Feral Giant

This is a cool thing to be a part of and shepard along. If you don’t know, I run a group that holds free, monthly meet ups for illustrators called The Knoxville Society Of Illustrators. Been running this group since before the pandemic.

Amanda Mahoney had the idea for us to publish a ‘zine as a calling piece for our group. Both in creativity, and something tangible to get the word out. Seven of the tremendously talented artists that show up to our meetings crafted unique artwork for this ‘zine, with the theme of Inside/Outside being the only direction. We got the good folks at Graphic Creations, Inc. (shout out to Tanner and Andy) to print the thing. Now, we have a box of them to hand out.

If you’re a creative in the Knoxville area, give the IG or FB page a follow, come to one of our free, monthly meetups. Who knows, you could be in next year’s edition!

Here’s a piece I created last year, but is now timely. The great and hilarious Billy Wayne Davis reached out, asking me to create a poster for his upcoming run of shows in Alaska. The one bit of guidance was “cold.” In thinking of this run of shows, looking at what’s that looks like, I came up with the idea of an old school travel poster. Made it simple, direct. Appreciate him asking! If you’re anywhere near Alaska, the tour starts next week. If not near Alaska, why not head on up there for these shows.

Every October I celebrate a big anniversary. 2025 marks 33 years from when I walked into Mr. Miracle’s Graphic Arts class, at Fulton High School, thus choosing graphic design as a career.

For a lil back story, because it’s funny to think about this nowadays, I chose the print shop because it was only one of two classes in the entire school that had a computer. Up to that point, I thought I’d be an elementary school teacher. But wanted to work with computers more, which was kinda an anomaly in 1992. In those four years at Fulton, I learned and worked in every aspect of printing. For that, I am incredibly fortunate. It set a base level of knowledge that 99% of designers do not have.

I am very grateful and indebted to Mr. Miracle for being a patient North Star into this world.

Wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who came out to see me speak at PechaKucha Night Knoxville last night at The Mill & Mine, all the kind words after. As mentioned, I abhor the sound of my own voice, and am not a fan of public speaking. But life is about facing those fears, otherwise what’s the point. Don’t forget to drop them ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

For anyone who couldn’t make it, I’ll make sure to post when they’ve uploaded the presentation to the site.

📷: my long time personal photographer Brent Waugh

Next week!

Excited to share that I’ll be presenting at next week’s PechaKucha Night Knoxville! It’ll be about the journey with Ramblin’ Man. Where it started, what it’s become, and why storytelling on the record matters.

PechaKucha is all about quick, creative talks with a 20x20 format—20 slides, 20 seconds each—so it’s going to be fast-paced and, hopefully, fun. If you’re in Knoxville, come hang out for an evening of inspiring talks and community energy. Can’t wait to see y’all there!

The Mill & Mine

Last Thursday I headed to the hallowed halls of my alma mater, Pellissippi State Community College, for the 2025 Design Showcase. I was happy to see so many young folks in the show, who are about to enter into the world of professional graphic design. I’m glad interest in my field isn’t waning. There was some true talent in the showcase, which also makes me incredibly proud. That those in charge are pushing the kids to be better. Here’s to those graduating, may the odds ever be in your favor.

This week’s meeting of the Knox County Schools Arts Education Leadership Council was getting to see a tech rehearsal of Karns High School’s upcoming production of Guys & Dolls, and have a Q&A with the director and cast. The kids were great. I was amazed to see just how many students were involved, and how many have full rides to college awaiting them.

Having the Arts in public schools is vital, and it’s troubling that they keep getting pulled away. It shouldn’t even be a debate that the arts are as important, if not more, as math and science. Teaching kids to push the boundaries of their creativity, the socializing, I could go on for days. I’m happy that KCS has this council to show the good things they are doing, despite the fact that the leadership (all the way up to the Governor) are trying to take away budgets. How many of us wouldn’t be where we are today without some special arts teacher that guided us? That gave us hope?

Honestly shocked I had 9 posts this year. My hope is to post more in 2025 (is that a promise, a threat, a ah-who-gives-a-sh*t). I’ve got quite a bit of previous work that I’ve yet to post. I also have a few content ideas I’d like to work on. Either way, here’s to a better year, 2025!

Here we are, the big day. If you’ve yet to do so, please get out and vote today. Voting isn’t everything, but it is your first step in making this country what it can and should be.

Every October I celebrate a big anniversary. 2024 marks 32 years from when I walked into Mr. Miracle’s Graphic Arts class, at Fulton High School, thus choosing graphic design as a career.

For a lil back story, because it’s funny to think about this nowadays, I chose the print shop because it was only one of two classes in the entire school that had a computer. Up to that point, I thought I’d be an elementary school teacher. But wanted to work with computers more, which was kinda an anomaly in 1992. In those four years at Fulton, I learned and worked in every aspect of printing. For that, I am incredibly fortunate. It set a base level of knowledge that 99% of designers do not have.

I am very grateful and indebted to Mr. Miracle for being a patient North Star into this world.