The Kent Studios

08/30/2023

Thank you to everyone for the birthday greetings! Facebook is acting squirrley today, so I am having trouble find yesterdays post so I can click “like” on them

02/08/2022

I am working on a new illustration for LA Opera... stay tuned for updates.

07/05/2021

New Work! Here is a teaser website for an upcoming indy film! I designed the logo and shot the teaser photo:

Secure Attachment is an independent feature film that deals with secure and insecure attachment issues. This drama is written, produced and directed by Douglas Walker.

09/12/2020

I just received my copy of the book “Odyssey The Living Moment” by Russell R. Hassler. I designed the front and back covers, working directly with the author. Russell was one of the most amazing, upbeat individuals I have ever met. I am glad his friends were able to able to get his book republished on Butterwort Books.

Odyssey, The Living Moment: A Process Re-engineering Guide for the Brain - or - How to Find Peace in a Stressed-Out World

06/22/2020

Please excuse a little professional rant...
I know times are tough for companies now, especially freelancers and small businesses. I just saw this ad from one of these new digital middleman start-ups, looking to add freelance designers to their roster. Fair enough. But read this part of the job description:

Job Description

Hello Designers! We are looking for an awesome graphic designer that can satisfy our client projects. You must be able to adapt and perform!

Graphic Designer Job Responsibilities:

Prepares work to be accomplished by gathering information and materials.
Plans concept by studying information and materials.
Illustrates concept by designing rough layout of art and copy regarding arrangement, size, type size and style, and related aesthetic concepts.
Obtains approval of concept by submitting rough layout for approval.
Prepares final layout by marking and pasting up finished copy and art.

Note “rough layout” and “pasting up.” These terms describe the methods and technology used from roughly 1940 - 1990. I know, because I have been in the profession since the 1970s. The infrastructure to support these technologies (stat machines, outside type houses, pre-press stripping departments of printing companies, airbrush retouchers, etc.) no longer exist. You could recreate them as a museum piece, ala Colonial Williamsburg, if you could find the materials which are no longer being manufactured.

I am always working hard to stay current with the current technology and work flow. This is my investment of time and money, for the benefit of my clients.

In short, if a would be middleman employer has no clue how modern technology works, they have no business trying to sell my or other professionals labors. I am talking to you, WONO, whoever the hell you think you are.

I would love to see the pasted-up mechs for a website.

Stay Strong!
WK

05/12/2020

A few years ago the nice people at LA Opera had me design a logo for their kid- friendly production, “Figaro’s American Adventure.” Watch a stream of the show today at 2pm, PDT!
https://www.facebook.com/LAOpera

05/08/2020

To be honest, I have used Century Schoolbook on some client’s projects, but only when we were going for an “Americana/folksy” look. By Courier? I have not seen that for years. It used used in direct mail ads, hoping to fool people it was written on a typewriter.

Posted in r/MapPorn by u/lazyant • 13,536 points and 607 comments

05/22/2019

Hello! I now have some of my paper sculpture illustrations on the Directory of Illustration website!

Paper sculpture poster illustration for an original community opera for Los Angeles Opera. Community operas include professional singers and musicians with dozens of local school children in the chorus and the orchestra.

09/09/2017

Is anyone going to Los Angeles Opera’s season opener of Carmen tonight? Look for my editorial illustration in Performances Magazine, commissioned by LA Opera. I will post an image tomorrow.

08/01/2017

To note Sam Shepard's passing, an old college buddy of mine, Mike Griffith, sent me a photo of a play poster I designed around 1982 or 1983. No computers, no budget, completely hand drawn and press type.