IMFourPlay

In my list of debts for this show, John Carollo features prominently at the top! He generously came to my rescue as I became aware of FourPlay's design needs, although, as I'm sure he'll attest, I was unaware of just how extensive these needs were--ranging from designing the logo itself, to creating the flyers, posters, advertisements, t-shirts, program cover, providing the website and slide show elements... the list goes on. John is always, it seems, creating art, so I agreed to step out of my comfort zone and join him on a life drawing outing, with my pallet, box of water colors, and an eagerness to learn.

Current favorite musical: Hairspray (not that I have the use for any)
Current favorite improv game: Shoulda' said

DC: John, you have really been a knight in shining armor for this production, providing an enormous amount of design work and consultation. You clearly have a gift as a visual artist, and a generosity in sharing that gift. Do you recall how you became interested in the world of graphic design?

JC: Well, based on the recommendation of parents and high school counselors, I went off to college like a lamb to the slaughter to study business. After a semester and a half of Economics and Calculus, the results were disastrous enough that I needed to go in a different direction. I dabbled in art a bit as a kid, but more music, as I was in band and orchestra, and actually designed for and taught bands and drum corps for several years later on. There was a good graphic design program at another university, so I transferred and it turned out well. Design can be interesting, because you need to communicate the essence of a project or idea very quickly and clearly. The thought process behind the actual finished look is what I enjoy the most.

In the case of FourPlay, I wanted to have it perceived as a local production of an established, national show..hence the "crisp" design treatment. The positive feedback from those involved has been great. As far as the "sharing" business, sometimes the right presentation package will help a great product that might otherwise be overlooked get more notice. FourPlay is a great product, and I'm glad I've been able to help increase its visibility.

DC: You're too kind. You are also a graduate of SAK University and a member of SAK’s Lab Rat ensemble, which performs regularly on Tuesday evenings in the Lab. How would you compare the processes and means of performance art with those of visual art? As you have pursued your craft as an improviser, has this changed the way you approach the canvas or computer screen?

JC: It is an interesting contrast. As an artist, you are really a creator/director. You plan, shape, fine tune and polish your creation to send it out into the spotlight, where it tends to get more recognition than you do personally. At SAK I do some of that (very QUICKLY) and then am also in the spotlight, which is not a role I am terribly used to. What you learn studying improv gives you a fantastic skill set for life, as all the work on going with your instincts, not hesitating about ideas, and basically just throwing yourself out there, no matter what may happen can really bleed over into other things. I think the confidence I've gained from my participation in SAK has probably been instrumental in my finally getting the guts to show my paintings publicly, and not just my design work.

DC: Speaking of which, your work was recently honored at a regional art show. Tell us a little about that experience and any future opportunities we might have to see your handiwork.

JC: As I just alluded to, I started painting years ago in college, but had never shown anything until last November. I've now had four shows in less than a year, and it is exciting and rewarding. The event you mentioned was the Downtown Art & Living Expo at Lake Eola. It was an outdoor art festival in May. I am the Resident Visual Artist with the Voci modern dance company, a collaboration which came about through my past experience as a costume designer and choreographer, and we team up sometimes with me showing art and painting during their performances. They were going to have a tent at this festival and invited me to share the space. I madly painted my butt off to have something to show, and out of a field of over 100 artists, I was thrilled and surprised to receive a Best in Show award (and some cash too). The funny thing is I had just done that painting a week before, after not painting in a while. I showed it to friends saying, "look, I've lost it, this stinks." And that was the prize winner. Maybe it didn't stink that much!

DC: Clearly you stink... of success! [Long silence]. Sorry, I won't interrupt again. Continue...

JC: August and September will be a busy time. I will be at the Urban Think bookstore on Central in Thornton Park Friday, August 25 from 6-9PM as the featured artist of that week's Friday Night Arts event. My work will be up there for a week after. The next day, Saturday the 26th, I will be one of 15 artists showing at the Red Chair Affair at the Bob Carr. It is a swanky event to raise awareness about Orlando cultural offerings. On September 9, a show opens with myself and three other artists at the Art House, a very cool space operated by the city of Casselberry. That show runs through October 31. What have I done to prepare for all this? ZERO. Time to get busy.

DC: Indeed! I’ve linked our readers to your home site before, nakedeyestudios.com, but describe what newcomers will find here.

JC: I just updated some of the portfolio gallery sections to include some newer work and added a new "Total Package" area, which shows some projects I've worked on where I created a design look that was applied to several parts of a campaign. There are also areas for the paintings and ceramics, and a place to sign up for the email list, to be notified about upcoming art show events, etc. OH, and people should check out the "Who Are We" area to meet my staff. They are sort of on the short side, but actually do contribute to the business. A few projects coming up include: a new client who is going to produce a line of novelty clothing – I'm doing illustrations/logos for that., an annual 44 page magazine project – I'm currently creating the storyline and thematic ideas for that, and some display kiosk work for an insulation company. A little bit of everything.

DC: I don't know how you do it...! Well it looks like we're done with the paintings. Perhaps you can help me figure out how you created a beautiful portrait while mine turned out to be an ash tray...

To learn more about John, go here.