Derick Holt knows that “a logo’s only as good as the product behind it,” that’s why he’s particular about his projects. Since graduating from VCUarts, he’s created identities for some of Brooklyn’s best-known eateries, including Marlow & Sons and The Commodore – institutions that helped to define the heritage aesthetic Brooklyn became known for worldwide. Through his signature combination of illustration, hand-lettering, printmaking and digital design, Holt creates identities that are rooted in vintage Americana and full of wit.
When he arrived at VCU he was undecided, though Holt says he was always drawn to design, even before he knew it was a discipline. “VCU opened my mind as to how design can heighten a lot of experiences, from fashion, music, art, hospitality and restaurants.” Holt also says he gained a “solid understanding of typography” and the rare chance to experiment on letterpress while working at VCU’s Bowe House Press.
After graduation, Holt headed for New York. He couldn’t afford to do an unpaid internship so instead took a job washing dishes at the Williamsburg, Brooklyn restaurant, Diner, where he convinced the owners to let him design a t-shirt. When that went well, he took on more of their design work and eventually was asked to brand the owners new establishments, most recently The Wythe Hotel. Holt’s early, and highly influential work, has led to other projects and today he’s doing branding for a Japanese hotel developer and a hedge fund as well as occasional side projects that peak his interest (like packaging for boxed coffee sold at Variety Coffee Roasters in Brooklyn). The beauty of Holt’s career: “I haven’t really searched for work. People come to me.”
Derick Holt is a five-time winner of the Print Magazine Award of Excellence, a winner in the 2008 ADC Young Guns Competition, and has work in the New York Public Library’s permanent collection. He recently relocated to the Catskill Mountains with his wife and two small children.
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