Today we’d like to introduce you to Federico Rozo.
Hi Federico, 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 tend to think that some decisions are taken consciously, subconsciously, unconsciously or even before you are born! So I’m not very sure on which of those plans my decision of having a very close relationship with the graphic arts craft was taken. But I do know that since I was a very young kid I found some kind of refuge in the conversation with a piece of art or design, that is silently celebrated when you’re there composing, or chasing it. I call it “the tunnel”. There’s something in that place that I relate to since a very young age.
It included admiring lots of artists and dreaming that some day I could hopefully get at least a bit less far from them. I used to draw during all my childhood and teenage years until I discovered graphic design, that without knowing I was already very immersed in. I only needed my 10 thousand hours ahead.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been a very varied geography. The road itself hasn’t been always neither smooth nor rough, it just has been. I think it takes a mirror shape that reflects everything that’s happening to you. It will reflect enthusiasm, hunger, dreams, boredom, frustration, happiness, inspiration and what not. It is a mirror. So, as I was saying, geographically speaking it has had lots of different lawns and valleys, caves and peaks; but internally I was always able to rely on my passion and commitment to it; which I can humbly say it has given me a foundation of smooth peace to adapt to said sceneries and situations.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do graphic design, graphic arts, art direction.
I have specialized in branding design, but out there I have designed everything I could: Books, clothing, stages, painted murals, illustration, posters, album covers, etc.
I think I am known for being able to adapt to different projects and adding my vision, or personal approach. Some like to call it my “style”, I prefer calling it my understanding.
That adaptation is what I’m proud of, because I like to relate my craft to other professions like acting, for instance. All my life I admired (slash envied!) the variety of work actors have reach to: One day you’re a bank thief, next day you’re Hamlet, and so on. I find that ability to change very inspiring. I can design a very abstract album cover or I could get on board on designing a soccer club’s crest and branding. I try to bring this to my table in order not to get bored and learn from various totally different worlds. I think that beyond that commitment that I feel most of the times, this is what has kept the spark.
What sets me apart from others is not easy to answer myself, but I would like to believe is my passion, commitment and a way to approach each project as a unique animal itself, thanks to being constantly searching for a foundational concept. In that way I could work on whatever kind of creative endeavor.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters the most to me is the quality of my work, which is based on the wish that it could make a difference by hopefully adding cultural value. I need my work to speak the truth and be genuine. I have too much respect for what I do to only do it to get payed, I need it to be meaningful, and hopefully exist in a way that touches people in a more valuable way. I don’t necessarily need it to be liked, but I do need it to be well crafted.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://federicorozo.com
- Instagram: federico_rozo
- Facebook: Federico Rozo
- LinkedIn: Federico Rozo
- Twitter: @federicorozo
