trozoselect flavor artists
It's not called "Select" for nothing — we've picked seven of the most talented artists and designers we know to participate in the Select Flavor project. In addition to publishing their ubercool creations on Flavorpill, we're posting background information about the artists, getting to the crux of their creative madness via five core interview questions, and archiving their work — all right here.
5 questions with neuarmy
aka ryan katrina
Based outside of Philadelphia, Neuarmy is the creative studio of Ryan Katrina. Katrina acquired an interest in art early on, specifically in the art and culture of graffiti. Ultimately earning a BFA in studio arts, he is self-taught in all digital applications and utilizes a variety of media — photography, drawing, silkscreen, graffiti, street art, illustration, painting, print, and interactive design — in the production of his work.
In addition to freelance and personal work, Katrina works full-time as a web designer, and is currently on the design staff for the Royal magazine and Overspray magazine. Neuarmy's clients include: Budweiser/Flavorpill, Swindle magazine, ComputerArts Projects Magazine, And1 Basketball, and 2K Sports (agency: The Vacuum Design).
neuarmy
01. Describe the concept(s) behind your interpretation of Select Flavor.
RK: The concept behind this project was to have some fun creating work that incorporated the new brand identity of Budweiser Select — the crown. I used "Expect Everything," which is one of the Select taglines, as my jumping off point. Without trying to instill some deep meaning into the work itself, I would say that I like the idea of the girl just enjoying a beer, and exhaling her feelings of love and delight, which lead to a flurry of passion and energy. This idea is represented by the iconography of the hearts and the more primitive crown — followed by the storm of clouds, kisses, music, drops, and caps.
02. Give a brief sketch of the creative process you used to realize your Select artwork.
RK: My creative process usually starts with a lot of internal dialogue, thinking of themes and elements that I might be able to include in the piece. Then, I usually do research, and slowly build toward a particular concept, which is brought together through the use of mixed media. Photography, watercolor, brushwork, drawing, scanning, clip art, whatever it takes to realize my interpretation of the idea.
03. If you could set up a studio anywhere, what location would you choose, and why?
RK: That's a tough call, I really love being in the woods, it's very peaceful and serene, a place that has always made me feel centered. On the other hand, I'm heavily influenced by the essence of city life: the structures, the activity, the creativity. I'd have to say the overall urban environment seems integral to my current style of work.
04. Who or what inspires you to make art?
RK: Inspiration can come from everyone and/or everything; it depends on your perspective. Right now though, there's nothing more inspirational than the concept of family. My wife and I have a healthy five-month-old daughter, and are very fortunate in that we are able to experience a fresh view of the world through her eyes. It's incredible.
05. What other projects are you working on — or dreaming about working on — right now?
RK: I'm just finishing a nice stretch of projects, including some work for ComputerArtsProjects, Swindle, The Royal magazine, and ending with this project for Flavorpill and Budweiser Select. I'm not sure what's happening in the future, but I'm down for whatever.