Meet our next Maker we love, Jim Zahniser of Red Robot Design and Illustration. Jim is the artist who created vintage-inspired travel posters featuring Pittsburgh. Read on as Jim shares how his designs are inspired by Pop Art and his travels.
MAKER:
Jim Zahniser, Owner, Red Robot Design and Illustration
NEIGHBORHOOD:
Forest Hills
TELL US ABOUT YOUR BRAND AND WHY IT’S THE BEST
Well, I don't know if it's the best, but hopefully it's unique. I specialize in vintage-inspired design, typography, and illustration.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND THE STORY BEHIND WHY YOU STARTED RED ROBOT?
I've loved to draw as long as I can remember. I went to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and Thiel College. After school, I ended up working as an illustrator for an apparel company in Pittsburgh doing t-shirt design. I eventually got into graphic design work, and I've been at my full-time gig at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh for 15 years now. But I've always done freelance design and illustration, and eventually I formed Red Robot Design and Illustration in 2009 out of my desire to attract projects that reflect my interests and passions. My style can vary quite a bit at times, but most of my side work has some sort of vintage vibe, and I try to keep that element in all of my branding as well.
The last few years I've been focusing on a vintage travel poster series, which developed out of the many trips that me and my wife have been fortunate enough to take.
When I'm not working, I love to travel with Mrs. Red Robot (Carrie), play guitar, and spend time with the family cats.
WHAT ONE PRODUCT DO WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AND WHY?
I'm pretty excited about my newest Pittsburgh project, a 70s-flavored Golden Triangle poster. It's a tribute to the Pop Art illustration that I remember from my childhood.
IN THREE WORDS, WHY DO YOU LOVE PITTSBURGH?
Beautiful, History, Vibrant
HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RED ROBOT DESIGN?
Instagram is probably the best way to keep up with what I'm doing (and my Etsy shop), but here is everything...
www.facebook.com/ RedRobotCreative
www.etsy.com/shop/ RedRobotCreative
@redrobotcreative