Utopic Signs Motion Graphics Designer Kevin O’Rourke

Utopic president, Jan Maitland, announced today that award-winning motion graphics artist Kevin O’Rourke has joined the hybrid digital media company’s roster of talent.
A graduate of Kendall College of Art and Design in Michigan, O’Rourke is a multi-disciplined artist whose motion graphics work brings his mastery of animation, digital and traditional illustration, special effects, contemporary and classic design, typography and cell animation to a diverse body of work in the commercial, broadcast and digital arenas.

Formerly a designer at Red Car/Chicago, the Grand Rapids-born artist’s work has garnered national recognition across multiple platforms. The AICP selected O’Rourke as a finalist in the Best Design category in 2010 for ‘The Drop,’ a design-driven piece featured in the Madison Museum of Contemporary Art. In 2012 he received another nod in the same category for NEXTEK' a spot out of Team Detroit, alongside Utopic’s Ryan Gilbert and Joe Minick, for the spot they created for NBC5’s 'City.' O'Rourke also created the graphics package for New Animal Production’s Emmy nominated programs 'Third Reich: The Rise and Fall,' and '9/11: Three Days After' for The History Channel. He received the 2007 Caddy Award for 'Strike Team' - a self promotional motion design/illustration piece, and in 2009 he took home the Real Detroit Weekly Award for Best Cover Artist for the 'Best of Detroit 2009 Issue.'

Prior to his three and a half stint at Red Car, O’Rourke honed his skills as senior designer at Univeral Images/Detroit from 2008 to 2010, and Postique/Detroit, from 2002 to 2007. As a resident artist at Fulton Street Collective, a co-op for a new generation of Chicago artists whose work bridges multiple disciples, he melds the spirit and vitality of his work in advertising with his graphic design sensibility to create an eclectic mix of prints – from concert posters for groups like Sonic Youth and Ween, to a series of over 30 posters for The Detroit Derby Girls.

“As an artist I really thrive on being part of a collaborative team, and Utopic presented a unique opportunity to work with full roster of talent - from editors, animators and FX artists to directors and sound designers,” says O’Rourke. “It provides a creative environment without boundaries, and approaches each job as a collective with a shared passion and vision – and a very creativity-driven mindset that was very appealing to me.”

“Utopic has evolved into a hybrid broadcast/digital media company, and expanding our staff with the addition of top-caliber multi-disciplined talent is key to our continued growth,” says Maitland. “Kevin’s work as an innovative motion design and multi-media artist has made him one of Chicago’s stand-out talents. I’ve been a big fan of his work for years. His forward-thinking aesthetic and scope of talent add yet another dimension to Utopic’s capabilities - and I’m thrilled to have him onboard.”

“Utopic is all about finding fresh, innovative ways to use a mix of mediums to create bold, innovative content that crosses multiple platforms,” adds partner, Tim Kloehn. “Kevin is a pioneering artist who shares that commitment. He’s a perfect fit with our vision – and our talented team.”
Kevin O’Rourke’s client roster includes, J. Walter Thomson/Team Detroit, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, Draft FCB, Campbell Ewald, Doner, Global Ewald. His work in the commercial arena includes motion design, illustration and art direction for the Nintendo spot ‘Hero’ (Leo Burnett USA,) and 'Butter Berger' for Culver’s (New Media Campaign,) to name a few. He also designed broadcast packages for clients, such as The Discovery Channel and The History Channel, and his print work includes, ‘Taras In Three Colors’ and ‘Pretty Face’ for ‘Art Prize.’
About Utopic:
Utopic is an award-winning one-stop hybrid broadcast/digital company dedicated to providing agencies and brands with multi-platform integrated VFX, editorial, production, audio and interactive services. Its collaborative consortium of artists and producers offer a seamless approach to everything from traditional broadcast commercials and promos to complex interactive rich media, web content, mobile apps and virals. Utopic’s mix of work includes broadcast spots and digital media content for clients such as Samsung, Kellogg’s, McDonald’s, Toyota, GM, NBC, Kraft, Shelterbox and Sears, to name a few.