Help us open our dream business

Ariel Rodriguez and Roger Gallegos started Emerald Studios in the Spring of 2018. With influences from publications like Vice, Complex, and Nylon. We wanted to explore how we could share our interest with a community of like-minded individuals." Having many friends in the beginning stages of their creative career(s), It only seemed fitting that we document their journey through a blog. Over the span of a year, Emerald Studios became a platform for connecting the dots in the art community, we credit our small group of talented friends who helped us shape our stories.

Our mission has always been to put others first, created new opportunities for photographers with a successful group show in 2019, & interviewing emerging artists who were shaping the scene for DFW. The lifespan of Emerald was short but impactful, shifting from an online blog (2018) and in 2020 pivoting into a new direction with the creative agency. With the pleasure of working on independent projects for commercial clients that included; Ayahuasca Cantina, Highland Park Village, House of Blues, & Legacy West, to name a few. Shifting into this direction proved to be successful as we created new job opportunities for our friends who were fresh in the industry.

We have poured so much of our time and money into pursuing our dreams the past few years, and we can definitely say it has been worth it. In 2021, Ariel was able to pursue freelancing and is currently a stylist assistant for a big retail company. Roger has also found success after committing to freelancing in early 2020, working on big projects as a lead photographer, assistant & Digital tech.

From the early stages of creating Emerald, it was always our goal to have our own production studio. In December of 2021, we were presented a new opportunity by our friend Nikayla from Good Cycle. We have spent the past two years living in Oak Cliff and it only felt right to open a space in the neighborhood that has shown both of us love. Located a few blocks away from bishop art, we plan on opening our doors with the help of our friends and family in April. Continuing our mission of adding value and opportunities for young creatives & entrepreneurs. Our space will serve as an hourly rental to create small photo/video productions, and specialty events ranging from; pop-ups for small businesses, independent art shows & workshops.

To ensure the success of our first major business venture we have decided to raise additional funds through GoFundMe. We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received over the years and are excited for what the future may hold for us and Cemento Studios.

Listed down below are the ways the fund will be utilized:

We are forever grateful & excited to see you on opening day.

- Best,

Ariel & Roger