Toni Rubio’s work can not be separated from and is reflective of his passions and inspiring trajectory as an artist and creator. It can be perceived in the smoothness with which he moves between different media and techniques, digital and analogic, physical works or NFTs- reminiscent of a DJ switching between vinyls. It is evident in the visual matrimony between Pop Art aesthetic and graphic design principles, that allow him to create compositions that are instantly appealing in their simplicity, while containing many layers to uncover. Through the use of clean lines, bright hues and ingenious cultural references Rubio’s work offers us his personal view of the world. Sometimes inspired by what he loves, others by what makes him angry, his work always speaks about freedom and respect with a healthy dose of wit and color.

Born in Catalonia, Spain in 1971 and currently residing in Barcelona, Rubio has demonstrated his capacity to move swiftly between different disciplines and media since his childhood. Initiating his training as a graphic designer in 1986, at the age of fifteen, he was greatly influenced by the pop culture of the 60s, 70s, and 80s; finding influence in the work of artists such as Yayoi Kusama, Keith Harring, and Andy Warhol. An experimenter by nature, Rubio’s trajectory has been led by three pillars:music, technology, and graphic design. In return his trajectory has inspired his visual art.

Rubio’s lifetime affair with music, a prevalent theme in his life and work, begins around the age of twelve when he participates in several break dance competitions; giving him the opportunity to meet a DJ that starts showing him the ropes. By the age of fifteen he obtained a residency in the club Maddox, one of the biggest clubs within the Costa Brava circuit. Initiating a successful career as a Dj that will accompany Rubio for over thirty years.

Lead by his endless curiosity and latent ambition to create, at fourteen Rubio started studying as a programmer, opening the door to another tool for experimentation and bringing him in contact with another of his passions: technology. Two years later he continued his exploration of disciplines and techniques by entering the Graphic Design school Createcnia, where he studied under and was greatly influenced by Josep Artigas -one of Spain’s most renowned post-war poster designers. However after just one year, Rubio took the plunge and decides to apply to Eina-one of Barcelona’s most prestigious art schools- even though he didn’t meet the minimum age and studies requirements. Thanks to the quality of his work, he is accepted.

Once Rubio finalizes his studies at EINA, he combines his professional life as a DJ, producer and composer with ongoing training in an array of disciplines, such as photography, illustration and video production and direction- feeding his limitless curiosity and perfecting his practice. Leading to Rubio finally establishing himself as an Art Director in the late 80’s.

Bringing him to a period of his life that allowed him to fuse his passions for music, technology and graphic design. As a DJ and music producer he created successful dance remixes of popular songs, including several for the prestigious Cuban musician Emilio Estefan. As a visual artist, he demonstrated his capacity to experiment and pioneer, by creating slides that he projected during his live sessions; finding a way to exhibit his digital art before there were spaces dedicated to it. At the same time, thanks to his longstanding contact with the music industry, he started designing album covers for national and international labels such as Warner Music, Max, Emi, Filmax, and Más Volumen. His success and tenacity as both a music producer and graphic designer naturally led to the idea of publishing a book to bring both passions together and encapsulate everything that was of interest to so many people who approached him. In 2005, Rubio received editorial support and published a book that compiled the best maxi covers that had passed through his hands over the course of his career. Titled 12” Sleeves Disco Graphics the 360 page book was distributed globally, with more that 10.000 copies sold.

In 2001 he opened his own design studio, adding the role of businessman to his life. With the addition of his business and life partner Maria José in 2015, the studio grew to become the prestigious DR Digital Agency, a boutique creative agency specialising in design, branding, advertising, creativity, events and experiences, digital campaigns, innovation and strategy working for renowned brands in the creative and technology industry such as Adobe, Amazon, Filmax and others.

Today we can find Rubio, as always, splitting his time amongst several projects and dreams. Innovating while continually discovering, experimenting and creating. Rubio’s approach to life and art are one and the same-never stand still.

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