Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Long.
Hi Matt, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My name is Matt Long and I’m a graphic designer and multimedia artist from Frederick, MD. I hold a BFA degree in graphic design from Shepherd University and a number of years of experience in the creative world of art and design in the Mid-Atlantic region.
You may not be so familiar with my name, but maybe you’ve seen my signature creative style and work floating around on…Sheetz (the gas station) trucks, gracing the National Cherry Blossom Festival official merchandise and print collateral, art cars via the Washington Auto Show, map murals in the City of Frederick, storm drain covers in Old Town North Alexandria, VA, baseball jersey and sculpture design via the Frederick Keys (the Oriole’s minor affiliate), miscellaneous murals across the region, movie posters, various public art installations…and so much more!
My signature creative style is produced through hands-on traditional processes (most often with Sharpie markers and acrylic paints) and more recently, digital processes as needed on a project-to-project basis. Bright colors, organic line work, busy layouts, happy vibes and a sense of whimsical spirit all define my work. I can tailor my style and color usage to the project and theme at hand as creative direction may require. Every project I do is unique and often personalized…but may cater to a community need, project requirement, visual solution or creative delivery of information for an event or business.
My client roster includes brands like Sheetz, the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Children’s National Hospital, City of Frederick, Frederick Visitor Center, Frederick Keys, Lifestyle Magazine, Disney, Washington Auto Show, Love for Lochlin, City of Cape May, Maryland Symphony Orchestra, Billabong, SurfAid, Suntory Global Spirits, San Mar Bester Community of Hope, etc.
My work has graced everything from tractor trailers, cars, apparel, print collateral, festival merchandise, mobile clinics, digital billboards, public installations, sculptures, murals, surfboards, magazine covers, map design, illustrations, etc.
Where I’m at today and where I began has been a long journey of steady growth and natural evolution. I have always been highly creative and held a strong interest in art and the creative world as long as I can remember. I showed signs of talent at a young age and decided to pursue graphic design (and art) as a means to stay creative throughout a career.
However, the style you see today was born from a more creative pursuit outside of my corporate 9-5 in-house design job I jumped into right after college. Corporate life can be great, stable and secure…but often lacks room for creative growth and expression. So, after clicking-away 9-5…I’d go home and paint, draw, illustrate, etc. (in whatever fun and expressive way possible) in the evening hours in my basement studio. -Moonlight life! -Lots of midnight oil…but that’s something that’s always been good and healthy for me. This hustle lead to me chasing and being presented with opportunities in the local community and region that allowed me to stay creative outside of the 9-5. Now, a full-time gig.
I’ve approached each project with enthusiasm, dedication, passion…and am happy to do so and share my work on a grander scale. Sense those early days, my work and style has evolved so much and continues to evolve year over year. I don’t always know what’s next, and it hasn’t been easy…but I am happy to explore each and every opportunity that comes my way. I think some of my most rewarding and fulfilling projects have been those that impact communities and/or provide some sort of greater good in someone’s day to day life (even if it’s something as simple as a project photo opportunity, coloring exercise, public art involvement or playroom mural engagement). It’s really gratifying to brighten someone’s day through art!
My art and design has taken me to some interesting places and provided me with some super awesome experiences! Surf and art-filled summers in Cape May, NJ, auto shows in Washington, DC, public art installations across the City of Frederick, MD, mobile art across the region…and so much more. I try to approach life and projects with an adventurous spirit! I have a few big projects in the works and I can’t wait to share!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has not been a smooth road, but creativity comes naturally to me and that makes parts of my creative processes less challenging and more fun. However, creative entrepreneurship and the business of art and design is no walk in the park. Outside of working 9-5…I was pursuing my passions. Now, as a full-time independent artist and designer, I am always pursuing the next project, opportunity, deadline, etc. while often juggling multiple large (and small) projects. A lot of what the average viewer doesn’t see…is the amount of work (proposals, R&D, emails, meetings, social media, general design work, file prep, communications, production, PR, etc.) that goes on in the background…just to get to a final product and launch or next project. I do, however, enjoy every part of the process and those associated challenges! I’ve learned SO much!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What do I do?
-I’m a graphic designer and multimedia artist. The designer part of me aids in solving “visual problems” whether that’s through a print project, typography, layout, digital process, etc. The artist part of me works with color, freedom of expression/style, composition, illustrating, creating…making something fun and cool!
I am known for:
-Public art works and creative collaborations with brands and businesses throughout the local community and region. I think a good bit of my career and life has become defined by some big projects and experiences (Sheetz, National Cherry Blossom Festival, Frederick Visitor Center, etc).
I am proud of:
-The portfolio I have built and the life stories I can tell through my work
-My impact on communities
-The philanthropic efforts I have supported (fundraising for various organizations, etc) through my art
-The accolades I have received through my art and creative efforts
-The potential legacy I hope to leave behind…
-The family, friends, mentors, partners and memories I have gained along the way!
What does success mean to you?
I think defining success is always an open-ended question that varies from individual to individual that can constantly change and evolve. I’ve hit milestones, reached goals, received accolades, produced incredible work I am proud of, traveled the world, built some incredible relationships and have created incredible memories. I have a lot of living and achieving left to do!
I think success for me, looks like a lifelong journey filled with hard work, reaching full creative potential, good health, financial and professional stability, balance, a level of contentment, lasting friendships, no regrets…and lots of fun! I want to tell my story through the works I create and the adventures I’ve had along the way.
Pricing:
- Pricing varies per project
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/artistmattlong
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matt.long.106
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/artistmattlong
