Meet Bryan.

Chances are you’re familiar with Bryan Patrick Todd’s work even if you don’t recognize the name. You can hardly drive down a road in Louisville without seeing one of his murals. And even if you haven’t seen one of those, you’ve probably unknowingly seen his typography and design skills on packaging, posters or even in an ad for KFC. Yeah, he’s big time.

I had the unique pleasure of working directly with Bryan on a project for one of my clients at Boxcar.
 He designed and painted an amazing mural at the Louisville Marriott Downtown inspired by the hotel’s partnership with Kosair Children’s Hospital. He is the consummate professional – easy to work with, detail orientated, extremely creative and delivers a great product. From a business standpoint, I can’t recommend working with Bryan enough.

From a purely design standpoint, I’m just a big fan. His work has certainly made a mark on Louisville but it’s equally exciting to see the projects he’s accomplished for the likes of Esquire Magazine, YUM! Brands and Grand Central Station in New York City. Just a warning, this post is photo heavy because it was way too hard to narrow down the photo options. Since I’m guessing you’re going to be a big fan in no time, make sure to follow Bryan on Instagram for more inspiring design goodness.

GENERAL 

* Name: Bryan Patrick Todd

* Title: Designer

* How did you get started in your field? I’m a self taught designer, started at a small sign shop and worked my way up from there.

* What inspires you? I’m inspired by people who love what they do.

* What three words describe your work best: Over the top.

* What three words describe YOU best: Patient, loyal, hard-working

* One thing about you that might surprise people: I love basketball, on so many levels. I play in a mens league, coach my son’s team, and am an avid Indiana Pacers fan.

LOUISVILLE 

* Why Louisville? So many people end up leaving Louisville, what helped keep you in the 502?: With the internet and UPS it’s easier make great work from anywhere. I love this city, and wanted to raise my family here.

* Favorite Louisville Neighborhood: Crescent Hill

* Favorite Spot for a Drink: The Silver Dollar

* Favorite Lunch Spot: Blue Dog Bakery & Cafe

* Favorite Dinner Spot: Seviche

* You’ve got to try (or go to): Monnik Beer Co. recently opened in Shnitzelburg/Germantown. The beer, food and vibe is fantastic.

* Favorite Festival: Any beer festival sounds good to me.

* Favorite Pizza Spot: The Post on Goss

* If someone is visiting from out of town and only has time to go to three places, where do you send them? The morning should start with donuts from Nord’s bakery on S. Preston Street. If the weather is nice, get outside with a trip to Cherokee Park. Late afternoon/evening is a great time to head to Holy Grale for a drink and frites.

JUST BRYAN

* I’m sure a lot of people are very familiar with your work but not as familiar with you, the artist. What do people say when they find out you’re the man behind the art? I tend to get more reaction from people outside of Louisville on social media, so when it’s face to face with people in the community it’s special. Louisville residents are really proud of our city, culture and growing identity.

* What’s your background? How did you get started in painting murals?  Well, like I said before I’m self taught and it was really hard at first to get my foot in the door with design and art. My first mural was in the Highlands on Bardstown Road. A very high traffic area. They had a call for artists’ submissions and I just had to give it a shot. From there things really started taking off. It was a risk but it really paid off.

* Your work has been seen well beyond the walls of Louisville. What are some of your favorite projects you’ve done that aren’t 502-focused? I recently did some designs for Grand Central terminal in NYC. I cant think of a more iconic place to have my work seen. Additionally getting to design for Esquire, The American Music awards and Subaru have all been very rewarding and humbling.

* How has your work changed since you began? It has become very specialized, particularly with lettering. I started out aiming to be a “do-it-all designer”, but my interest in letters and type treatments slowly became more enjoyable and commanded more of my attention. Additionally, learning the business of design & the administrative aspects has strengthened me to be able to wear lots of hats when dealing with clients.

* What goes in to the process when you start a new project? Making sure I understand the project’s needs, limitations, and goals is most important before any sketches start. At the end of the day I want something to look good, but it needs to have a purpose of some sort. 

* Any dream collaborators or partnerships? I would love to create a window display for Hermès. 

* If you could paint a mural anywhere in Louisville (that you haven’t already) where would it be? Good question. I would honestly love to create something in tribute to Muhammad Ali. But additionally, Louisville is full of potential and locations that could benefit from public art & visuals. There are a lot of neighborhoods in the west & Central areas of the city that could benefit from it.

* If you could paint a mural ANYWHERE, where would it be? Anywhere is good for me, haha. But I would love to see my mural work overseas, possibly Europe and beyond.

* What’s next for you in 2016? Nothing but big things! Lots of cool stuff in the works as we speak!