Devon Rodriguez shares his artistic journey with the High School of Art & Design

I went back to the High School of Art & Design to share my experiences to hopefully inspire the students. I’ll never forget how inspired I felt everyday when I attended that school. I was mainly inspired by my painting class with James Harrington. Also, walking around the streets of Midtown was very different from the streets of the South Bronx. Everyday I felt a sense hope. Hope that I wasn’t stuck where I was raised and that one day I’ll become a successful artist. I wanted to show them that a few years ago, I sat in their exact seat, in that exact classroom, with the same teacher. I showed them everything that worked for me over the last 10 years, and how I used TikTok and social media in general to catapult my talent. I hope they enjoyed it throughout all of my nervous pauses and stutters lol. After the talk, I sat down alongside them for life drawing and it brought back some beautiful memories. Full video- link in bio
Video by Site B Studios: / @sitebstudios

[@sureshchiatar9641]

I like the fact that he acknowledge and respect his grandma who brought him up in the Bronx. His grandma saved him as per his acknowledgement.

[@thundercloud7850]

Not only very talented but a genuinely nice guy too!

[@lisascarbroughlikens7628]

I love that he didn't forget where he came from. So humble. This dude is FIRE

[@agcopeland9586]

The world is blessed to have someone as kind, compassionate, respected, humble and gifted as YOU ❤ Thank you. What you put out into the world eventually comes back to you ❤ I hope that you are just as happy as you make everyone else happy. ❤ "Be Kind" is truly an example of YOU ❤

[@joyace9674]

The best of the best I never seen anyone that have a beautiful gift like Devon Rodriguez God bless him 🙏for making people smile and cry all at the same time 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I’m from the south Bronx too and my son went to the same school art and design but never made it to the top like you but is all good God have plans for everyone 🙏😊my son turn out to be a navy guy he’s Sergeant E9 almost returning

[@diannemarshall4078]

Devon is a gift and an example of what can happen to you know matter your back ground people can make such a difference. Its nice he returned to show his appreciation. Grandma God had his back. My Brother Graduated from the same school back in the 60s that HS changed his life.

[@ci310]

Brought tears to my eyes just watching you hanging out with the next generation of talent! So proud of you 🥺

[@penelopepalm]

I’m just guessing but I think part of your success is because you seem very likable and accessible. you approach the people on the subways as respectful and humble yet knowing that you’ve done something they will like. Even in this video when you are saying how competitive you are, you are also giving credit to those that helped you along the way. Humility and pride simultaneously. It is an interesting combination.

[@darrenplatts1161]

You have a talent to die for. I'm so jealous. A great eye for catching every detail to perfection. Don't ever stop. Want to see a lot more.

[@takolan666]

agree

[@Fillaaaaa]

Its not all talent it is hard work I wasn't drawing for 3 years and I lost so much skill but I've back some of it now after 2 years since I restarted =)

[@jt_rooster3228]

@@Fillaaaaa Ditto. My social skills became rusty from dropping out of university for a while, but starting to get it back through network marketing.

[@DrunkenTunoGames]

Excellent thing to do... going back to the roots. Wish you keep growing and impacting many lives with your art 🎨

[@HozterDuckTripleX]

@mona wtf

[@jeanie4176]

This is wonderful. As an art teacher it made me so happy to watch he’s journey. I love his humor and sweetness as well.. thank you!

[@lubnabegum989]

I swear if you live in New York I want to be on the subway and you just draw me like your such a good artist your the best

[@gwSocialmedia99]

Much respect!

[@petebraven1522]

They say, those who can, do and those who can't, teach. Love to see you prove that those who can, make the most influential teachers. Humble and down to earth makes for brilliant inspiration and it shows. 🤟💖

[@debm678]

Thank you for sharing Devon. You are inspiring to the younger generation. Your talent speaks volumes when you share your art. The look on the recipients face on what you have done is priceless. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@bigdaddy3189]

a very kind person..respect💯

[@raylewis2121]

The man’s talent is 🔥-and to gift his subjects is dope!

[@Chynadahl33]

You videos make me smile 😊

[@Mibebe59]

I am so beyond touched by your story. You hear about kind going through a rough start but never hear it out of the mouth of the kids. You're so blessed to have been able to get out and become something.

[@maxalgama4173]

U r one of the greatest & best portrait artists in the world. U are an amazing & wonderful person. A genuine honest authentic human being. Wish all the best & loads of good luck. God Bless u & all your family. Thank u so much for letting us know about Henry...❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@guadalupeknippen2636]

Hi Devon, I stumbled upon one of your videos this summer. I immediately was hooked. I have zero talent in drawing . I do have some talent with photography and did take college classes. I do have tremendous respect for individuals like you, your brain amazes me with the beautiful images it holds. I'm just baffled. I applaud you Devon and I wish you much more success. This is your time, you have arrived. 💞

[@wanderlustaesthete4117]

That’s sweet.

[@Zxilloclips]

My last name is Guadalupe to I didn’t know they had much of Guadalupe’s out there. Nice to meet you.😊

[@FlowJunkee65]

Thank God that we still have lots of young people who aspire to make art, create beautiful things for themselves and others to enjoy, to make them think and feel something about themselves, others, and the world. Keep up the wonderful job, Devon. I love your work, young man, and thank you for inspiring other up-and-coming artists to embrace their love and talent for art and keep growing personally and professionally from it.

[@badapple65]

I like that I saw this talk AFTER watching 15-20 of his videos because I completely understand what he’s saying about the hook, the story, have to watch to the end of each video. People feel as though no one sees them, alone in a crowd. I think that’s why quite a few have got emotional when he presents the finished drawing to them.

[@garcia.vferraz2170]

I Love you're art for real ♥️

[@lovingisabel2078]

Your such an inspiration. God bless you. God has blessed you with amazing talent.

[@vincentschreiber9496]

Devon Rodriguez,you are going places young man.Keep striving.

[@celian_ds]

Yo it's cool to be able to see a little behind the scenes :)

[@yolzh8781]

Hi Devon. You're work is amazing. Thanks for sharing it with others. Stay gold!

[@DaveS1969]

Love your story man, i started at 5 while in daycare i watched a kid draw and from then on i loved everything art, by the time i hit 17 i had an offer to a school but at the time none of us could afford the living expenses due to it being in another state. But i continued to draw, watching you inspires me to keep doing it and enjoy it for what it is. beautiful work Devon i look forward to more of your vids.

[@azriym5563]

Such an inspirations. Love your stories & how your art grows. Wishing you a continued success

[@giovaniprospero8554]

Very nice presentation !!

[@NZNFLF]

I love watching your videos of you drawing people on the trains etc. Your an incredible artist and you bring joy to others ❤ 💙

[@markmwangi2449]

true. my dream is to be come to the artistic🙂

[@FranklinNJ]

OMG what a beautiful story its very inspiring and it blows my mind we are witnessing a real life Genius living amongst us in contemporary times you are our Van Gogh our Michelangelo bro, God bless you ❤

[@alankwood]

love watching you drawing.. Such a talent !

[@HueyAT5]

We cannot deny your skills. Will ever feel you have achieved true recognition for your own talents.

[@christinapark90]

It’s really great you share yourself so readily with others. Thank you for working so hard, sticking to your dreams, and sharing all of this with others!!! Hope you get to a place where you know how much your talent and skills are truly worth and see that your work is not to be taken for granted. Best wishes for your future and hope everything continues to work out. 💪💯👍🙂

[@christinapark90]

✏️🎨✏️🎨✏️🎨

[@jonathanjay2594]

I would watch the full videos of you drawing or painting. Dude you are great

[@pretpaulsiingh5490]

I had a bad day today... After watching this trust me I was very much happy..❤️

[@snowbella597]

Truly talented!

[@simp4simps203]

Good for you hermano

[@billwilliamdexter2300]

We are so fortunate to have such talent as Devon..he shares his story to the world so that those who are struggling in whatever area or field of profession,should take your queue from the real and practical journey Devon experienced.those who are ambitious and go-getter you definitely reap the dividend.i am quite inspired...there is no other substitute to hard work.....

[@user-of5wh8xf9k]

What a great and humble Puerto Rican ambassador!

[@jt_rooster3228]

It's a great thing you kept going with your hard work, and society is here to give you a platform for you to succeed as an artist. It's always a pleasure seeing young artists like you rise and shine.

[@dennisbrooks3270]

I think it is great how Devon is giving back to inspire future artist.

[@chrome2yourdome]

Love your subway drawings 🙂

[@andrecinelli]

16:38 it is all about empathy. With your short videos, you can make the viewer FEEL what the person you are giving the drawing to is feeling. And... everyone wants to feel that happiness moment.

[@jasminezazueta7041]

You are Amazing Devon ❤️

[@user-xh3vk2of9o]

Love the whole story that you've shared to All or Us ..Thanks a lot Devon You're an Inspiration to you generation ..Keep up the great work .. Keep Shining n Smile that you brings to everyone faces ..that's .priceless n Awesome pictures ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@s0br.0]

I just saw this video and it makes me want to make my channel go far

[@skashrafasf5684]

*With honour and grateful welcome Devon*

[@izazai6845]

great artist 💙

[@mellc.6007]

We all have different talents and God -given gifts and they are all important. Thank you Devon for sharing it to others. You are an instrument of HIS goodness. Sharing....serving .the essence of living. God loves the giver.

[@leemiller2811]

God bless you, Devon. ❤

[@maxcap60]

so many right handed artists in the class. gives me hope

[@graphitesmiles9688]

Amazing 😊 Thanks brother

[@pemonline3395]

He's a very inspirational young man.

[@brianagorgeousanimecharacters]

How very talented i'm in impressed for you

[@natashagomez5286]

I love how down to earth & humble you are, Inspiring really. Amazing just a Kid from the Bronx 🤍

[@marygonzales5957]

Very interesting down to earth thanks again. Keep it going. God Bless you

[@radbabs2000]

You have an amazing talent and a good heart. May you always have a great life.❤

[@merlindaV]

From Philippines always watching you good luck Devon

[@user-vl6zc6dx5j]

Loved your video! You made me laugh. You are bright, likeable, continue being humble & appreciative to those who helped you along the way. I'm sure your art exposition on sept 6 was excellent. Be safe and God bless you always.

[@mylittlecubecornershmit1252]

So cool!

[@jarredkennedy6131]

Being invited to give a presentation about your career at the same school that rejected you is the best revenge.

[@steva30]

Best laugh... stay humble brother

[@DavidRamos-sr8cx]

Our wold has changed. Social media has become the go-to platform for communication with audiences. Television, movies, newspapers (printed), spam mail, snail mail are antediluvian.

[@ranjansamarakone6101]

I hope and wish one of these days he will sketch me while i am riding the R train to south ferry! What an amazing artist and a living legend!

[@albertosanchez3424]

congratulations , bro,,,,,si se puede

[@juliebates5315]

A master at inspiration !! ❤ 🦘

[@titom6548]

bien amigo Devon. una pena que no este en español. Siempre veo tus videos. FELICITACIONES.

[@damnedifido1062]

I went to this school and Graduated in 2019. Good to Mr. Weinstein is still holding up ❤️

[@eseoraka]

I just discovered you. This is great stuff. Respect. All the way from Nigeria.

[@joycelago1315]

Yes he is 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾❤️❤️❤️

[@SooperToober]

Humble

[@vasurajput5708]

i am big fan of your artwork from INDIA .. thanks for sharing your memory .😍😍😉

[@PaintingErr_1]

It's a really cool talk.👍💖

[@lorealdrayton6164]

AMAZING!!!!

[@MilanGenZ]

So inspiring 🤠

[@Mookie6]

Salute to my fellow artist!

[@nathanaelupdike280]

let's go i love you man

[@vidaspence4117]

Amazing, again!

[@itsalec_s]

I LOVE.

[@sayyedzuber7689]

WOW

[@AbhishekKr.Singh1609]

Love your videos man You the best Question: has there ever been a drawing that you drew but weren't able to give the person who you drew?

[@blampakempus]

Impression video...🤩

[@burntt999]

Awww. Nice video man. I’d really like to know about how fast is your average time to draw someone on the subway. It seems crazy fast. Also I would LOVE a video of you drawing someone without any cuts in the drawing time. Just to see your whole technique. Thank you sir!

[@deannharris2424]

Loved it. Great job. I hope you get to get out of the hood. Your comment was so funny. Thank you for sharing.

[@tarras3292]

Very interesting ❤❤

[@stix_92]

wow

[@leovondall9047]

Awesome dude

[@shrub556]

This is sick bro!

[@tonyramos7578]

Nossa que incrível

[@angelasmith4587]

I love your art so much I and I'm practicing and my goal is to be just like you

[@haroldcalderon9030]

Puertorican in the house!

[@yohanzukamotto877]

congrats to be a art teacher ..sir

[@jonhnpaull2203]

Muito bom excelente

[@Ootabaavicinema]

Hi..I’m from india . very inspiring..very inspiring bro. Thank you so much for your astonish sketch work. Really I’m speechless . Im a normal and non artistic person. Is there any possibility to learn drawing art..specially pencil sketch ..at least ..10% of your skill ??

[@gerardoponciano539]

Felicidades amigo.

[@luisbarboza4988]

Saludos desde Panamá 🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🇵🇦🤜

[@katiemoon7391]

Nice