In Good Company: Carlos Rolón

An ongoing series of short interviews with artists that we work with or admire called “In Good Company.” Answers are lightly edited for length and clarity.

Location: Chicago, IL

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Degrees: Columbia College, Chicago, IL

Favorite Color: Blue

Hobbies or Personal Collections: News junkie, art collector, Mid-century furniture aficionado

As a child, did you know you wanted to be an artist? If not, what did you want to be?

I fancied to be an astronaut as a child, but knew I wanted to be an artist at a very young age.

Have you had any jobs outside of the art world? If so, how have those jobs informed your work as an artist? 

I’ve worked at both a graphic design studio and at Leo Burnett advertising. The owners of Aquila Graphic Design were incredibly supportive of my personal goal as a full-time artist. The owner was a renowned lettering designer and artist himself, so he understood the hustle. The studio was a large and well-organized studio with freelance graphic designers, screen printers, illustrators, etc. In retrospect, it taught me how to keep my studio structured in a way where I can have a multi-faceted practice. Leo Burnett, at that time, taught me I didn’t want to take part in marketing unhealthy habits that were visually appealing to kids.

What is your favorite non-art object in your studio right now? Why do you have it?

I’m a fan of Mid-century. I have an original Eames Lounge chair that somehow magically destresses me.

What has been a defining moment of your artistic career so far?

Aside from participating in the Venice and Busan Biennale, I would say my first solo exhibition with Deitch Projects in New York (2008) – Jeffrey Deitch has always had a great, innovative, and risk-taking program.

How do you measure your own success in the art world?

By working at being a good father. I stay and seek inspiration daily.

If you were placing artwork in an office, what artists would you be most excited to work with?

Eamon Ore-Giron, Michelle Grabner, and Jonas Wood.

To see more of Carlos Rolón’s work, check out his website or Instagram.