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This artist of international acclaim has pioneered the design of hundreds of magnificent floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. A third generation native of Los Angeles, Raul’s career began at the age of fifteen, when he created his first Rose Parade float. He has won more awards than any other designer in the history of the Parade. A classically trained artist in drawing and painting, Raul was raised in East Los Angeles, studied at the Art Center School of Design, and graduated from Cerritos College, and California State University Long Beach. Raul has designed scores of grand scale private and public celebrations throughout the nation. Among his accomplishments are as Designer for the opening stage set of the World’s Fair in New Orleans, Art Director for Philadelphia’s “We the People 200” United States’ Bicentennial Parade, and Consultant to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Raul’s concepts over the years have illuminated and imaged prestigious gaming establishments in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Reno and Laughlin. They include: The Flamingo Hilton, Tropicana, Ceasars Palace, Eldorado, Circus-Circus, and Commerce Casino and Crown Plaza Hotel. Additionally, he has created major concepts and images for numerous retail establishments, restaurants, wineries, and entertainment companies. These works include Harley Davidson, and Ferrari Carano Winery (labels and villa). Raul has worked with the Walt Disney Company, Universal Studios, Landmark Entertainment, and Radio City Music Hall in New York. Raul designed all the floats in Disneyland’s 50th anniversary “Walt Disney’s Parade of Dreams”. The parade runs twice daily at Disneyland. He also designed Six Flags’ “Glow In The Park” parade, a nighttime electric parade. Raul has illustrated several children’s books. Internationally, his illuminated designs can also be found throughout Asia. His talents take him to many unique worldwide destinations, enabling him to absorb and capture the inspiring cultures and diverse characteristics he brings to his designs. His philosophy: “To entertain by re-creating diverse dramatic themes drawn from nature and the rich cornucopia of the world’s cultures; to replay concepts from the whimsical to the exotic in larger-than-life presentations that allow me to relate the wonders of life in a bold, unique art form.” Raul’s spiritual quest is to see, discover, savor, feel, and celebrate the world’s diverse cultures, and has led him to study and travel extensively throughout the United States, Europe, and the Far East. Raul was named Hispanic Artist of the Year, was honored as “Distinguished Alumnus” for the College of the Arts at his Alma Mater, California State University at Long Beach, and was named “Citizen of the Year” by the Lions Club. He was awarded the Golden Eagle award for “Excellence in Design” by the Nosotros Foundation, and he and the team received an Emmy coverage of the 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade coverage on Univision. In 2007 he received an Honorary Doctorate in Fine Arts from the University of Redlands. A sampling of his of present and past clients is a Who’s Who in international business circles: Hilton Hotels – Dr Pepper - Edison International - Subway Restaurants - Rainbird Sprinkler MFG Corp. - BP - FTD - Rotary International - Kodak -American Honda - Kaiser Permanente - Lawry’s Foods - Avon Products - Red Cross - Target Stores - Smart & Final - Countrywide Home Loans - US Postal Service - Cities of Cerritos - Ontario - Torrance - West Covina, California - State of New Mexico, USA - Republic of Costa Rica - Province of Nova Scotia - The Netherlands - Republic Indonesia - Thai Airways, Bankok Thailand - China Airlines, Taiwan, Republic of China - and hundreds more, including religious organizations and municipalities both domestic and international.
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Raul R. Rodriguez Design |