Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeston Rodriguez.
Hi Jeston, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always known I wanted to be an artist. I started drawing from a young age and started taking art seriously in high school. I would eventually go on to graduate from New Hampshire Institute of Art with a BFA in Illustration. I ended up moving back to Houston in 2013, it took a little while to get my art off the ground and find my groove but I started Kiss the Grave Studios in 2018. Wasn’t until November of 2o2o when I was able to jump into my art full time, and I had the opportunity to paint a friend’s wedding in April of 2021. I fell in love with live wedding painting. I thought why not add this to the list of services I can provide for people. I launched Rendered Moments Live Wedding & Event Painting in June of 2021 and it took off.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It had been a bit of a struggle in the beginning. Mostly due to having to re-establish myself in Houston, finding what shows work best for me and my work. Had a lot of negative feedback due to the content of my personal work, but I just hadn’t found my niche yet. I’m also really stubborn, so even with setbacks and hiccups, I know I can find another way to make things work. I finally got a good workflow going, so I’d say it’s going great.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in Live Wedding & Event Paintings, Guest Watercolor sketches, murals, commissions, fan-art, painted bags/clothing, and my personal work is horror art. I’m most proud of the work I’ve put into building my business as it has given me the ability to hire on and help other artists. So far I have 6 artists who I can reach out to for event painting, murals, and help sell their art in my booths at markets and conventions.
I think what sets me apart is my drive. I know this is my path, so I give it my all every day. I have the skillset, talent, and know how. If something comes up that has me stumped, I’ll find someone who can help to get the goal accomplished. Quitting has never been an option for me.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
When the shut down started, it gave me the opportunity to slow down and really focus on what my goals were for my art businesses. I was working 3 jobs and doing art in between, but when I couldn’t work, I just started painting every day. I’d be painting 16-18 hours a day and posting on Tiktok and found an amazing and supportive arts community online that I had been lacking. It really did give me the confidence that when things opened back up I let 2 jobs go and kept painting. Then after a few months, I left the last job and went in full time. It’ll be a year in November and I’ve been successful, my businesses Kiss the Grave Studios and Rendered Moments have grown and continue to grow.
Contact Info:
- Email: kissthegravestudios@gmail.com
- Website: www.renderedmomentsart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renderedmoments/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Houstonweddingpainter
- Other: www.kissthegrave.com
Image Credits
Jeston Rodriguez
