangibles. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Idiot Box 2021," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (September 24, 2021 - October 9, 2021). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/idiotbox2021 - One illustration represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 showcased on an NES cartridge and sold as a limited run of 5 tangibles. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Crazy 4 Cult 15," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (August 6, 2021 - August 28, 2021). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/cult15 - Two illustrations represented in an invitation-only physical and virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 as two separate VHS designs and sold as a limited run of 10 tangibles each. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"American Illustration 40 - The Archive," American Illustration Awards, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2021). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, National. https://www.ai-ap.com/archive/AI/# One illustration represented in a virtual, permanent exhibition showcasing the "selected" winning pieces from the national competition American Illustration 40. 

"30 Years Later," Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. (January 8, 2021 - January 23, 2021). Group exhibition, Invited, National. https://nineteeneightyeight.com/collections/1991 - One illustration represented in an invitation-only virtual exhibition by Gallery 1988 as both a 1/1 giclee print and 10 high-quality custom magnets. Gallery 1988 is the first pop-culture focused art gallery in the world -- oftentimes with upwards of 2,500 people in attendance per night.

"Portraits 2020," Camelback Gallery, Virtual Exhibition. (November 2020 - February 2020). Juried exhibition, Juried, International. https://www.camelbackgallery.com/portraits2020exhibition One illustration was selected to be exhibited by Camelback Gallery in a juried international exhibition focusing on the theme "Portraits."

"Biennial 2020 MTSU Art and Design Faculty Exhibition," MTSU, Todd Hall Art Gallery, Murfreesboro, TN. (August 2020 - October 2020). Group exhibition, No, Local. https://www.mtsu.edu/art/news/post/120/biennial-2020-mtsu-art-and-design-faculty-exhibition Two illustrations were exhibited at Todd Hall gallery with the show introducing the artwork of new faculty of Art and Design while also updating the public of the artistry of the department's more senior professors. 

"CQ60 Online Gallery," Creative Quarterly, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2020). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://cqjournal.com/gallery/60 One illustration represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing the winners and runner-ups from the international competition Creative Quarterly 60 for three years.

"People," Gallery Ring, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2020). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.galleryring.org/people-june-2.html One illustration was selected to be exhibited by Gallery Ring in a juried international exhibition which was focusing on the theme "People."

"Portrait," Gray Cube Gallery, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2020). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://greycubegallery.com/shows/2020/june.html
Additional Documentation One illustration was selected to be exhibited by Gray Cube Gallery in a juried exhibition focusing on the theme "Portraits."

"LAI 8 - The Archive," Latin American Ilustracion Awards, Virtual Exhibition. (September 2019). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.ai-ap.com/archive/LAI/# One illustration represented in a virtual, permanent exhibition showcasing the "Selected" pieces from the international competition Latin American Ilustracion 8.

"CQ56 Online Gallery," Creative Quarterly, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2019). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://cqjournal.com/gallery/56
One illustration represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing the winners and runner-ups from the international competition Creative Quarterly 56 for three years.

"CQ52 Online Gallery," Creative Quarterly, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2018). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.cqjournal.com/gallery/52
Two illustrations represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing the winners and runner-ups from the international competition Creative Quarterly 52 for three years.

"AI 37 The Archive," American Illustration, Virtual Exhbition. (May 2018). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.ai-ap.com/archive/AI/# One illustration represented in a virtual, permanent exhibition showcasing the selected and chosen pieces from the international competition American Illustration 37.

"Roe Valley Arts: World Illustration Awards 2017 Touring Exhbition," Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre/Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, United Kingdom. (March 2018 - April 2018). Juried exhibition, Competition, Yes, International. https://theaoi.com/2018/03/12/wia2017-tour-opens-at-roe-valley/ Winning illustration from the World Illustration Awards was on display at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre featuring 50 shortlisted projects selected from over 2,300 entries from 64 countries.

"Illustrators 60 Part II," Society of Illustrators, Museum of Illustrators at Society of Illustrators, New York City, NY. (January 31, 2018 - February 24, 2018). Juried exhibition, Juried, Yes, International. https://www.societyillustrators.org/programs/annual-exhibition This is a juried annual exhibition featuring the most outstanding works of the year by leading contemporary illustrators worldwide providing a platform to the global community to express the events and movements of our times.

"CQ47-48 Online Gallery," Creative Quarterly, Virtual Exhibition. (June 2017). Juried exhibition, Yes, International. N/A One illustration represented in a virtual exhibition showcasing the winners and runner-ups from the international competition Creative Quarterly 47-48 for three years.

"And Now for Something Completely Different," Colour + Noun, Northern Monk Brewery, Leeds, United Kingdom. (May 27, 2015 - May 29, 2015). Group exhibition, Invited, No, International. https://blurppy.wordpress.com/2016/05/22/colour-noun-celebrates-the-brilliance-of-monty-python-with- something-completely-different/ One illustration showcased at the invitation-only exhibition paying artistic tribute to Monty Python - officially licensed by Universal and Bravado.  

Media Appearances and Interviews

“Communication Arts” Best-in-show interview https://www.commarts.com/project/34028/andre-3000

“Canvas Rebel Interview” https://canvasrebel.com/meet-tony-rodriguez/

“Studio Bridge Interview” with Illustration Academy and Visual Arts Passage Director, John Englih - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QOFMXxlwqdI

"New 'Aliens Artbook' celebrates the 35th anniversary of James Cameron's iconic sci-fi sequel," Space.com. (January 2022). https://www.space.com/aliens-artbook-titan-books-movie-35th-anniversary An article discussing the release of Printed In Blood's new Aliens Artbook - which showcases a handful of artwork published in the book including Rodriguez's piece.

"Get to Know VIDEODROME: Atlanta, GA’s Last Living Video Store!," Lunchmeat VHS. (January 2021). https://lunchmeatvhs.com/blogs/blog/get-to-know-videodrome-atlanta-ga-s-last-living-video-store- exclusive-interview Interview of Matt Booth, owner of Videodrome, while featuring Rodriguez's pro-bono illustrations that were made during the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

"Tony Rodriguez," Chat and Spin Radio. (January 2021). A live international interview with Rodriguez discussing his illustration career, art and design courses at MTSU, and extended learning opportunities at Studio Bridge.

"Biennial 2020 Showcases Work From MTSU Art and Design Faculty," Murfreesboro Pulse. (August 2020). https://boropulse.com/2020/08/biennial-2020-showcases-work-from-mtsu-art-and-design-faculty/ An article discussing the 2020 Biennial: A Faculty Exhibition of Art and Design which features an illustration by Rodriguez.

"Ghostbusters: Artbook Artist Selling Prints with All Proceeds Going to Four Amazing Organizations," Ghostbusters News. (June 2020). https://ghostbustersnews.com/2020/06/08/ghostbusters-artbook- artist- selling-prints-with-all-proceeds-going-to-four-amazing-organizations/ An article showcasing and promoting purchasing Rodriguez's The Ghosts illustration from Insight Editions' Ghostbuster: Artbook -- discussing that all proceeds from purchases will go directly to the following organizations: The George Floyd Memorial Fund, Black Lives Matter, Black Visions Collective, American Civil Liberties Union

"Exclusive Spreads from Insight Editions' Ghostbusters: Artbook," Ghostbusters News. (March 2020). https://ghostbustersnews.com/2020/03/15/exclusive-spreads-from-insight-editions-ghostbusters-artbook/ An article discussing the release of Insight Editions' Ghostbusters: Artbook featuring a spread from the book with an illustration by Rodriguez.

"Our Top 10 Insights from Past Winners on How to Make the Most Out of Entering the World Illustration Awards!," Association of Illustrators. (January 2020). https://theaoi.com/2020/01/07/our-top-10-insights- from-past-winners-on-how-to-make-the-most-out-of-entering-the-world-illustration-awards/ An article with quotes from Rodriguez and other World Illustration Award Winners discussing the importance of entering competitions.

"Illustration Students Reimagine Horror Villains as ‘Goosebumps’ Covers," Scad Connector. (October 2018). https://scadconnector.com/2018/10/23/illustration-students-reimagine-horror-villains-as-goosebumps- covers/ This article showcases student artwork from Rodriguez's illustration course.

"Check Out Tony Rodriguez's Artwork," VoyageATL. (June 26, 2018). http://voyageatl.com/interview/check- tony-rodriguezs-artwork/ Interview of Rodriguez discussing his path within the illustration industry.

"World Illustration Awards: Interview with Tony Rodriguez," The Association of Illustrators. (January 5, 2018). https://theaoi.com/2018/01/05/world-illustration-awards-interview-with-tony-rodriguez/ Interview of Rodriguez conducted by Association of Illustrators regarding winning the World Illustration Professional Editorial category in 2017.

"Roundtable: What Illustrators Have to Say About Working with Art Directors," SND Campus - Medium. (March 2017). https://medium.com/sndcampus/roundtable-what-illustrators-have-to-say-about-working- with-art-directors-a85488eccb2#.pc15sou30 Interview of Rodriguez and two other professional illustrators about their experiences working within the field of illustration and advice they would give to aspiring illustrators.

"SCAD ATL Illustration Professor Tony Rodriguez on Success, Creative Process & Self-Promotion," SCAD ATL - Her Campus. (February 16, 2017). https://www.hercampus.com/school/scad-atl/scad-atl-illustration- Interview of Rodriguez and his path in the illustration industry for Her Campus.

"50 Great Illustration from 2016," The Washington Post. (January 3, 2017). https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/lifestyle/fifty-great-illustrations-from-2016/ A portfolio showcasing Washington Post's Top 50 illustrations from a selection of more than 450 pieces in 2016.