Young and Gifted Graphic Artist Justin Robinson
By Naomi Bonman
IVN Staff Writer
Los Angeles, CA- “My style is me and mine alone, creativity flows through this mind like a painter with a brush to canvas, smooth and effortless.” –Justin Robinson
Having a creative mind and being able to create things through visual arts is a gift, but being able to share that gift with others is more inspirational. The Inland Valley News is honored to introduce its readers to Justin Robinson, a young man who has been giving back to the community through graphic design.
Justin Robinson, 25, graduated from Diamond Ranch High School in 2005. He attended Mount San Antonio College where he received his Associates of Art degree in Fine Arts. He later transferred to the University of Redlands and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Arts. Robinson currently teaches graphic arts as a substitute, and recently signed a contract to be a permanent teacher and activities director at Cathedral High School in Los Angeles.
Robinson’s interest for graphic design started while he was at Mount San Antonio College where he was majoring in art. He came to the realization that everything from magazine covers, t-shirt designs, buildings and everything else is made by a graphic designer. “I wanted to challenge myself. Graphic design kept me going; it kept me excited and wanting to learn and do more,” Robinson said.
Not having a limit of what he designs, Robinson specializes in photo editing, logo design, website design, album covers, advertisement design, magazine layouts and everything else that you can think of. He is very versatile when it comes to graphic design.
Recognizing the importance of attending college, Robinson turned to one of his biggest inspirations, his 4th grade teacher from Montvue Elementary, Mrs. O.J. She encouraged him to embrace learning and strive for academic success. Upon learning from the school’s principal, Alejandro Villa, that Montvue’s culture is one where students are exposed to the idea of attending college, Robinson decided to give every student in Mrs. O.J.’s class a shirt. One of the other teachers at the school brought several t-shirts for her class and one for her husband who also teaches, and from there the idea spread and Robinson was making an even bigger impact on the community.
Robinson also mentored students through a program in Pomona called ‘Gear Up’. ‘Gear Up’ is a federally funded grant designed to increase the number of inner-city students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post-secondary education. Robinson assisted in providing direct assistance in the classroom to students who needed academic reinforcement; he assisted the program coordinator in planning field trips and college tours for students; he also assisted students with academic planning and he counseled students on positive ways to address personal and academic challenges.
In his spare time, Robinson enjoys working out, playing video games, reading, drawing, hanging out with friends and enjoying good company. He plans on pursuing his Masters in Graphic Design and he wants to teach Graphic Design full time and coach football. He also has an interest in working with an advertising agency.
If you are an aspiring graphic artist, Robinson encourages you to, “Never give up. The industry of graphic design is a very competitive field to get into, so it important to be unique and stick with what you know and what you are a good at. Don’t change your style to be like someone else, but have an open mind to new ideas.”
To order a “College Material” T-shirt for community organizations, schools or to give a relative the t-shirt as a gift, contact Robinson online at www.jrobgraphics.com or email him at justin.robinson1987@gmail.com
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