We recently connected with Rodney Royal and have shared our conversation below.
Rodney, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?
It was February, and the Coconut Grove Art Festival was in full swing. The streets were alive with color, music, and creativity. I desperately wanted to be a part of it — to showcase my art — but a booth was far beyond what I could afford at the time. Still, I wasn’t ready to let that stop me.
A family friend who lived near the festival offered me her front yard as a makeshift gallery. I took her up on the offer and carefully set up my pieces, hopeful and nervous. The day was hot, the sun relentless, and though people passed by, none stopped to buy. I sat there for hours, watching crowds walk past without so much as a glance. As the sun began to dip, I started packing up, feeling a bit defeated.
Then, something unexpected happened.
A man drove by slowly, looked over at my setup, then made a U-turn. He pulled up, rolled down his window, and pointed to one of my pieces. “I love that,” he said. “How much is it?”
Panic set in. I had no idea what to charge — pricing your art for the first time feels like trying to put a dollar sign on a piece of your soul. I quickly texted a fellow artist in a frenzy, asking what I should say. He replied: $500. That number felt huge to me, almost surreal.
I told the man the price. He nodded and said he would come back. Honestly, I didn’t think he would. But minutes later, he returned — with a check in hand.
I was stunned.
I handed over the artwork, barely believing it was happening. As he drove off, a new wave of doubt crept in. What if the check doesn’t clear? I had just given away a piece of myself to a total stranger.
But the check did clear. And with it came a feeling I’ll never forget — a mix of relief, excitement, and a quiet, blooming confidence.
That piece was a triptych of abstract flowers — bold, vibrant, and expressive. I had painted them in a moment of personal growth, and somehow, this stranger had connected with it. It was poetic in a way. As those painted flowers bloomed on the canvas, I, too, was beginning to bloom — as an artist, and as someone who realized their work held value in the world.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
One ROYAL Effect was born out of our shared passion for creativity, education, and community. I, Rodney Royal, am a published visual artist, and my wife, Angela White Royal, is a dedicated special education educator. Together, we’ve combined our backgrounds and talents to create a unique program that uses art as a tool to promote literacy, emotional growth, and self-expression.
Our journey into this field began with a simple idea: what if we could bridge the gap between art and reading to create a more engaging, meaningful learning experience for children—especially those who often feel left out or overlooked? With Angela’s experience in education and my background in the arts, we realized we had the perfect foundation to bring that vision to life.
One ROYAL Effect offers a variety of creative and educational services, including our signature summer camp program. This camp gives students a safe, nurturing, and inspiring space to learn about a different artist each week. They not only explore the artist’s life and work but also create art in that artist’s style and read informational texts connected to the artist’s journey. This approach fosters deep engagement—students become curious, ask questions, and many even develop a new interest in reading because they want to learn more about the artists they’re introduced to.
Beyond academics, our program supports the social and emotional development of our students. Many of the young people we work with—especially homeschooled students—have limited opportunities to socialize. Our program gives them a place of belonging, where they can connect with others, express themselves creatively, and build confidence in a positive environment.
One of our proudest accomplishments is seeing our vision come to fruition. We’ve created a space where learning is not only fun and interactive, but deeply meaningful. And we’re especially proud to be giving back to the very community Angela grew up in—South Miami—where both of us attended South Miami Junior High.
What sets us apart is that we are a true collaboration—an educator and an artist, working together to uplift youth through art and literacy. We don’t just teach skills—we ignite passion, spark creativity, and help kids find their voice. For us, art is more than just paint on canvas—it’s a bridge to reading, a tool for healing, and a path to self-discovery.
If there’s one thing we want families, educators, and community members to know about our work, it’s this: One ROYAL Effect is committed to using art to inspire, educate, and transform. We are proud to serve our community, and even prouder to see the joy, growth, and confidence our students gain from being part of our program.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part of being both an artist and an educator is witnessing the impact my work has on others. As an artist, I’ve created many pieces over the years, but the true reward comes when someone tells me how a particular piece touched them—how it reminded them of a loved one, sparked a memory, or simply moved them emotionally. Knowing that something I created can connect with someone on such a personal level is incredibly powerful.
As an educator, the most fulfilling moments are when I see a student overcome their fear of words on a page. Especially for students who struggle with reading or have never found joy in it, watching them become engaged—reading about artists, writing about their own experiences, and openly discussing their artwork—is nothing short of transformational. That shift, from resistance to excitement, from doubt to expression, is why I do this work.
Art has the ability to break down barriers, and when it’s combined with literacy, it opens doors. Helping students discover their voice through creativity is not just rewarding—it’s life-changing.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
One memorable time I had to pivot in my art career was when I first learned how to use spray paint for a mural. Up until that point, I had always worked with house paint and a brush—that was my comfort zone, my method. Then I was given the opportunity to complete a wall, and when I arrived, I looked around and noticed that every other artist had a spray can in hand. I didn’t want to feel left out or stuck in my ways.
They had boxes of donated spray paint, so I walked over, took a deep breath, and with faith, selected my colors. I went to my wall and started the way I always do—by sketching out my image. But this time, I filled it in with something completely new to me. And that’s when it happened—I fell in love with the can.
It was one of the most uneasy, yet rewarding pivots I’ve ever made. It challenged me to step out of what I knew and embrace a new medium. That moment opened the door to a whole new world of expression and technique. Since then, spray paint has become an important part of my creative toolkit. Sometimes the most uncomfortable shifts lead to the greatest growth.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://oneroyaleffect.org
- Instagram: @oneroyaleffect
- Other: @kingrodroyal ( on instagram)
Image Credits
Students at PAMM exposure trip
Artist Rodney Royal
Mural at Palmetto Middle School by Rodney Royal