Doug Rodas• Summer 2023
We’re excited to introduce our Summer 2023 menu artist. The talented Doug Rodas is a graphic designer and illustrator originally from El Salvador, and is currently based in Toronto.
His work often explores themes such as creativity, equality, diversity, and social inclusion. Doug's work tells stories through a party of bright colours, textures, patterns, and typography. Elements such as great contrast, balance, and symmetry are often present in his work.
We love the art he has created for our summer menu, read on to learn more about Doug and his work.
Hi Doug, could you please introduce yourself and tell us about your art journey so far?
I was born and raised in the vibrant, warm and beautiful Republic of El Salvador. As a graphic designer and illustrator, I’m driven by my deep passion for music, my heritage, and my community. In 2018, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Graphic Design from Dr. José Matías Delgado University in El Salvador. Following that, I began working as the Branding Director at a design firm, where I led various projects for local businesses and emerging startups. However, as time progressed, I began to specialize in commercial illustration.
In 2019, recognizing the limited opportunities for illustrators and the challenges faced as a queer individual in El Salvador, I decided to pursue broader horizons abroad. My goal was to refine my skills in illustration and explore greater professional prospects. In 2021, I was accepted into the Illustration program at Seneca College, and decided to move to Toronto.
In December 2022, I proudly obtained my Illustration Diploma, solidifying my dedication to the craft. Currently, I work as a freelance professional, specializing in branding, illustration, and advertising projects. My primary aspiration at the moment is to collaborate on impactful, community-oriented projects that utilize illustration as a powerful means of communication. I aim to connect with individuals who appreciate art and culture.
What sparked your interest in illustration?
I think what captivated me the most was the idea of creating my own visual language and voice to communicate ideas and connect with people. Illustration is an incredibly valuable tool that allows me to convey thoughts and emotions that are sometimes difficult to express in words. It brings more excitement and meaning to my work. This led me to create various characters and scenes to discuss topics that I'm passionate about, such as creativity, equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
How would you describe your art style?
While I believe my style can vary from project to project based on specific needs, there is generally a handmade or manual aspect in the details and finishes of my work. I would describe my art style as a fusion of vibrant colours and the simplification and abstraction of shapes and elements. It is bold, filled with textures, and incorporates bunch of gradients.
Select work by Doug Rodas
Select work by Doug Rodas
How long did it take you to develop your current style?
Honestly, I believe my style is always evolving. I personally think an artist's visual style is influenced by various factors and that is why it’s never static. In my case, my creative style has evolved organically for the most part, but there have also been certain industry factors that have made my work more flexible to adapt to different tones and target audiences. I would say that I started developing my style as a kid, and the fascination with manual finishes and irregularities has remained present in my work after almost a decade of being involved in the world of illustration.
Select work by Doug Rodas
Select work by Doug Rodas
What are the important tools you use in your daily work?
I primarily use my Wacom Intuos tablet and the trackpad of my MacBook Pro. In addition, I use software like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator to create all the digital compositions. Occasionally, I sketch on my iPad Pro, and I also use my sketchbook to experiment with shapes and proportions.
Work in progress of Demetres 2023 Bill Card Art
Have you ever experienced an artist's block? If so, where do you find inspiration?
Definitely. I don't think there is an artist who hasn't experienced an artist’s block at some point in their life. Usually, for me, the best way to overcome creative block is to remind myself that there are things much more important in the world beyond work: friends, family, delicious food, and taking a day to do nothing. Surprisingly, doing "nothing" can be highly productive and allows my mind to rest and recharge for work. However, when there are deadlines, looking for visual references and listening to music helps me get back in the creative mindset for sure.
I have also discovered some great reads that have been invaluable in overcoming creative blocks and providing guidance as an artist. Books like "Find Your Artistic Voice" by Lisa Congdon, "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon, "Directions" by Hallie Bateman, and "Feel It Out" by Jordan Sondler have beautifully designed pages and offer insightful advice for creatives. These books are definitely a must-have, as they provide great insights and inspiration!
What's your dream client or project?
Honestly, any client who allows me creative freedom to develop my ideas, but also those who have a clear vision of what they want - now I realize that’s a bit contradictory! Currently, I would love to work more on editorial illustration projects for magazines like The New York Times, The Globe and Mail, or The New Yorker. I would also love to collaborate with clients in the music industry because music is a crucial component in my life and creative process. So, if any representative from Apple Music, Spotify, or a record label is reading this... you know where to find me! On the other hand, working with small businesses helps me foster a sense of community and makes me feel like I'm part of something bigger than myself. And that's incredible.
Who is your biggest inspiration or illustration idol?
Honestly, I love anything created by I would say Ricardo Cavolo has been my biggest illustration icon for years now.
99.9% by Ricardo Cavolo
I also adore the work of Manjit Thapp and my friend So Lazo. The three of them are distinguished by their unique and distinct visual styles. I love that they have managed to take illustration beyond 2D and have experimented with different media and applications. Additionally, all three have an impressive list of clients. They are literally goals!
Redsun by Manjit Thapp
Wasted Alice by So Lazo
Which of your artwork is your favourite so far?
I think my favourite work is the one I haven't created yet! But joking aside, I’m REALLY such a perfectionistic. However, while I’m excited by the idea of continuously creating new things and discovering the potential of my work, I believe it's important to recognize and celebrate our journey and achievements so far. That's why I would select the project I did for Demetres as one of my favourites. It really aligns perfectly with my visual language, and the work I produced reflects my creative voice and the sense of community that inspires me greatly. I could also mention the Back to School campaign I did in 2022 for Wacom. That project opened many doors for me and allowed me to experiment with another facet of my work that I really enjoy: animation and character design.
Back to School by Doug Rodas
Can you tell us more about your inspiration behind the 2023 Summer Menu art and what messages you wanted to convey?
For the series of designs, I wanted to draw inspiration from activities I typically enjoy doing with friends during the summer here in Toronto, focusing primarily on the idea of a picnic day. I wanted the series to be vibrant and eye-catching, with compositions rich in elements, details, and small easter eggs. I also wanted to create artworks that would invite people to enjoy the season however they pleased, whether by the pool, with a view of Lake Ontario, battling ants trying to steal their picnic snacks, or simply enjoying the colours and flavours of summertime: the seasonal fruits, the colourful plants, and the distinctive aroma of the season.
When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing most in your spare time?
I usually enjoy organizing my music into playlists that I later share with friends. I also love vinyl hunting in local record stores and occasionally do DJ sets just for fun. I also enjoy going to parks and meeting up with friends for drinks and snacks on a picnic, which is partly where I got the idea for the Summer Menu concept, haha.
What's your ideal creative environment? Do you listen to anything in the background - music, podcasts, movies? Do you have favorites that you recommend?
One thing I know for sure, I do love to procrastinate, haha. But generally, I’m ALWAYS listening to music while I work. I’m that annoying person at the office who blasts tunes by icons like Charli XCX, SOPHIE, FKA twigs, or Robyn ALL DAY LONG.
Charli XCX
SOPHIE
FKA twigs
I personally admire musicians who are chameleonic and effortlessly evolve their sound while remaining true to their creative vision. That's what inspires me the most. Recently, I’ve been listening a lot to neoperreo tracks, which is a deconstruction of another genre that originated in Latin America known as reggaeton. Musicians like Arca, Isabella Lovestory, or ROSALÍA have been a great source of creative and experimental inspiration for me lately. I definitely recommend giving them a listen!
Arca
ROSALÍA
If you can give a piece of advice to anyone new in the industry what would it be?
My advice to anyone new in the industry is basically divided in two. First, prioritize education as a means to showcase your work and build an outstanding portfolio. I acknowledge that it may be such a privilege, but if you can, take advantage of academic programs, workshops, and online courses to grow and experiment. Embrace the fact that we are constantly evolving, and don't hesitate to share your work with pride. It truly opens many doors for you.
Secondly, embrace the creative community. Seek inspiration and learning from fellow artists, share your knowledge, and celebrate your progress with others. Also, make sure to trust the process, stay true to yourself, and believe in the value and quality of your work. Infuse as much joy as you can into your artistic vision, remain open to learning new skills for stability (bills need to be paid), and make time for personal projects that give you the chance to explore your passions.
So, generally speaking, just enjoy the ongoing adventure of being an artist armed with a solid education, a positive mindset, and an abundance of passion. You’ve got this!
Thank you Doug for sharing your journey and the amazing artwork!
Here’s our Summer 2023 menu cover
And the bill cards
