A few years back, one of my friends in the comic book industry had a fan create a Wikipedia page for him. Dude, it was awesome! We didn’t know about fans, and for even them doing cool stuff based on loving our art!
In the last few weeks, I’ve had several requests for my old creative works. Music, art, design… oh my!
Which got me to thinking about my buddies Wikipedia page, that referenced his books, and articles about him.
Why not make my own reference page, I know the sources!
I tried posting my own Wikipedia page so that everything can connect over there.
WELL, they don’t like authors writing their own posts.
So, here’s all my hardwork that I will update as we progress.
Thank You - Stay Awesome!
-Russ!
Russ McIntosh
Russ McIntosh (born March 9, 1974) is an American digital artist and graphic designer known for his surreal, cerebral, and cosmic-inspired visual compositions. His work blends multiple photographic layers to create intricate dreamlike imagery that invites interpretation and introspection. Drawing stylistic inspiration from surrealists like Salvador Dalí and René Magritte, his art often contains hidden elements and symbolic motifs.
Early Life and Education
Russ demonstrated an early interest in art, frequently sketching detailed illustrations and assisting family members with school projects. His Mum, Sandy McIntosh, encouraged his artwork. After he had drawn all of the characters for the "Draw Me" advertisements for the Chicago Art Instruction School, he was accepted at 9 years old. Charles M. Schultz was one of the educators during Russ' enrollment there.
In his high school years, he helped the local bands with band logos, flyers and album covers. While largely self-taught, he refined his technique through hands-on experience in the design industry, developing a strong foundation in both traditional and digital media.
With the encouragement from his album covers, Russ began to make limited edition prints of his personal artwork. With a cardboard four panel display, he primarily sold his artwork in the parking lots at concerts during the late 1980's through early 1990's.
His artwork "Desolation" has been reinterpreted and is a favorite amongst collectors. Russ and his older brother Todd, have been taking the original back and forth from each others house - consistently since he created it.
Career
Graphic Design
Russ began his professional design career working with one of his lifelong mentors, Walt Sullivan at Sullivans Signs & Graphics in 1996. At Sullivans Signs & Graphics, the industry went from using hand tools and classic techniques, to using Adobe. Together they learned the new technology, with Russ becoming one of the forefront artists utilizing Adobe as a tool for work and creativity.
Signage
He then went to work for larger sign companies, like Metro Sign & Design where he become the Art Director. While there he helped develop the large exterior signage for CARFAX, and The Liberty Tavern of Arlington, Long & Foster Realtors.
Exhibits
Moving on to working at Capitol Exhibit Services he was able to work with large global accounts, like Puma, NASA, and Smithsonian helping to design their large "office-sized" tradeshows and exhibitions.
Labyrinth Entertainment & Comics
Teaming up with artist David Bovey in 1998, they created Labyrinth Entertainment originally to self-publish their comic book Sacred Ruins in January 2000. With the success of the first book, Labyrinth Entertainment expanded to helping other creatives publish their books, having more than a dozen books under the creative umbrella.
Labyrinth Entertainment even created a line of children's comic books under the LEe's Books division. Including Fairy Dreams by Chloe McIntosh, as well as Air-Boy, Dana Danger, and Cool Cat''.
FDAnews
Russ worked at the FDAnews as a lead designer, in the bullpen in 2007. Creating the daily newspaper in addition to specialty books, and educational journals. He said, working in that "high intensity immediacy of National news" was so enthriving!
And Then...
He later expanded into branding, packaging, and web design working with local marketing and advertising companies as their art director or manager.
The Birth of Vision Idea Design
In the second week of October 2017, his team had created a website that could help realtors with laying out their open house brochures and mailers. It went live on Monday, the clients said they loved it Tuesday, and by Wednesday half of the company was let go to focus on this new tech we developed. On Thursday he was speaking to his youngest daughter that was 18 at the time, she said "Dad you always told us to pursue our dreams, maybe it's time to pursue yours." That Friday the 13th he started Vision Idea Design!
Vision Idea Design
Through Vision Idea Design, he has worked with various clients across industries, most notably, with the George Mason University, Ornery Beer Company, and Grammy Artists.
Recent designs includes community work with the Spotlight on the Arts of Fairfax, NVRC for Deaf, and the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce.
Fine Art
Parallel to his design career, Russ McIntosh has cultivated a body of fine art that explores themes of the ethereal and the subconscious, metaphysics, and inner reflection. His digital artworks often feature dreamlike landscapes and abstract forms, inviting viewers to engage with the pieces on a personal and interpretive level often requiring close inspection to uncover embedded figures, patterns, and stories. His work has appeared in galleries, print collections, and online showcases, contributing to his reputation as a thought-provoking visual artist.
Publications
Lyrical Visions: Album Art by Russ McIntosh (2021): A curated hardcover collection of album covers created by McIntosh, this book highlights the intersection of music and visual storytelling in his work. Available on Amazon.
Artistic Philosophy
McIntosh believes that art is most impactful when it invites open interpretation. By incorporating layers of abstract and figurative elements, he encourages viewers to find their own meaning in each piece. His focus on the subconscious mind and dreamlike visuals aligns with his belief that art reflects personal truths.
References
"Lyrical Visions: Album Art by Russ McIntosh." Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/Lyrical-Visions-Album-Russ-McIntosh/dp/B09N3XMRTK
"Russ McIntosh." IMDb. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10944203/
"Russ McIntosh Art and Design." Official Website. https://www.russmcintosh.com/
"Vision Idea Design." https://www.visionideadesign.com/
"YouTube Short" https://www.youtube.com/@VisionIdeaDesign/shorts
External Links
Russ McIntosh on Amazon