SeeScotty.com is a site worth a visit, 2001 KU alum Scott Reifsnyder’s personal illustration and design web site. Still more mind-boggling is another site he worked at, Headcase Design. This was his day job, at Dr. Kepple’s laboratory, where Scotty assisted in the “treatment a broad range of design disorders.” Scotty is a good friend. After KU he got his MFA at Tyler. He has taught at Kutztown as an adjunct and along with Mike McAghon he designed the award-winning KU CD website featuring our beloved CD House.
Scotty wrote to us recently with great news, “I’ve been notified that my Heroes of Folk Letterpress Card Series has been selected by the 2011 Communication Arts jury to appear in its Illustration Annual 52!”
I took a tour of his website and emailed him some questions:
Scotty, How do you get to do a poster for a popular band like Wilco? (image above) “For the Wilco poster I had illustrated Paul Bunyan for my Heroes of Folk series and I approached Wilco’s management about using it for a show. They thought it would be ideal for their upcoming show in Duluth, Minnesota, so that is how that came about. ”
Note: Fans can order Scotty’s limited edition Wilco serigraph (silkscreen print) here at kungfunation for $25.
How about the Wired UK logo?
“One of the art directors from Wired over in England came across an illustration I did on the design blog http://designspiration.net/ which was very fortunate for me.
You went to school in the U.K. for a semester abroad, right?
“That’s right. I went to Colchester Institute in England for a semester while I studied at KU.”
Any advice for young illustrators?
“Always push yourself to work on your style and personal aesthetic. Even if it’s not for a paying client. Some of the best work I’ve done has been personal.”
Do you think of yourself an illustrator? ” Some designers and art directors feel the label “Illustrator” is a bit polarizing. I wouldn’t go around calling myself one until I can prove it. It wasn’t until I got my first commission I thought I deserved that label.”
At Scotty’s site, visitors can download free desktop wallpaper based on the Coen Brother’s film Raising Arizona, here, in a variety of resolutions. We leave you with one more current project by Scotty from Philadelphia Magazine. It is an editorial illustration for the controversial new book on child-rearing by Amy Chua, Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother.
Speaking of Successful Alumni, if you are on campus this week: KU AIGA presents: TAKING THE PLUNGE, Thurs, Feb 17 at 7 p.m., Sharadin 120. KUCD grads from last year return to show and tell about their experiences in the real world. It is always a very informative and enjoyable evening. Here is the list of attendees so far: (Subject to change) Jon Shelton, Lacey Christman, Sam Carr, Geoff Reynolds, Ashley Kichline, Alyssa Dienno, Shane Walsh, Zac Martz, Ross Moody, Corey Reifinger, Bill Reidel, Lindsey Smuck, and Shani Tucker.
Illustration Concentration 