Welcome to the Geek Shirts HQ Designer Unlocked Interview Series where we put the best independent designers under the spotlight.
This week we have an awesome designer, who cites some of his influences as religious, Batman and comic books. With such an eclectic mix of interests, Geek shirts HQ welcomes
Ever heard of Alan Myers or his alias Kid Icthus?He is a cool designer that has come up with some awesome designs. My favourite being his Bruce Lee designs well until he finally finishes a Firefly design.There is a slight problem with Kid Icthus, yes he is a cool designer and extremely talented but… he thinks he is Batman.When not creating yet another awesome design, he can be seen (or not seen) casting a shadowy figure on the streets of Missouri, making the streets safer for the likes of you and me Well not me actually as I live thousands of miles away but you understand what I mean.He gets his inspiration for his designs pretending to be a trucker (when he is not pretending to be Batman) and is often creating his cool designs while sitting in a truck stop in the middle of nowhere.Yes, he does have a strange way of creating his designs.And yes he does seem to have multiple personality disorder, and is a vigilante but he is a cool designer, with some amazing artwork.Kid that truck is not yours, come back let us finish the interview first before you steal it.
Can you start by giving some background about yourself? Where you are from? What is your background? How did you get into design?
Born and raised in Lebanon Missouri I am the youngest of 3. I always drew a lot as a kid and it took up most my time in junior high and high school. I was pretty heavy into comics and learned a lot from them.
After high school I worked a few odd jobs and eventually found myself in 2000 working in the screen burning room at a t-shirt shop. I was told I would eventually maybe be able to learn the art end. The artist took a liking to me and I bought my first mac. I remember I started going to his house 2 times a week to learn Photoshop.
I was using Photoshop 7 on the dome IMac in those days.
After I got the hang of it and it looked like I was a quick learner I was moved into the art dept. I worked there for a couple years and did a little freelance on the side.
Eventually I took a part time job at a theatre. I love movies and excelled at the job to the point I became the manager for 4 years before going back to art.
I did a few designs here and there and worked odd jobs again until last year my wife and I decided I should try to go full time freelance. It’s been 14 months now and I'm going pretty strong.
Where did you get the name kidicthus?
Kid Icthus was the name I picked for my art around the time we were having our first of 3 kids. I wanted something that meant something to me and that the kid would like. I designed my stickman doing a kick flip logo and I’ve used it ever since. The icthus is the proper name for the Jesus fish btw.
Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
Most my design ideas just come from little things that spark my interest. Here lately the job has mainly become fulfilling client’s ideas and vision. I find sites like mintees very inspirational as well. Slogans are a big part of it too. First thing I do when I get and assignment is come up with a slogan.
When you create a new t shirt design, what is sort of process do you follow?
First thing is a sketch. Here lately I do a lot of sketching on Sketchbook Pro for iPad. After the sketch I rework my lines and what not in Ps. Then I add texture colour and type. All in Photoshop is the only program I need. From design to colour separations it’s all Ps
Looking at your own portfolio what is your favourite design and why?
I really like my lady of Vegas piece. I love it but still haven't found a buyer yet. I like the simplicity of it and the juxtaposition of saint and sinner implied by the piece
What current projects are you working on now? And can we get an exclusive peek?
I am currently working on some contract work that I can't talk about. But I am also working on a few canvas prints in a new very loose sketchy style that is fun.
Who are your favourite designers?
Jim Mahfood is my favourite artist designer you can see his stuff at jimmahfood.com if you are unfamiliar with him. As far as shirts go, anything liquid blue put out in the late 90's is solid gold.
Do you try to convey any message in your designs?
I really like to do religious designs or faith based art. My dream job would be working for Kerusso. I do those as much as possible.
Star Wars or Star Trek. Which do you prefer?
Star Trek, Wrath of Kahn is the best
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
God willing I'll still be working on art and enjoying my wife and kids.
What other interests and hobbies do you have when you’re not designing?
I still read comics. Thanks to apps for the iPhone and iPad it’s so easy to get all the back issue you had when you were little.
Also watch a ton of movies. Plus I'll watch or play anything with Batman in the title. I have been obsessed with him since 88. My wife and I named our son Bat.
Anyone you want to give a shout out to?
Just want to say a big thank you to my wife for being so supportive. Freelance can dry up at times but she never lets me get down.
Where is the best place to find your designs and buy some of your shirts? And of course get in contact with you
kidicthus.com is my site. I update my blog a lot there. My shirts are all over the place. Including Bass Pro Shops, Wal-Marts, and various places on the internet.
One last question, when you going to design a Firefly shirt as I am a massive fan? 
I'm working on a couple sketches. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for a really cool interview Alan.Don’t forget to check out his cool designs over at his site.It is the first time I have met someone who is an even BIGGER Batman fan than me!Thanks again for your time.
