Today I am excited to share the second interview of our Give Thanks series where I introduce to you the amazing people who have helped me make LFID a reality. If you missed it last week, I interviewed Rachel Weaver----the lady behind our blog at LFID. See that post here if you haven't yet!
My next interview features Rob Rice of Rob Rice Illustrations. Rob and I met early this year through a business networking group and have been getting to know each other since. He is an incredibly talented illustrator and one of the most sincere people I have had the pleasure to meet!
For the past 3 months, Rob and I have been working together on an exciting project: LFID's very first e-book! The e-book, titled Home Should Give: Creating a Home that Inspires Joy, is set to launch in the next couple months and features illustrations by Rob. We're both super excited for it to launch! It has been a joy working with Rob on this project so, without further adieu, let's hear from him:
Self-portrait by Rob Rice.
How long have you been illustrating, and how did you get started?
I have been illustrating officially for nine years now. I've been drawing my whole life and I've always wanted to share my talents to help other people with their goals.
Give us your "60 second commercial" on what Rob Rice Illustrations is all about:
Every company has a vision, but what does that vision look like? I hear all of the time, "I'll know it when I see it." Well, I help you see that vision. I illuminate your story through polished illustrations and engaging designs. From business presentations, to portraits, to children's books, I bring your message to life.
Tell us a little about your background and why you decided to start your business:
I studied sculpture at Drury University in Springfield, MO and then Media Arts and Animation at the Illinois Institute of Art Chicago. I worked seven years for advertising in Chicago with international brands and start-ups alike. When I moved here to Grand Rapids, I wanted to take my expertise and help others visualize their passions.
As an illustrator, what makes you different from a graphic designer?
Although I do both graphic design and illustration, the two are somewhat different. Drawing or painting a character or scene is essential to illustration where as graphic design can be accomplished with just artistically arranging fonts at its minimum. With illustration, your main goal is to get your message across without using words, where as graphic design, for the most part, deals with the arrangement of words as the main focus.
Tell us about a favorite project, piece, or achievement:
I think my favorite endeavor thus far has been illustrations with a meaning of positivity. People have really responded well and I feel like I make a difference in their daily lives and my own. You can see some here.
One such inspirational image by Rob.
I love this one! And yes..I do!
What is one of your favorite things about what you do?
I love that I get to know people's stories and what they are passionate about. It is wonderful to see others match my enthusiasm for illustration with their own interests in their careers.
Tell us something about your business that makes you unique:
I can take on a project with very little direction and achieve the vision of the client. If I can, I try to make each illustration unique to the person or company by adding little personal touches that might tell a bit more about them.
Tell us about your process when working with a client to develop a new illustration:
I will have a one-on-one meeting with the client to talk about themselves and their endeavors. I get a feel for the person and what style they would be happy with, and what the main message is they want to get across. I then start with sketches for each illustration and present them to the client. I've always thought that if the client is involved with every step to the finished product, I can avoid surprises and keep to the deadlines agreed upon.
Sneak peak of one of the images
for our upcoming e-book!
What are the ideal types of projects you like to work on?
If a project has me create in a myriad of styles, I find this challenging and quite rewarding.
Do you have any favorite materials, colors, styles, etc.?
Some of my inspirations for illustrations are DaVinci, N.C. Wyeth, Arnold Lobel, Richard Scarry. I do like realistic, surreal, and cartoon drawings and paintings.
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, tell us something that has been a blessing to you this year or what you are thankful for:
I am very thankful for all of my clients and a new start here in Grand Rapids. I am looking forward to a great new year as well.
If a reader wanted to get in contact with you or see more of your work, how would they do so?
My website is www.robriceillustrations.com
or they can email me at rob@robriceillustrations.com
or call me at 734-239-1866
Work with Lauren Figueroa Interior Design
LFID is a full-service interior design firm serving West and Southeast Michigan. We work with clients across West and Southeast Michigan (Detroit metro, Lansing, Grand Rapids, Holland) and anywhere in between, and we pride ourselves on creating bespoke, people-centered spaces—because after all, people are what this life is all about!