Rolf Armstrong was born in Bay City, Michigan, but soon moved to Chicago, where he eventually attended the Art Institute. After three years of study under John Vanderpoel, he made his next move, to New York City. In New York, Armstrong began to flex both his muscles and his drawing skills. He frequented the New York Athletic Club, and was as likely to be found boxing, as drawing.

In 1919, Armstrong traveled overseas and studied at the Académie Julian in Paris, France. He certainly must have been tremendously influenced by Art Nouveau, which was all encompassing at the time, but hadn't survived WW1. Art Deco was burgeoning on the horizon, with its more mechanical, geometric interpretations and natural elements ...