|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Award-winning graphic designer Joe Rodriguez, who came to Miami along with his sister in 1961 as part of Operation Peter Pan, has launched “el Cafecito Culture” (elCafecitoCulture.com) as a homage to his Cuban roots and a tribute to the influence those roots have played in the transformation of South Florida.
The el Cafecito Culture collection features a wide variety of eye-catching (and humorous) T-shirts, canvas prints, limited edition signed digital prints and tacita cups reflecting Rodriguez’s vision of Miami. Some of his most popular items are T-shirts, including a smiley face using two tacita cups as the “eyes” and one with a bold 305, with the zero replaced by a tacita filled with coffee.
“My memories of my early life growing up in Camaguey are the essence of my roots,” said Rodriguez, who came to the U.S. at age 14. “They infuse my art with a unique flavor as I strive to encapsulate the vibrant flavors of my culture, Miami, breathing life into each one-of-a-kind creation.”
Rodriguez, who describes himself as a “digital painter,” has won dozens of design awards — including six prestigious ADDY Awards in several different categories — following his tenure with Editorial America (he was art director of the Spanish version of Good Housekeeping magazine) and Ziff Davis publications. He launched his own graphic design agency, Big City Graphics, in 1983.
And Rodriguez is not the only member of his family to make his mark in South Florida. Daughter Jennifer is a four-time Olympic Medal-winning speed skater, and son, Eric, is a multi-Emmy winning producer (19) while with NBC6.
Since the launch of Big City Graphics, Rodriguez — a graduate of Miami Coral Park and the University of Florida — has worked with a wide variety of clients, including the Miami Dolphins, Florida Marlins, South Miami Hospital, Orlando’s Blue Tree Resort and many South Florida Kiwanis Clubs.
“el Cafecito came about after a visit to Little Havana,” Rodriguez said. “I watched as people were enjoying their cafecitos, playing dominoes, smoking their cigars, laughing and enjoying life. I thought it would be great to capture that essence on canvas, on T-shirts, hats, etc. This became the start of what was to become el Cafecito Culture.”
Rodriguez’s parents, Dr. Emilio and Hilda Rodriguez, followed their son and daughter to Miami in 1963, arriving on a “boat” from Cuba, living to see his success with Big City Graphics.
“They gave up everything to come to the United States enjoy our country’s freedom,” Rodriguez said with a smile. “They struggled when they got here but never gave up. That ‘never give up attitude’ — and their love for their Cuban culture — was inspiring and one of the main reasons I launched el Cafecito Culture.”
For more information, visit elCafecitoCulture.com or call 305-323-5367.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
