Meet Pat McNeely | Creative Director/ Designer/ Illustrator

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

Hi Pat, what do you think makes you most happy? Why?
What makes me happy is seeing the creative process come together. The idea that begins as a “what if” then grows into a final end product. I’m lucky to have a dual outlet for creative projects. As a creative director, I design and create broadcast animation, visual effects, and commercials. Additionally, I paint and illustrate to release that part of my brain.

I look at the creative process like a puzzle, working either as a team or individually to solve the problem. Finding the best solution for my clients involves many parts to this puzzle. Collaborating with my client and other team members and seeing it all come together is very satisfying. However, I also believe everyone needs a way to release their inner creativity independently, purely expressing themselves without relying on input from others. This balance helps me appreciate both sides of the creative process.

I’m fortunate to have two distinct creative outlets. As a broadcast television designer, I work with the clean, high-tech side of the industry, using tools like Photoshop and After Effects. On the other hand, I also paint and illustrate, allowing me to get hands-on with materials like paint, ink, wood, glue, and paper. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of participating in numerous arts festivals in the Atlanta area.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I graduated from Georgia State University School of Art & Design with a BFA in Graphic Design. I’ve had a 30+ year career with WSB-TV and Turner Broadcasting/Turner Studios where I was Creative Director. For the past 12 years I’ve had my own company Pat McNeely DESIGN. Where I’m lucky enough to work with a wide range of clients such as GRAY TV, Chick-Fil-A, Cartoon Network, Coca Cola, ESPN, InTouch Ministries and Turner Sports.

I’m lucky to have a dual creative outlet of sorts. I am a broadcast television designer, dealing with the clean high tech side of the industry, photoshop, After Effects, and I paint and illustrate as well, getting grungy with paint, ink, wood, glue and paper. I’ve been fortunate to participate in many Atlanta area arts festivals over the past 12 years. I love pop culture, film, TV, and weird offbeat comedic juxtapositions of subject matter. Over time, I’ve discovered styles, themes and series of character designs that resonate with people. Working throughout fall and winter on pieces, then showcasing them to the public, is immensely satisfying. Connecting with people and getting unfiltered, instant reactions to my art is great. I’ve made many friends and lasting relationships through these festivals.

One thing I love is seeing the expressions of folks when they walk into our booth. An immediate smile or look of surprise is sometimes all the reward I need, knowing that the humor was received and they got the joke. I’ll never forget one 12-year-old boy who walked in, stopped, looked around, and said, “What the hell is this place?” He got it. I’m still trying to answer that question myself.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
The morning would have to begin at Waffle House for breakfast. The All Star Special is my favorite! Then lunch or dinner at Dreamland BBQ! I love the Atlanta Braves. I’ve been lucky enough to art direct many of their open title intro animations over the years. So, definitely I would love to take a friend to as many games as possible. My family loves to fish, whether on the Chattahoochee, Seagrove Beach Florida or Lake Rabun in North Georgia. Being out in nature and enjoying time together.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I love working on projects with people who are excited and show enthusiasm to be there. A great attitude and a willingness to jump in and help find a solution can make all the difference. One person who consistently impresses me is Chuck Brock. Chuck was my supervisor during most of my almost 20 years at Turner Broadcasting. He instilled in me the importance of great people skills, project management and ways to try handle the stress that often comes from the broadcast television industry. I’ve been lucky enough to still work with him since our Turner days to today with our own careers. His creativity, personality and skills elevate any project, making him a valuable collaborator and dear friend.

Website: https://patmcneely.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pat-mcneely-63244b6/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pat.mcneely.754