By Raul R. Rodriguez (‘69, Art)
1993 CSU Long Beach Distinguished Alumnus
College of the Arts

A Rain Bird® float by Raul R. Rodriguez takes shape behind the designer.

Note: Raul is featured in the “Working for California” project.  He is an award-winning and internationally recognized designer who has created hundreds of floats for the Tournament of Roses Parade.  Each year, float designs by Raul are brought to life by float builders, and thousands of workers and volunteers, to be shared with millions of people across the United States and abroad. 

It is a blessing to be able to capture a vision in my mind and then express that vision on paper.  I’m even more fortunate to see that design translated into a float, a building façade or an architectural detail.  It is thrilling to look at the final product and know that I was the first person to visualize this concept, which now has a physical presence.

I design many things for a living.  Some of my designs are whimsical, serious or simply gorgeous.  While designing, I look for inspiration wherever I can with nature being one of my favorite sources.  I believe that few designs are entirely new, yet the art comes from the perspective of the individual with a different way of looking at everyday things. More …