Meet Grant Reitz | Multimedia Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Grant Reitz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Grant, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a kid I was always doodling strange creatures and I had a knack for it. On a few occasions I was called down to the principal’s office for this (sorry mom). As my skills developed, these little creatures got more complex. I watched my father hate his job everyday. For years he worked in business with people he described as “Lump Fish”. My father is quite the character. Not taking anything away from how hard he worked, but I told myself even at an early age that if I had the ability to, I would pursue a career that I enjoyed. He would say if you can get paid to do what you like to do, then you have won. The idea of getting paid to make funny illustrations was too enticing not to give it a try.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My work is a reflection of my inner child. That little kid’s imagination and strange ideas that never really grew up. My goal with my artwork is to make people smile. Even if for a brief moment it makes you smile or laugh, then I have accomplished what I set out to do. Generally people take things too seriously, so I try to counteract that with a majority of what I make.

I think what sets me apart from others is that I am humble and I always remember where I started. I think being able to get paid to do what you love is such a privilege anymore, and I think many creatives lose sight of that.

The work I am most proud of and most excited about is my Beer Can series. They look absolutely silly and I guess that to people it makes no sense. Each one has their own unique charm. It has been fun to look back at previous cans and see how far I have been able to take them since the first one. Each can has been fraught with issues and lots of googling. That said, with each problem I solve I learn more for the next one. I also love the challenge of trying to recreate these well-known characters in my own way.

My journey was not easy but I’ve learned that nothing you really want is ever easy. I had to deal with hundreds of rejection emails, or “Love your work but….no”. I was almost convinced that I should just stop trying. It was an extremely humbling time but also defeating. I think it is what I needed to propel me forward. Since then I took it upon myself to just work harder and develop new skills to make myself almost indispensable to any company I work for.

What I learned is that if you’re passionate about something and you give that passion time and dedication, you will be shocked at just how far you can take it. You are truly capable of more than you may realize.

I think what I want people to take away from this is don’t stop trying. Even if you don’t get the result you were after immediately, just keep going. Your moment will come.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
First stop would be Xtreme Action Park in Ft. Lauderdale to race some Go-Karts. My friends say I drive like a grandma, but I’m the fastest grandma on the track. I would then take them to Glitch Bar to continue the fun game night. Lots of new and old arcade games with a great beer selection.

The following day would start with a morning bike ride to Deerfield beach to have breakfast at Deerfield Beach Cafe. Nothing better than breakfast on the beach. Maybe have a few mimosas and enjoy the day. After a more difficult ride back home, I would stop at Bamboo for a HUGE acai bowl. They are so delicious, no amount of acai is ever enough.

I would have to take them to Wynwood one day to see all the awesome artwork. Walking around that area is a day in itself.

If perhaps there was a concert, I would take them to the Miami Amphitheater. I have seen three shows there and it has such a good vibe. Sitting on the lawn overlooking the water in the background with a beer and live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The person who deserves most of the credit for me being where I am today besides my parents is my best friend, John Love. John is not a designer. He isn’t creative at all but he is a very hardworking, intelligent, funny and a genuine person. He has been there since day one from learning about typography in college to making complex motion graphics today…he has always been my hype man. When I was struggling getting interviews during my job search, his support and belief never wavered. He would always say: “you have to just keep trying”. At times, he will show me work that I shared with him from years ago, just to remind me of how far I have come. He is invaluable to me.

Website: www.reitzcreative.com

Instagram: @reitzcreative