ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR, QUENCH, HARRISBURG PA
Despite making the switch from web developer to ACD three years ago, Keith – who goes by the alias “Uncle Twisty” – has already amassed a career’s worth of killer packaging design. His book features iconic brands like Labatt, Seagram’s and Drydene and start-ups like Ever Grain Brewing Company, Big Hill Ciderworks and Columbia County Bread. Keith’s packaging recently dominated the 2018 Philly ADDY Awards, bringing home dozens of golds and silvers. He resides in a rural cabin of yesteryear, known as “The Spirit Lodge,” where he collects oddities and works on his own brand of subversive t-shirts, signs and paintings.
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
I grew up in the middle of nowhere, I moved around for a few years, now I live in the middle of nowhere.
DID YOU GO TO DESIGN SCHOOL?
I spent a year at Tyler School of Art, then went to a small state school that I knew would let me do whatever I wanted.
LEFTY OR RIGHTY?
They both come in handy.
MORNING PERSON OR NIGHT OWL?
Depends on how early I get up or how late I go to bed.
FICTIONAL OR HISTORICAL CHARACTER YOU IDENTIFY WITH?
Doc Holliday mixed with Tommy Chong
ARE YOU MUSICAL AND/OR PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
I dabble. Banjo mostly.
FAVORITE BOOK?
Dune
FAVORITE MOVIE?
Dune
FAVORITE TV BINGE WATCH?
Mostly just watch VHS
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM?
Instagram
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Cults
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Wayne White
FAVORITE CHARITY OR CAUSE?
Local thrift stores and food banks
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Riding and working on old vehicles
COLLECT ANYTHING?
Weird junk, taxidermy, motorcycle parts, old cars, old motorcycles, memories.
WHICH AREA OF GRAPHIC DESIGN IS GROWING THE MOST?
Print is making a big comeback, which makes me happy.
DESIGN MENTOR/INSPIRATION/HERO?
Saul Bass
GREATEST STRENGTH/WEAKNESS AS A DESIGNER?
Versatility and Versatility
ADVICE TO A YOUNG DESIGNER JUST STARTING OUT?
Never say: “I don’t know how to do that.” No one knew how to do anything until they learned.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Living in a van down by the river.
A MANTRA OR SAYING YOU LIVE BY?
“When you’re hitting it hard, it’s hard to hit it.”
