Paul Rowlett: Artist of the Month Dec 14 - Jan 10

I am currently a student at Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. I will be graduating in May with a BFA in graphic design. The majority of my work consists of illustrating a layout for a company then designing the layout on the computer using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite. I work not only with illustration, but also on the computers. I have created many digital works which include videos, graphic layouts, animations, and websites.

My preferred medium for an illustration is charcoal and conté but I also like to use colored pencil, graphite, and cut paper. Within these works, I like to incorporate expressive mark making to enhance the visual affect. The majority of my work consists of images of the outdoors, nature, and people. Some main themes I tend to gravitate towards are hunting, fishing, the country life style, and American military service. As a designer, I emphasize the ability to easily understand and comprehend my work. When I design, I focus on simplicity. The viewer should be able to immediately understand what I am trying to communicate through the design.

I worked on an internship this past semester for CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocate, in Seward. I designed three brochures, two fliers, and their Fall newsletter. I learned a lot about working with clients and how to deal with constantly changing needs and preferences.

At the end of each year Concordia holds a student show exhibiting the best work created that year. I had a number of pieces selected in 2009, 2010, and 2011. I have had two works shown in the New Generation International Exhibition Show in Seol, Korea in 2010. The show was exhibiting work from all around the world and published a book of all the works shown. I exhibited a work in the AIGA Nebraska Annual Design Competition in 2010 and 2011. In 2010 I showed a work in the Cheyenne County Art Guild’s Spring Show. I showed four works at the Cheyenne County Fair in 2009 and in this past fair I showed five works.

Thanks for this honor and I hope you enjoy my work.

Paul Rowlett

See Paul's art works at the Cheyenne County Community Center and the Sidney Public Library until January 10, 2012