Introducing artist Denn Rodriguez and her work

My mission as an artist

My mission is to one day live off my art; meaning, being solely devoted to illustrating and/or creating new and innovative series of plushies and character designs. My immediate goal is to get people to know my work, sell my plush creations in boutique galleries across the country, and to participate in art events or festivals across the United States, and internationally.

About myself

My name is Dennise "Denn" Rodriguez, creator and creative designer of the OctoKitty brand. I was born and raised in Camuy, a small town on the northwest end of Puerto Rico. Growing up, I spent a lot of time working with ink, cardboard, and paper at my parents' Print shop. Based on my early age experiences, I knew that art and design would always be an important part of my life. Shortly after graduating high school, I moved to South Florida to pursue a bachelors degree in Graphic Design at the Art Institute in Fort Lauderdale. Since graduating in 2002, I have worked as a Web Designer and Graphic Designer for various firms in South Florida. I currently hold the position of Art Director at a succesful web interactive firm in South Florida. Recently, I relocated to Buffalo, New York from Boca Raton, Florida to expand my life experiences... Yes, insert snow joke here, I've probably heard them all by now.

I try to keep a balance between work, art, and a personal life. A lot of times there is no division between the three, but I wouldn't have it any other way. When I am not working or hanging out with people, I am sketching characters, developing new plushies, brainstorming cute creatures in my head, and dreaming of new travels and adventures. A lot of my inspiration comes from love ones and a good collective of creative and supportive friends; however, I am always looking for ways to expand my artistry and to meet other driven artists.

About my artwork

If you haven't seen my work yet, stop reading this and go to my portfolio page! All kidding aside, I can write all day about art but I still haven't figured out how to bring what I do to life in words. I consider myself a Graphic Artist. Why? Because I am trained academically and professionally as a Graphic/Web Designer, but many refer to me as an "artist". So, I guess I have had to make a compromise, Graphic Artist it is! A large part of my illustrations consist of cute, sometime mischievous creatures. My inspiration is a representation of me. I am often referred to as quiet; however, my retort is "the quiet ones are the ones you have to worry about". In my case the "quiet ones" happen to be cute, sometime menacing, characters. My plush work process usually starts with a sketch on paper; unfortunately, many times my sketchbook never seems to be around when I need it (arrrgh!). Prior to creating the plush, I usually put my drawing into vector format using Adobe Illustrator, there is were I decide on the dimensions and create the pattern. Sometime I get carried away and I end up creating illustrations instead of patterns... umm or maybe it's because I love to make illustrations. Anyway the whole process of creating a new character (illustration or plush) and thinking of what kind of individual it is, it's were I have the most fun.

To experience my work in person visit Gallery 464 (Buffalo, New York), Buffalo Arts Studios (Buffalo, New York) and OhNo!Doom (Chicago, Illinois), more galleries and boutique shops to be added soon.