Membership Spotlight: Shawn Kelley

November 01, 2009 Filed Under: Member Spotlight 0 Comments

Shawn Kelley, AIGA member since 2009
Creative Director, HMH

1. What attracted you to the design profession?
I kind of stumbled into design. Although I grew up drawing and painting, I never considered using art in a profession. After struggling as a computer science major in college, I decided to take an art class. It made me realize where my passion was, so I changed my major to visual arts during my senior year.

That didn't sit too well with my father. He was retired Army – master paratrooper for 20 years, Vietnam vet and Green Beret. And he didn't see what anyone could possibly do with an art degree. I had to prove myself, but he finally got it – although he still introduces me as, “my son, the graphic artist.”

2. Where do you get your inspiration?
From everything around me – the design community, travel, music and movies, even my kids. Two teenagers and a four year old can give you quite a unique perspective.

3. What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
Either a chef or a session bassist. Unfortunately I'm really not that good at either, but it sure would be fun to try.

4. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Never fall in love with your first idea. In this fast-paced business, it's easy to stop exploring options once you have something you feel great about. But if your first idea was killer, chances are there are a lot more where that one came from. And probably a lot better.

5. What are you currently working on?
A series of Flash banner ads for an Alliance Parts/Richard Petty Driving Experience promotion. I'm also gearing up for an Owens Corning product launch.


About AIGA Charlotte's Membership Spotlight
Each month AIGA Charlotte interviews a selected AIGA Charlotte Member. It is a great opportunity for the Charlotte design community to see who AIGA Charlotte is along all the amazing things our members are doing. If you or someone you know would like to be interviewed and appear on AIGA Charlotte’s Membership Spotlight, please contact Rachel Martin, Membership Director.