We had the good fortune of connecting with Matt Campbell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Matt, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
So I’m from Detroit and when I was growing up I wasn’t outside as much as I wanted because of the neighborhood I was raised in, but that allowed me to explore other means of having fun such as video games, drawing and anime. What that did, was unlock my creativity and made me aware of the outside world beyond the city I was raised in. To this day I am thankful for my upbringing.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m proud of how much detail I put into my designs. What gets me excited is how can I tell a different side of the culture story; I love to share my perspective and what I love about culture. I am still just getting started in my career, and would love to explore more opportunities within sports design, but I had to grind in order to get to where I am today. There were long, stressful hours, days and weekends spent trying to get to a level where I can do the things I want to do. I am still not there, but I can say that if it wasn’t for the challenges presented in school, and in internships, I wouldn’t be here. I would like the world to know that I maybe quite, but the impact I am bringing to sports, culture, and the art scene will be a movement.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s get the obvious answers out the way first, gotta stop by Piedmont to chill have a picnic and vibe out. I love to visit Miller Union in West End, great food and drinks as well, Minero at Ponce City Market also is a great spot too!
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who help me get to where I am today. A special shoutout to George Nelson, who is an artist based in San Francisco, he has helped me understand my work and potential a lot earlier in my career than I could have imagined. I do want to shoutout The Creative Act by Rick Rubin, he said a lot about being a creative in that book that believe is essential to getting through life as a creative or designer.
Website: https://mattcampbell1297.wixstudio.io/portfolio
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matto.jpeg
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-campbell-designer/
Image Credits
Detroit Pistons Quilt Concept work, designed by Matt Campbell (Me)