Meet Willem Kaiser | Designer and Illustrator

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

Hi Willem, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I grew up in the small business world. My parents run the restaurant Grant Central Pizza, and seeing them run there own business really inspired my to want run my own some day.

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.
My passion for art began with a passion for music. Iv always loved playing and listening to music with my dad was a big supported of my musical ambitions. I also spent a lot of time riding and racing bicycles!

I got the opportunity to attend the Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta thanks to the SCAD Atlanta cycling team. When I first started SCAD I was a little bit lost as far as what I really wanted to do with my life. I loved art and music but wasn’t really sure how I could make a career out of that.

Shortly after I finished my undergrad my dad passed away, and through the grieving process I started writing songs and formed a band with my brother and a couple friends. I went back to school for my masters degree that fall and began designing music posters, stickers, shirts, and all kinds of merchandise for my band Das Kaiser. This quickly escalated into designing for a few other bands and I began to understand that creating artwork for musicians was what I really wanted to do.

Beyond music I am also really passionate about creating artwork like logos, signs, and merchandise for small businesses. My goal is to create artwork that is unique and beneficial to the bands and businesses that hire me. Any time someone invests in my artwork I really want to make sure it pays off for them, whether that’s helping them gain business, sell tickets, or raise money.

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.
I will always recommend my family’s restaurant Grant Central Pizza in east Atlanta Village. Grab a slice then walk up to the earl and catch a show!

I would also have to recommend Ideal sports bar in Lakewood for some authentic honky Tonkin!

Beyond that its hard to go wrong in EAV, lots of great food, cheap beer, and live music!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mom, dad, and brother! My parents always inspired me.

Ever since my dad passed away my mom and brother have worked really hard to keep our family restaurant afloat which has allowed me to pursue my degrees.

Also Coach Tina Pic and the SCAD Atlanta cycling team for giving me the opportunity to get my BFA and MFA!

and Taylor Rushing for introducing my to the world of art for music!

Website: willemkaiser.com

Instagram: @willemkaiser @thedaskaiser

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/willem.kaiser

Other: Das Kaiser on Spotify and Apple Music!

Image Credits
Full Shutter Media Sandy Boots Artur Sagat