Alumni Spotlight: Jeffrey Everett
Hi, my name is Jeffrey Everett – Class of 2004. I am a designer at The National Institutes of Health where I work on a host of projects ranging from addressing diversity issues in the scientific community, to Covid (heard of that?), to everything in-between. When not trying to save the world with design I run my studio Rockets are Red where I focus on designing and illustrating concert posters for bands big and small.
Where and what are you working on right now?
Today I am finishing work on my new book, Let It Bleed (let-it-bleed.com), that collects 350+ concert posters designed over the last 20 years. I am also working on posters for Iggy Pop, NOFX, New Found Glory, Ministry and Gary Numan, and Skinny Puppy while also arranging for two gallery shows and starting two pieces for gallery shows.
What impact has SVA MFADesign had on your career?
SVA MFA Design as Author/Entrepreneur taught me to bring my personality and thoughts into my design work. After this many years, I am privileged to work with clients who come to me because they want MY work – they want me to add my thoughts and views into the work. It is a piece for a band or for a gallery show on pop culture and it is my take on it and has my point of view.
If you could choose a thesis topic today, what would you pick?
I’m not thinking about what would 26 year old Jeffrey do if I had to do it again, I would think about what I would want to do now. As a lover of the low-brow, I would love to dive into designing high-end designs for pro-wrestlers and luchadores. I’ve been lucky enough to dabble in that field working with FIVE world champions (including David Arquette), Expo Lucha events on both coasts, the two fastest sold-out posters on ProWrestingTees for the “very nice, very evil” Danhausen, and a bevy of work for the Party Peacock Dalton Castle. Like working with punks, wrestling fans are quite passionate and particular about the work and I think there is a lot to explore!
Anything else you would like to share?
My book goes to Kickstarter on March 4 and I’ll be having a gallery show in DC in-person and livestreamed via the AIGA DC. The weekend after, March 11, I will be in Philly at Arch Enemy Arts doing a pop-up show and talk. Lots of exclusive prints, posters, zines, and other fun things to be at each show.
Instagram: @rocketsarered
Portfolio: rockets-are-red.com and let-it-bleed.com