Scott Reid
Scott Reid
Creative Director/Writer/Musician
Minneapolis, Minnesota
behance.net/scottreid2
instagram: @philterscott
@polaroids_from_mundanity
WHAT DO YOU DO?
“I create things to help people communicate and make connections. ”
These things are persuasive, and often are used to sell a product or a service, but they don't have to, if you don't want them to. So, I use my creativity to help people or companies solve problems or deliver promises.
WHAT STEPS DID YOU TAKE TO GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
On paper, I took some usual steps, but in hindsight, they weren't so usual. Even though I have never taken an art class, I've managed to win awards for design work. I taught myself to write and design at the same time. I taught myself to play guitar, bass, drums, and whatever else was lying around. I rewrote nursery rhymes in kindergarten and showed them to my mum. I said "yes" even when I had no experience, just so I could learn something new. I took up Muay Thai at the age of 34. I started a company in my 20s, despite my lack of network, and ran it for nearly 12 years. I took a big risk and moved to another country. I listened (and still listen) closely.
HOW DO YOU STAND OUT IN YOUR FIELD?
I'm a creative hybrid. I'm also not a snob. There are many creatives who like to look down their noses at others' creativity. They say things like "retail work isn't creative enough" or "that's not a big idea." I refuse to say shit like that. My background shows that creativity isn't just video or tv or inventing some new tech that no one will use just to say you did it. I help people get the things done that they need, and their businesses are the better for it.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON RIGHT NOW?
Music, comedy writing, I'm currently obsessed with Polaroids, and I'm doing a lot of kettlebell swings.
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE/PERSPECTIVE/TASTE? DO YOU HAVE A PROJECT THAT REPRESENTS THIS?
I believe that creativity is based on two things: empathy and perspective. And so everything I do is imbued with both. But if I had to peg my style to influences, I'd say I'm always striving to be somewhere between David Carson and Peter Saville. I'm trying anyway.
WE ALL HAVE MULTIPLE SKILLS OR WORK IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, WHICH ONE DO YOU WISH YOU COULD FOCUS ON MORE?
I'd like to do things related to music. I've been a musician for longer than I've been a working "creative" and I'd like to be connected to other musicians.
WHAT IS FRUSTRATING YOU RIGHT NOW?
Administrative tasks.
IF YOU COULD HIRE SOMEONE FOR $20/HR, WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE THEM DO TO MAKE YOUR DAY EASIER?
Billing. Scheduling. Some correspondence.
LET'S BRING OUT THE TIME MACHINE. WHAT DO YOU WISH YOU COULD HAVE TOLD YOURSELF, WHEN, AND WHY?
I wish I could have told my earlier self, the guy just starting out, to be rigorous about keeping work, and being religious about it.
IF YOU COULD TALK TO AN EXPERT TO GAIN MORE INSIGHT ON SOMETHING, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
It would be about neuroscience. The human brain is so fascinating and powerful, and yet still so unknown.
WHAT KIND OF OPPORTUNITIES/PROJECTS ARE YOU LOOKING FOR?
I love all kinds of projects. I love helping companies find their brand story. Brand foundations and mission/vision/values. But I also am experienced and adept at retail, so I'm up for that too. I'd love to collaborate on art installations with visuals and music, or even short film. I'd like to help young brands find their voice, and help them scale. I'm really up for anything.
DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL JOB/CLIENT/COLLABORATION.
The best client is the one that understands that this collaboration is not "I pay, you do" but rather "let's do something amazing together." I'm all in for clients that believe in respect and honesty in the creative process.
WHAT IS YOUR HOURLY RATE, RETAINER, OR SALARY RANGE?
How long is a ball of string? It always depends on the project. But I am always willing to have an open and honest discussion about budget.
HOW SHOULD SOMEONE APPROACH YOU ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
Email me or DM me or text me, and we'll set up time to talk about what you think you need, and if I can help. We'll learn something about each other in the process. I'd love it if you have an idea of budget, but honestly, sometimes you don't know what you need, and that's okay. We can figure it out together.
HOW DO YOU STAY CREATIVE?
Get up, and look around.
This member profile was originally published in May 2019.