Ruben Rodriguez is known for producing very fine black-on-black ware. His round vessels are highly polished with convex tops and square or rectangular openings. His pieces vary in size and are usually painted with intricate geometric designs that conform perfectly to the sizes and shapes of his pieces.

Ruben learned how to make pottery from his younger brother Manuel (aka Manolo), who'd learned directly from Juan Quezada Sr. Ruben says he learned his polishing techniques from Gerardo Cota. It's his attention to polishing that accomplishes his trademark mirror surface: sometimes he polishes something five times to get the finish he wants. Then he applies his matte black paint with the same attention to detail: all his angles end at precise points and his designs are highly geometric.