YOUNG ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: ROMAN PEREZ ’16, ARTIST

Recently we sat down for an interview with alumni Roman Perez ’16 to chat about his experience as a selftaught artist. Mr. Perez’s art style is predominantly pop art. Roman also donated two paintings for the 2022 CC Gala and will be involved in more projects in the future.

Q: How did you get started in your art career?

A: Growing up, I enjoyed taking art classes during or after school. This led to me developing a love for making art, and in my senior year at Central Catholic School I had an exhibition of my work. At the time it didn’t seem important because football was more important to me, but now that I have some distance from it all - having seen my paintings displayed in a public space - I can truly say that these were some of the most special moments of my life.

Q: Have you done any commission pieces? If so, what were they?

A: I was very honored to make a Commission for Whataburger for Dia De Los Muertos last year. It was an amazing experience to be able to represent my culture and heritage in one painting, my artwork is featured on their Instagram account. I have also created art pieces for Gus’s Fried Chicken and pro athletes Myles Garret, Raúl Allegre, Mario Barrios, and Keldon Johnson from the San Antonio Spurs.

Q: What future goals and plans do you have?

A : I’m excited to make more Whataburger art this year and focus even more on my merchandise brand. I will also be creating my own NFT project, as well as designing a Designer Toy.

Q: What Does Central Catholic mean to you?

A: There are few places in the world that have such a special impact on me, and Central Catholic is one of them. Every time I visit, the staff makes me feel so welcomed and at home. It’s amazing to be part of such an incredible community - it feels like family to me! And being an alumni means that I am connected to this place for life, which is something truly priceless.