Robert Blumhagen
Recently we were contacted by the artist who created the "ORIGINAL" KROQ of the 80's logo. His name is Robert Blumhagen and here is his story and some examples of his other work.
I painted this when I was 19 . I traded the labor in worthless dollars and the ability to go through KROQ's vast library of LP's, at the time they were all vinyl LP's,....What ever I wanted I was allowed to take....pretty cool when your 19 now that I look back at it.
It is interesting how things work out in life sometimes. I met with Rick Carrol the first time I had the idea for a new logo....he liked it but was not the final decision maker....2nd meeting was with 1 guy in a suit. This was the General Manager, he too liked the colors and approved it for use.
I met with Rick many times after this. Rick was the go between for illustrations and Graphic Design work I completed.
Rick and I were meant to meet. I had no idea KROQ wanted a new logo, I just called and said they needed a new look and I could do it for them. After meeting Rick the first time KROQ history was made.
I soon found my self in a situation unfamiliar. People wanted my autograph when I was working on the mural inside. I was having my Andy Warhol 15 minute moment
I worked on and off for KROQ for about 4 years. There were a few illustrations in BAM magazine, the Sunset Blvd. Billboard, the KROQ sign that graced their fine building on Los Robles St. in Pasadena, a large space scene mural inside (in one of the images) on the entry wall and countless other needless items....
I went on to have one of my paintings recreated in the World Famous Laguna Beach, California, Pageant of The Masters, where the painting is brought to life with live models....I traveled throughout Japan. Exhibitions of my California Paintings took place in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Nara and Fukuoku...I have made and have had help making 7 screen print editions of landscapes and cars....Worked as Lead Product Designer for Couture Clothing Company, St. John....Working in New York City as a Product Designer for Silk Road Gifts....KROQ started it all for me. KROQ really helped me to become world famous.
I was given many 15 minute segments of fame...BFD for all that though. The road started at KROQ for me and went pretty far, straight and over a long period of time...just 2 years earlier my application to enter The Art Center College of Design was refused...I was not good enough to get into the Art Center....So the old adage applies here, "when one door closes another opens".
