Meet Daniel Kearsey | Brand Designer, Pop Culture + Entertainment Illustrator and Curator

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

Hi Daniel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business is pretty straight forward. Keep in mind I still work full-time at Kent State University as a Senior Graphic Designer and part-time adjunct professor.

I run a small, one-man design studio called Sixty First Street Design Studio based out of Ravenna, Ohio. This started out as just a name I could slap on products I sell. I then began getting clients here and there through word of mouth. These clients run from small businesses, start-ups, non-profits, individuals to touring musicians. My long-term goal is to turn Sixty First Street Design Studio into my full-time gig.

I also run/curate Popped! art space; which is a brand new art space (gallery) located in downtown Ravenna, Ohio. Before I get in to this, having a gallery is something I wanted to do since the early 2000’s. While it was something I thought would be fun, it wasn’t something on my radar to pursue at this moment. In June of 2023, I was participating in an outdoor art show, when the owners of Popped! stopped by my booth. This was our first time meeting. We engaged in some chit chat while they told me they really liked my work. We talked about getting together to talk about working on a project together. Fast forward a couple weeks, we met in downtown Kent, Ohio. It was a beautiful day. We sat outside, had a few drinks and talked to each other about this and that for over seven hours. They brought up that they have a space in their Ravenna Popped! location that was not being put to use. We tossed some ideas around what can be done with it, when I eventually suggested an art gallery. Ravenna has nothing like this. The downtown area is slowly building itself up and art is something that benefits everyone. We call it an art space instead of a gallery, because we use it not just for art gallery shows, but for classes and lectures.

I’ve always had an entrepreneurial mindset, but this was totally new to me. I told the owners that I would take care of everything and in just a few months, I put on our first show in October of 2023. It took some thinking and research to see what other galleries are doing. Since then, I engage with other artists and invite them to show work at the art space or take their information for when a show comes up they want to participate in. Only being a few months in to the art space, I know I am still learning, but so far the shows have been successful. I currently have 2024 completely planned out and started working on shows for 2025. I tried to think of this as a blank slate. Nothing existed, so I was going to make it what I envisioned. There are still plans for upgrades to the space, but until that time comes, I’ll just take it one day at a time

What should our readers know about your business?
Sixty First Street Design Studio isn’t your typical run of the mill design studio. Since I work full-time, I am selective what jobs I take on. I love to work on projects that involve some type of custom illustration. I also enjoy doing branding work, album packaging, book design, etc. This doesn’t mean I turn away other potential clients. Depending on the season and what I have going on though is what will determine that.

I’d say what sets me apart is the custom illustrations I incorporate in a good portion of my work.

While personally, not my best work, one of the jobs I’m most proud of is a piece I did for Ian Grushka of the pop-punk band, New Found Glory. I met Ian through an apparel company, RSVLTS. He saw my artwork and asked if I would be interested in designing a trading card for him to have on tour to give to fans. We’re now on our third annual card. The second card I made for him was based off of the old school Garbage Pail Kids trading cards. I posted the card on social media and the owner of RSVLTS reached out to me asking if I would be interested in putting that design on one of their shirts. It was very limited. There are only five of these shirts in existence (plus Ian owns a pair of matching shorts). It was presented to Ian in Atlantic City at a show the band was performing. When New Found Glory came to Cleveland, Ian and I coordinated that we would both be wearing the shirt!

Like most businesses, I got to where I was with ups and downs. I started taking things more serious around COVID, while working from home. I had a lot of extra time on my hands, so started honing my illustration skills and began to start making a name for myself. Because of pushing myself, not only did I get my own business moving, but it brought Popped! art space into my lap. I just had to keep on pushing myself. I got into ruts here and there, but after some reflection, kept getting out of them. I would also say one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is have a community of like-minded people and don’t ever get jealous of others accomplishments. Applaud their accomplishments as it doesn’t get you any further by being sour about it.

My brand story is pretty simple. I grew up in the heart of Cleveland, Ohio on W. 61. Some of my best memories were spent on that street. I lived there from birth until my mid 20’s and made some of my best friends there. I wanted to pay homage to my upbringing by naming my place Sixty First Street. I then tagged on Design Studio to the name! I want the world to know that I’m a very chill, laid back guy with a goal of providing exceptional design and art to the masses.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My friends know if they’re from out of town, they are going to get the full Cleveland treatment. Being from Cleveland, most visit during the summer. I mean, who wants to visit when there really is a good chance it’s going to be cold out?

Monday: Museum(s) (Rock Hall, History Museum, Art Museum, etc.)
Tuesday: Lake Erie/Edgewater (Grill some food on-site)
Wednesday: Cedar Point (Eat/drink on-site)
Thursday: West Side Market, Great Lakes Brewery, Pins Mechanical Co.
Friday: Art Galleries (78th Street Studios, Art Walks)
Saturday: Guardians Game, Thirsty Parrot/Clevelander (pre-game food/drinks)
Sunday: Grumpy’s Cafe, Cleveland Zoo

Cleveland has such a rich history and this itinerary is just a first draft of something fun to do while a best friend is in town for the week

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m not sure there is enough room to talk about everyone who deserves a shoutout.

If we go way back, I need to thank both my dad and my grandfather. Both were artists in their own respect. My dad worked on more fine lined work as far as paying attention to small details, woodwork and upholstery. My grandfather was a printer by trade and a fine artist at night. Without either of them, I can’t think that I would have pursued art the way I did in life.

In High School, I had an art teacher, Tom Halko. He was the most personable guy who even after graduation, let me come over to his house to teach me new mediums, such as screen printing.

In College, one of my professors, Dave Szalay spent so much one-on-one time with the students. It’s been 14 years since I graduated college and I am still in contact with him today. He mentors me as far as learning new illustration techniques to what is going on in the design community.

For over a decade, I was a part of the American Advertising Federation and worked my way to the board as being their secretary to eventually becoming president. Everyone in that group; specifically Cecilia Sveda and David Flynn have been nothing but supportive and encouraging.

Nowadays, it’s my inner circle. That circle consists of other artists, designers, local community and of course my own family.

Website: https://www.sixtyfirststreet.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sixtyfirststreet_designstudio/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dankearsey/

Other: Popped! art space Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppedartspace/