Video Forever | an art book written and illustrated by Tony Rodriguez
Summary:
"Video Forever" is an art book written and illustrated by Tony Rodriguez. The drawings were created during a 31-day drawing challenge, capturing both active and inactive video storefronts. Alongside the illustrations, Rodriguez provides a captivating, educational, and humorous commentary in the format of an R-rated diary, with insights on his illustration process, the circumstances that led to each drawing, his ongoing love of video stores, and the illustration health benefits and how-to’s of drawing challenges.
"Video Forever" acts as an illustration-based time capsule, immortalizing some of the most saturated and colorful video storefronts from around the world. Opening the book allows readers to press play on a nostalgic journey through these unique storefronts, blending art, storytelling, education, and the enduring charm of the video store era.
Credits:
Illustrator - Tony Rodriguez
Author - Tony Rodriguez
Editor - Valerie Anona
Designer - Austin Davis
Distributer - Lunnchmeat VHS
Specs:
Video Forever is an 8”x8” smith sewn art book with a matte finish that sits about a half inch thick with 84 full color pages. In the text, there are 31 full color video store illustrations, sketches, and diary components highlighting the author’s personal anecdotes, and insight on how to pursue month-long drawing challenges. The book begins with a foreword by Matt Booth of Videodrome ATL.
Reviews:
"Tony and I share a history that spans many years. He authentically embodies the essence of a true artist, consistently walking the walk. This cool little book is a testament to his genuine artistic spirit. The uniqueness of the artwork resonates, and I can distinctly hear his voice in the narratives. Filled with quirky stories and complemented by some captivating illustrations, what's not to love?"
Tim Jacobus: Illustrator behind the iconic Goosebumps series.
"Tony's work throughout this series genuinely encapsulates not just a personal frame of mind of an artist giving his unique spin on the diverse world of cinema, but also provides insight into an artist's mind, brimming with perspective, critical thought, and intent. These notions truly anchor the uniqueness of this series in print form. It's not too common for an artist to come off as candid or deliberate as this."
Sam Wolfe Connelly: Illustrator extraordinaire, known for his exceptional work with A24, DC Comics, and Mondo.
"Tony's appealing style, mixed with the off-the-cuff way he describes each piece, is one and the same. The color choices, the sketchy dreamy line work, and overall compositions take me right back to those good old days. I can smell the cigarettes, the stained carpets, and the chatter of those many trips seeking shelter in these rainy day sanctuaries. The serendipitous discovery of pulling a random tape off the shelf, the counsel and insight from 'the guy behind the counter,' the 'Employee Picks' rack—the list goes on and on. This series makes me want to dive right into the pages and never come back."
"Tony's book transported me back to the golden era of VHS, beautifully capturing my favorite video store in LA with an awesome illustration. This book is a must-have for anyone who knows what's up!"
Ernie Reyes Jr.: Action-packed Martial Arts actor, renowned for roles in Surf Ninjas, TMNT II, and The Last Dragon.
Anthony Rizzo, aka @iamsteelberg: Designer for Sony, HBO, and Bad Robot, crafting retro magic.
"I owned a video store for almost 20 years, so seeing the unique way Tony pays homage to them is especially interesting to me. Each facade stands on its own, outside the influences of the actual street it’s built on. Store logos, neon open signs, and window displays dominate the scene. It’s interesting to see the occasional remnants of the outside world poking into these isolated video store worlds, like graffiti, a parked bike, or street lights. Video stores are sacred places to the people who frequent them. Tony’s work reminds us of the individuality each one represents to the greater population, but more importantly to the sense of individuality we see within ourselves."
Brian Chankin: Owner of Odd Obsession Video, Co-Founder of Deadly Prey Gallery, shaping the modern movie poster aesthetic.
About The author: The works of Cuban-American illustrator and educator, Tony Rodriguez, have been recognized by The Society of Illustrators New York, Communication Arts, Creative Quarterly, 3x3, American Illustration, Latin American Ilustración, and The United Kingdom's World Illustration Awards. Rodriguez typically works with Rolling Stone magazine, The Boston Globe, the Washington Post, and Gallery1988 in LA.
(Portfolio): www.tonyrodriguezillustration.com
(Email): [email protected]
(Illustration agent): [email protected]
Music:
Produced by Danya Vodovoz, / watch v=ABsaf1O9qzg&list=PLq4r2IOXma9BSPbQZX4GUIxzbYpLo_-LJ&index=2