Artist Interview: Adolf Rodriguez

Adolf Rodriguez, AKA Famous Adolf, is an Illustrator, Animator, Graphic Designer and Print Maker based in Barcelona! His main practice is Lino Printing, after finding himself drawn to the method over his Advertising and Public Relations background. He takes inspiration from American superhero comics from the 60's and 70's, Science Fiction, Graphic Design, vintage toys etc!

We had the pleasure of asking Adolf a few questions, delving into his world of lino printing!

©AdolfRodriguez

'This would be the order from love to hate, IDEA-DRAWING-CARVING-PRINTING-CLEANING.'

Adolf Rodriguez

'One day, while attending an Illustration workshop, the teacher brought some gauges and materials to make stamps and I realized printmaking was the funnest thing. That very same day I bought myself a starter kit and I haven't stopped making prints since then.'

 Adolf Rodriguez

Q: We love your signature halftone style in your printing! Have you always been interested and inspired by American superhero comics/science fiction?

Thank you, yes. I've been in love with American superheroes comics for as long as I can remember. As a kid I would spend hours looking at reprints by Kirby, Romita or Buscema and try to figure out how the color layers would configure such beautiful artwork.

Comic Characters ©AdolfRodriguez

Q: Would you be able to detail your art journey up to now and how you found the love for print from an advertising and media background?

I discovered the passion for Illustration while studying Advertising and Public Relations. I was so bored at class and so uninterested in the subject matter that I started drawing to entertain myself. After I graduated I started working in Graphic Design trying to set my foot in the Illustration and Animation world with very little success. One day, while attending an Illustration workshop, the teacher brought some gauges and materials to make stamps and I realized printmaking was the funnest thing. That very same day I bought myself a starter kit and I haven't stopped making prints since then.

Designs for NEFF Brewing ©AdolfRodriguez

Q: What's your favourite part about lino printing and least favourite part?

I love having the idea of a print and from there it only goes downhill. This would be the order from love to hate, IDEA-DRAWING-CARVING-PRINTING-CLEANING. Once I have the print in my hand I can't wait to put it in a drawer, forget about it and move onto a new thing.

Q: What would you say is the main difference between your process when you're designing for digital vs for lino print?

The electric bill.

'Western Characters' ©AdolfRodriguez

Q: Which art materials could you simply not live without?

My apron, without it I'd be completely naked.

Q: Could you tell us some fun facts people may not know about you?

I almost married a princess.

'Wonder Woman' ©AdolfRodriguez

Q: What is the best piece of advice you've heard or been told in your art career?

In my last year of university one of my teachers told me "You'll never make a living out of your illustrations". I would like to say hello to him if he's reading this (waves hello with his hand).

Q: Thank you so much for your time and knowledge! We would love to know what you are currently working on/ do you have any exciting future plans in the making?

At the moment I'm working on some more Dancing Classic Monsters to have some sort of Monster Mash collection. Let's see how may I can come up with before Halloween! Thanks!

Spooky Prints ©AdolfRodriguez

Be sure to follow and find out more about Adolf Rodriguez:
Instagram: @Famousadolf
Website: www.famousadolf.com

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