Meet Michael McReynolds | Industrial designer and VFX artist.

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

Hi Michael, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was always interested in making things better for people. Particularly, using good, well thought out design to make the extension from our bodies and hands to the tools and objects we use graceful and effortless. I realized that this was not in the plan of most businesses. I decided I wanted to create a business that rewards well thought out design more than extracting capital and wealth from people at the cost of quality and effort.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
College had me designing chairs and forks, convinced that was the key to explaining physics to the world. But the universe, as they say, has a funny way of rerouting plans. I discovered filmmaking – a far more magical way to communicate ideas. Turns out, I had a knack for the post-production process, helping directors bring their visions to life. That’s where I fell deep into the world of VFX.

Fast forward a couple of decades working with incredible directors, and the design itch returned. But this time, it was fueled by a lifetime of experience. I went back to my roots, but with a whole new perspective. VFX is still part of my toolkit, but my latest venture blends design with cutting-edge technology.

Think AI-powered furniture meets stunning design. That’s what I’m creating now. Using my knowledge of Python, Raspberry Pi’s, and the Internet of Things, I’m crafting everyday objects that are anything but ordinary. It’s about injecting a little bit of magic into the familiar – a smart lamp that adjusts to your mood, a table that remembers your preferred height. The possibilities are endless!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
A week itinerary? Ok. I live in Reynoldstown on the beltline so we’d start there. Day 1: Ride around Reynoldstown and check out some art on Wylie and, of course, everybody wants to ride through Krog Tunnel. Maybe stop by Carroll Street Cafe for brunch. Hit the secret spot, Whoopsies, for some dinner and drinks.
Day 2: Ride over to Grant Park and cruise around a bit. Then off to Summerhill for some dinner. Depending on what my friend had a taste for, Little Bear is the best restaurant in Atlanta and Talat is probably the best Thai I’ve ever had in America.
Day 3: Kick it around Inman park. Breakfast at Bread and Butterfly. Drinks and pingpong later at Victory Sandwich.
Day 4: Cruise over to Petite Chou for lunch and wander around the Oakland Cemetery. Maybe catch a show later at Dad’s Garage or see who’s playing just down the beltline at the Eastern.
Day 5: Head out of the city to Arabia Mountain. It’s like being on another planet and worth the 20 minute drive. Maybe hike Dollhead trail on the way back. Stop by the Earl for a late lunch and beer.
Day 6: If the friend has never been to the botanical gardens, we’d have to go. There are a few other places on the way to check out too. Bookhouse, the Local, maybe go to the top of the Clermont hotel. But we’d probably avoid Ponce City Market unless it was a particularly rainy day.
Day 7: Definitely have to get to the Daily and we still haven’t been to Lloyds or A Mano, so they would both be on the list. And we’d Marta to the airport, because we should all be using public transport more.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Honestly, I wouldn’t be where I’m at today if it weren’t for my fellow film makers back in my 30’s. Dailies Atlanta was the perfect playground to hone my skills and learn the hard lessons of life. This group pushed each other creatively, celebrated every win (no matter how small), and commiserated through the inevitable flops. Dan Bush, David Bruckner, Raymond Carr, amongst others, were so supportive and affirming that back then we all felt like we could do anything. We made a few movies that went to Sundance. A bunch more that didn’t. We experimented and supported each other to the ends of the earth. They all remain close friends to this day.

Website: itaki.com

Instagram: mritaki

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-mcreynolds-6b500a29/