Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Aragon.
Robert, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m a self-taught artist and San Diego native. I began painting and drawing before I could form and verbalize sentences… so, creative expression is the essence of my being.
Needless to say, my sensitive nature left me quite vulnerable to constant bullying during my schooling years. As a means of escape from high school, I accepted a job working with terminally diagnosed cancer patients. It was in this environment where life lessons, philosophies and richness of life grabbed a hold of me and influenced my art.
Encouraged by such people as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Vincent Price, I pursued a professional art career. Then in 1998 at age 33, I suffered a stroke which left my right eye partially blind.
After 2 years of creative inactivity, I retaught myself how to use a drawing pencil and found a new emotional richness within my artwork not present prior to the stroke. I have been blessed to have won awards in every creative field and currently, my children’s book and property is garnering the awards and attention.
My fine art paintings have exhibited internationally and represented by the prestigious Bridgeman Art Library. I have worked with such studios as Universal, Sony, HBO, Columbia, Warner, Hammer, and many more. In 2015, I introduced a small promotional soft cover of my very first children’s book titled “A Tiny Teddy named Cuds”.
The emotional response from the audience was so overwhelming, it became clear to me that my challenging and painful experiences as a child had somehow imbued my character with a relatable quality instantly recognized by the reader.
“A Tiny Teddy named Cuds” is anyone and everyone who has ever felt alone or left behind. I decided the only way to truly share the healing love my character represents is to create a small press company dedicated to my teddy bear and his philosophy: “Dreams are not limited by size and love will always be the key”.
Thus, Tiny Teddy Press, L.L.C. was born!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road. But, I’m sure it could have been much rougher! The fans have made the rough road seem much smoother than it actually has been. They certainly have made the struggle worth it!
Marketing is certainly the most difficult of challenges. Nearly impossible to get the appropriate exposure on the internet. VERY difficult indeed.
Please tell us about Tiny Teddy Press.
I’m the CEO of Tiny Teddy Press, L.L.C., a small publishing company offering books and toys based on my multi award-winning character, “A Tiny Teddy named Cuds”. Currently, I’m working with Bill Diamond Productions on a very special children’s television show aptly titled “A Tiny Teddy named Cuds”.
I’m also the artist, creator and writer of all things related to Tiny Teddy Press. A Tiny Teddy named Cuds and TinyTeddyPress, L.L.C. characters are exclusively represented by the Marketing Immersion Company.
I’m proudest of the love people share with me when discussing “Cuds” with me. They share deep personal dreams and aspirations…. we meet as strangers and part as friends. A Tiny Teddy name Cuds sets me apart from any and every other company. This tiny teddy is as unique as your experiences are to mine.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would not change a thing! Truly. I feel as if I have been guided by an invisible force.
Pricing:
- A Tiny Teddy named Cuds Had Cover Book $15.99
- The Cuds Plush $10.99
Contact Info:
- Address: 5003 Oceanside, CA 92052
- Website: www.tinyteddypress.com
- Phone: 619 994 8392
- Email: Tinyteddypress@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cuds_teddy/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ATinyTeddynamedCuds/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/tinyteddypress
- Other: https://tinyteddypress.com/
Image Credit:
Don C. Gates Photography
Getting in touch: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
