Meet Reese McKinney | Art Director & Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Reese McKinney and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Reese, why did you pursue a creative career?

Creativity has fueled me almost my entire life. It developed early on in my childhood through curiosity and eventually evolved into practice as I grew older. Through a variety of ventures whether it be fine art, music, design, or even the art of conversation it always brought true fulfillment to me and guided me through many high and low moments in my life. With that, determining that the field of Visual Communication as a career path was a no-brainer.

Overall, I love the thrill and the chase that the creative process brings and the satisfaction of ultimately landing on the best solution that makes the most impact. Being an Art Director and Designer by day brings possibilities to visually concept and problem-solve different strategies that take brands and ideas to the next level. Of all the work I do, creating brand identities and designing posters is what I enjoy most of all. Those always end up being some of my favorite pieces.

With a career in Art Direction and Design, I appreciate the exploration and research of new topics or industries as well as the adventures they bring along. I find it all to be as enriching as much as it is fulfilling. Seeing the dots connect and ideas light up in front of me is so rewarding in itself. I am grateful for this calling to create and I’m lucky to pursue it as my career. I honestly could not see it happen any other way.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

My creative journey has consisted of three main tenets: curiosity, trust, and opportunity. A journey beginning with curiosity, built on trust, and opportunities leading me to the right places and people to whom I truly belong. I am fortunate to have had many positive experiences early on in my career. I have worked with and been mentored by many great people which I am appreciative of.

Over time, I have become more open to letting my passions and work carry me to places I’ve never been and complete career goals I would have never thought to accomplish. It has opened doors into new territories of work, travel, community, entrepreneurship, and even co-founding a Sandlot Baseball team.

In a world where creativity is sometimes taken for granted, I am motivated to nurture an identity for myself that continues to pass on the curiosity, trust, and opportunity I value so much.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

Being a part of the DFW area for a little over a decade now, I have discovered so many extraordinary people and places that I have enjoyed while living here. Even at times when I feel I have seen it all I have truly only scratched the surface.

Some of my favorite experiences locally include shopping around the Bishop Arts District, strolling through the Dallas Museum of Art downtown, grabbing a slice of Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum, catching a day at the ballpark with the Texas Rangers, screening the latest film sensation at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, playing nostalgic arcade games at the Bishop Cidercade, rocking out at the House of Blues, as well as kicking back with some nachos and a local beer at Stan’s on Greenville Ave. The life and culture of Dallas is so vibrant and has a place for everyone.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I dedicate each of my creative successes to family, friends, mentors, and industry peers throughout my life who encouraged or inspired me to create, express myself, and delight in my work. I would not be where I am without that little push.

A humble thanks and recognition goes out to the following creatives who have believed and invested in me by playing a meaningful role in crafting my creative journey:

Andy Cain

Josh Ege

Quarterman Ely

Alex Flores

Simon Fallavollita

Tyler Fonville

Lee Hackett

Paul Jones

Joy Malone

Casey McGarr

Thomas McShane

Denna Miller

Kevin Nelson

Philana Pace

Terry Salyer

Virgil Scott

Vince Sidwell

Chris Stewart

Gabriel Trujillo

Juan Villalba

Dustin Vyers

Derrick White

Kalie Whitsett

Cooper Weinstein

Peter Wood

Website: minusthecups.com

Instagram: @reese_mck

Linkedin: linkedin.com/reesemck

Image Credits
David Rosales 3HeadedMonster Jorge Martinez