the Vintage Future | a Pfister AiR application

~PRE SEN T ED BY~

~ A ~

A RT I S T- I N - R E S I D E N C E A P P L I C AT I O N

ARTI S T- I N - RE S I D E N C E AP P LI C A T ION

ABOUT THE ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE PROGRAM:

YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE MUST INCLUDE:

Here at the Pfister we’ve long prided ourselves as being a worldclass destination for travelers and a quintessential Milwaukee

1. This Pfister Artist-In-Residence application form.

landmark. Woven throughout the cultural fiber of our hotel is a long-standing passion for the arts.

Along with our expansive Victorian art collection – the largest of its kind of any hotel in the world – we’re proud to continue our

2. A current resume.

3. A CD or jump drive with 10 high-resolution digital images of recent work with name, title of the pictured work, media, dimensions and date on each jpeg.

immensely successful and popular Artist-in-Residence program, which has been recognized locally, nationally and internationally.

4. Hard-copy color print outs of all 10 work submissions sized to

The Pfister Hotel’s Artist-In-Residence program features a working art studio and gallery on the lobby level of Milwaukee’s oldest and

5. A brief 200 word written proposal that details how you will maximize your experience as The Pfister Artist-in-Resident, your

8.5"w x 11"t.

most prestigious hotel. The studio is open to hotel guests and the

vision for the gallery space and how the program is appropriate

public, and encourages visitors to interact with the artist, while watching the evolution of each piece of work firsthand.

for your body of your work.

The Pfister is now entering the sixth year of the program that runs from April 1, 2014 – March 31, 2015. The program serves as an extension of the hotel with the artist working hand-in-hand with hotel staff, including The Pfister Narrator, to both promote the program and provide a distinctly unique experience for guests and visitors of the hotel. Artists also participate in the four Gallery Nights during their residency, along with a number of other events that occur throughout the year.

The Pfister Artist-in-Residence receives a $1000 monthly stipend, complimentary meals within the hotel’s cafeteria, and a $500 monthly house spend account for entertaining new and potential buyers.

This residency is a one-of-a-kind experience to be on the forefront of Milwaukee’s art community with one of Milwaukee’s, and the country’s, most revered hotels. Additionally, each Artist-inResidence creates a legacy piece that will go on permanent display in the hotel.

6. A brief video (hosted on YouTube or Vimeo) of you explaining your proposal. Video should not exceed three minutes, with the link added to the bottom of your written proposal.

7. A cover letter describing relevant qualifications, the extent of your experience in the materials and processes used and a brief statement about work; e.g. aesthetics, working methods, etc.

8. Documentation of lecturing or art history background (if available).

9. Availability for initial phone interview, followed by in-person interview.

10. Two written professional references from the regional art community supporting your application.

YOUR APPLICATION PACKAGE MAY INCLUDE: 1. Catalogues, reviews and/or other publications about your art.

2. Sketch drawings of the works described in your cover letter.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS: • Deadline for applications is December 2, 2013 delivered to: The Pfister Hotel, Attn: Donna Basterash.

• Finalists must be able to have their work exhibited for three months starting January 2014.

• Selected artist required to spend a minimum of 30 hours a week on-site over a minimum of four (4) days per week.

• Selected artist will be required to work closely and collaborate with hotel’s executive management and marketing teams as well as participate in the four Gallery Night events held during their residency, and other events throughout the year.

424 E. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 414.273.8222 | www.ThePfisterHotel.com/ArtistInResidence

PLEASE TYPE OR PRINT CLEARLY:

Brandon Minga Minga@brandonminga.com

Name Email Address Address

Milwaukee WI Zip Code

City State

Home Telephone Work Telephone Facebook Page (professional)

facebook.com/pages/Brandon-MingaFine-Art/144079312303396

Twitter Handle

@brandonminga

RECENT WORK: Please list the 10 works you’ve submitted in both digital form (via CD or thumb drive) and as hard-copy printouts sized to 8.5" x 11".

1. Title Media 2. Title

Driven 2012 Year Mixed media collage on paper Size 26"x40.25" Untitled 2012 Year 41"x26"x6"

Mixed media collage assemblage onSize Media an acoustic guitar

3. Title Media

Untitled 2012 Year 8'x11'

Mixed media collage digital print Size

Website, Blog, Online Portfolio or other Social Media Pages

brandonminga.com, behance.net/brandonminga, society6. com/minga, bigcartel.mingadigm.com

4. Title Media

How did you hear about the Artist-in-Residence Program?

I am a 2012 Pfister AiR finalist

5. Title Media

REFERENCES: Please list four people we may contact who know you and your work.

1. Name Relationship

David Martin Former instructor

6. Title

7. Title

Email 8. Title

Phone

Media 2. Name Relationship

Pamela Anderson Colleague/Friend

Address Email

3. Name Relationship

9. Title Media 10. Title

Phone

Male 2013 Year Laser engraved cherry wood Size 19"x44" Untitled 2013 Year 32"x9.5"x4"

Media

Generosity 2013 Year Size Mixed media collage digital print 8"x11" Cheers MKE 2013 Year Mixed media collage on paper Size 26"x40.25" Year Untitled 2013 Size Mixed media collage digital media

Phil Belair Colleague/CoWorker/Friend

Email Phone

Relationship

600px x 250px

Untitled 2013 Year Size 600px x 2072px Mixed media collage digital media

Address

4. Name

2009 28"x32"

Mixed media collage assemblage onSize Media a skate deck

Media

Address

Let there be light Year Mixed media collage giclee print Size

Brian Bowles Colleague/CoWorker/Friend

Address Email Phone

424 E. Wisconsin Ave. | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | 414.273.8222 | www.ThePfisterHotel.com/ArtistInResidence

C OV ER

LE T TER

To the Artist In-Residence Committee, Please accept my submission for consideration of The Pfister’s Artist In-Residence position for 2014.

Born in Kenosha, WI, I moved to Milwaukee in 2001 to attend the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design.

During my senior year, my studio began attracting attention from visitors and students from various tours.

Eventually, these impromptu gatherings led to my “unofficial” position as MIAD tour guide. I introduced countless students and families to a more candid view of the school and its various majors. Just before graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Art in Illustration, I received the Best in Show award for my Senior Thesis series. This led to invitations to guest speak on alumni panels ranging in topic from “After Graduation” to “Freelancing as a Creative Professional.” Speaking to students motivated me to become a volunteer mentor and instructor with Hanson Dodge’s On Ramp MKE program.

Since then, I’ve illustrated professionally in fashion apparel and freelanced in design and art direction. I set myself apart as a designer by hybridizing my traditional drawings and paintings with digital collages and typography With international recognition for this technique, I was selected to be represented by the prestigious Keystone Design Union, the world’s largest private design society. I’ve participated in exhibitions such as the Nu Visual Language in Southampton, UK and Miami, FL. More recently, after winning a spot in the Weapons of Mass Creation Festival by worldwide popular vote, I went on to serve as a finalist in the Pfister Artist in Residency program 2012 . Continuing my partnership with the Pfister, I’ve shown my work in their traveling Pfister AiR Finalist exhibitions. Currently, I’m a member of the Plaid Tuba studio, where I work and exhibit my art.

As an artist, my reverence for constitution and function electrifies my creative sensibilities, leading me to find inspiration in all things mechanical, from industrial architecture and historical mechanisms to the greatest machine of all—the human body. Through innovative uses of collage and assemblage, I seek to explore the parallels between technology, the human environment, and the mortal condition. Layering wood, paint, graphite, paper, digital prints, transfers, and found objects together into beautifully intricate compositions, I meld nature and artifice into surreal worlds of organic automatons and living structure. I want to know what makes things tick, and find ways to make them tick in an unexpected, yet inspiring new way.

Taking apart my environment and my being to discover their inner workings and all the moving parts beneath, then reconnecting the pieces in new configurations to create living, breathing machines of high art is how I work. Creating this artwork and sharing it with my viewers comes naturally to me. I believe my down-to-earth personality will appeal to Pfister guests and my avant-garde style of work, paired with the rich history of the Pfister Hotel, will spark interest and conversation. Those will prove to be valuable assets to the Pfister’s already welcoming atmosphere, as well as to the Milwaukee art community and myself as an emerging artist.

Thank you for considering my submission and I look forward to meeting you all in person.

Sincerely, Brandon Minga

R ESU M E

EDUCATION

Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) BFA in Illustration (04)

EXPERIENCE

Kohl’s Department Stores (March 12 - Current) Consultant - Art direction

+ Responsible for translating business strategies into high-level conceptual development and design, photo direction (fashion and off-figure) and production development + Collaborate daily with all levels of creative (copy, photo studio, project management, store planning (fixturing), merchandise presentation, and strategy partners) to achieve project goals + Provide clear and effective direction while leading and mentoring designers and production teams + Provide concept designs for a variety of internal and consumer-facing marketing materials including direct mail, credit, seasonal graphics and in-store signage + Personally selected for omni-channel cross-collaboration teams providing concepts and design work for special high-level projects

Kohler Company (Aug 11- March 12) Consultant - Designer

+ Creation of corporate and product specific style guides + Creation of technical illustrations for use in style guides and manuals + Photo retouching for print and digital use

Mingadigm, LLC (08-present) Owner - Art direction / Branding / Apparel Design / Interactive Design and Development + Recent clients: Plaid Tuba, Milwaukee Magazine, Old Navy, Ocupop, Nu Visual Language (Miami, FL), Om Records (San Francisco, CA), SO-ME Clothing (Miami, FL), Makeshift Prodigy

Fullhouse Interactive - Miller Coors, House of Blues, and Circle K

The Keystone Design Union (New York, NY) - NFL, Adidas/Reebok

MIAD (Mar - Apr 09, Jan - Feb 11, Jan – Feb 13) Teacher - Art Direction / Branding

+ Creation of unique section curriculum based on current fashion and retail customization trends and how to apply such to their respective styles or processes + Engage and inspire the collective class as well as individual students to create outstanding work

Straight-Up, Inc. (Aug 05 - Jan 11) Designer - Apparel Design / Interactive Design and Development / Illustration + + + + +

Lead creative in fashion forward brand development Lead digital designer Manage brand identities and guidelines Produce graphics and products that energize the brand and its audience Research and develop products with vendors, geared towards specific branded promotional marketing campaigns + Partner with creative team in meeting objectives and creating styles that solve

various clients’ needs

Kindred Clothiers division of Straight-Up, Inc. (07-09) Designer - Apparel Design / Interactive Design and Development/ Illustration + Lead creative behind Kindred Clothiers and Kindred Market brands + Branding concepts and development for Kindred and independent labels under Kindred brand

VOLUNTEER

Milwaukee Art Museum After Dark Planning Commitee (12 - present) Event planning / Think tank consultant

AIGI (11)

Portfolio reviewer / Guest lecturer

On Ramp MKE (09-10)

Mentor and instructor / Guest consultant on the board

MIAD (04 - 12)

Alumni panels / Guest lecturer

EXHIBITION 2013

Celebrate Las Vegas, City of the World Art Gallery, Las Vegas NV Open Canvas, Milwaukee WI Pfister Artist in Residence Finalists Exhibit, Delafield Art Center, Delafield WI Mosquitoe Gallery, Kenosha WI Plaid Tuba, gallery and working studio, Milwaukee WI Celebrate Las Vegas, Keep Memory Alive Event Center, Las Vegas NV

2012

Open Canvas, Milwaukee WI Pfister Artist in Residence Finalists Exhibit, Sharon Lynne Wilson Center, Brookfield WI Pfister Artist in Residence competition, Gallery M, Milwaukee WI

2011

Weapons of Mass Creation, Go Media, Cleveland Ohio ART in Transit Art Milwaukee ART Jamboree, Rustico, Milwaukee WI Feed Your Soul, Flux, Milwaukee WI

2010

Black Minga (solo), DiCarlo Salon, Milwaukee WI

2009

Mosquitoe Gallery, Kenosha WI

2008

Nu Visual Language, Bargate Monument Gallery, Southampton UK Mingle with Minga (solo), Pazzo, Kenosha WI

2006

Open Canvas, Milwaukee WI

2005

Open Canvas, Milwaukee WI

PRESS

Milwaukee Magazine (Cover Feature) “Charitable Events Guide” December 2013 Plaid Tuba Content newsletter (Image) November 2013 Plaid Tuba Content newsletter (Featured Artist) August 2013 ArtMail Milwaukee, (Featured Artist) April 2010 Coroflot, (Image) members online gallery, February 2010 Advanced Photoshop, (Image) Issue 65 p.74 October 2009 Vital Source, (Cover Feature) Vol VII, Issue 5 June 2008 MKE Magazine, “Recipe for Change, Adding Flavor to Brew City’s Image” August 9 2007 p.10 Summer Solstice, (Image) August 2007 Carpal Tunnel Mag, (Interview) 2007 MKE Magazine, “A Shot in the Art” February 8 2007 p.10 Winter Solstice, Proof7, (Image) January 2007 YRB, Yellow Rat Bastard Magazine, “Fall Fashion, Reautumnize Yourself” (Image) Issue 65 August 2006 YRB, Yellow Rat Bastard Magazine, “The Roots Issue” (Image) Issue 64 July 2006 The Royal Magazine, (Image) January 2006

P ROP OSA L

Built in 1893, The Pfister Hotel has long been known as a historic beacon of Milwaukee and one of the trendiest

places to stay and play. In the late 19th century, while the Pfister was becoming the premier spot for Midwest movers and shakers, the hottest trends in fashion, art, food and spirits were also beginning to emerge. It was this juxtaposition of old and new, past and present, that inspired me to create “the Vintage Future” for the Pfister Hotel.

My work will marry the rich history of the Pfister Hotel with the trends of today. I will reimagine historic events like “the Drunkard” and past venues such as “the Old English Tavern” and “the Columns,” drawing a contemporary inspiration from the Pfister’s Victorian collection and archives, both image and text. I hope to collaborate with the Pfister’s narrator, chefs, bartenders and social media partners to create these interactive events, in which we would pair my artwork with food and libations inspired from menus of the past.

“The Vintage Future” will include 15-20 mixed media collages on paper. I will offer limited-edition prints and create related apparel. Much like what Charles Pfister had intended when he concocted his Indian Punch, “the Vintage Future” will be marketed and sold nationwide.

video - https://vimeo.com/80764526

L E T TER S

OF RECOM M EN DAT ION

MILWAUKEE INSTITUTE OF ART & DESIGN November 26, 2013

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to recommend Mr. Brandon Minga for the 2014 Artist-in-Residence at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee.

Brandon is a highly successful 2004 graduate from MIAD’s Illustration program, having mastered apparel design and brand concepts to art direction and design concepts. He has also served three stints at MIAD as a visiting illustrator/designer, where we invite professional designers to work beside senior illustration students on a client-centered project. These stints resemble the artist in residence opportunity in that we ask Brandon to serve as the lead artist/design director and to help our students learn how to work for unique clients and creative situations. This means that the visiting artist must be comfortable serving as the sole educator and project manager for 18 seniors for three weeks. Brandon has absolutely excelled at these opportunities and will be returning to us in the near future.

Brandon has made a career out of bridging professional design and fine art/illustration.

He is comfortable working several distinct bodies of work, so facilitating his idea for the Pfister project is not new to him. He is extremely dedicated and professional, qualities that that are complemented by his warm and sincere demeanor. He is comfortable creating a vision for others that is fortified by his own personal visual energy. I am extremely confident in his ability to achieve his proposal.

Brandon’s proposal promises a distinctly rich and historically accurate and playful body of work and one of a kind experience for Pfister denizens and the Milwaukee public.

Having an artist collaborate with staff throughout the hotel will create, I believe, a unique energy to share with your guests. These are roles that he has mastered in the past.

I am happy to recommend Brandon Minga for the 2014 Artist-in-Residence position. I know that you will be extremely pleased with how his work will enhance the Pfister experience. Please call me at if I can be of any assistance.

Regards, David Martin Vice President of Academic Affairs / MIAD

L EC T U RI NG

E X PERI ENCE

Peck School of the Arts Department of Art and Design

Saturday, November 30, 2013

To Whom it May Concern,

Mitchell Hall 371 P.O. Box 413 Milwaukee, WI 53201-0413 414 229-4200 phone 414 229-2973 fax www.arts.uwm.edu

Brandon Minga presented his experiences and current research at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee's Peck School of the Arts on Tuesday, February 19, 2013.

For about an hour, he showed around 100 students in my Digital Arts course everything from his own student work to a in-progress designs in photoshop. The entire time he was captivating and inspiring due to his public speaking ability mixed with his fantastic work.

After the talk, Brandon spent about 20 minutes speaking one on one with various students.

That personal time was truly meaningful to several of them- who went on to write term papers based on Brandon and his work.

It will be a pleasure to hear him speak again in the future.

Sincerely,

Christopher Willey Lecturer First Year Program Digital Studio Practice Liaison, Hubei University of Technology Office - Art Building 316 2400 East Kenwood Blvd.

Milwaukee, WI 53211 414 229-4200 dept 414 229-2974 fax willey@uwm.edu www.uwm.edu/psoa

November 29, 2011

Michelle McCarragher Executive Assistant The Pfister Hotel 424 East Wisconsin Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53202

miad.edu

Dear Ms. McCarragher: Please accept this letter as documentation of Brandon Minga’s participation in panel presentations at MIAD – Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design. I am submitting this as per Brandon’s request to be included in his application for the Artist-In-Residence Program at The Pfister Hotel.

On several occasions Brandon has participated in panels at MIAD for our New Student Orientation and our Parent / Partner Day event. The new student orientations occur in late August and middle January.

The parent / partner day events are middle October. To my recollection, Brandon has participated in at least four of these panels.

The advice and comments Brandon offered students and parents was superb. He has a wonderful presentation style and great interpersonal communications skills. He does very well in front of a group of people. He listens carefully to questions and responds in an informed and encouraging manner. I have been extremely pleased with Brandon’s participation and contributions.

I invite you to contact me if you have questions or want to discuss my experience with Brandon. You may email or call, duaneseidensticker@miad.edu or 414-847-3274.

Sincerely, Duane Seidensticker Director of Career Services

Career Services, 273 East Erie Street, Milwaukee, WI 53202; ds@miad.edu, 414-847-3274

S U B M I SSIONS

1. Title: “Driven� Year: 2012 Media: Mixed media collage on paper Size: 26"x40.25"

2. Title: Untitled Year: 2012 Media: Mixed media collage assemblage on an acoustic guitar Size: 41"x26"x6"

3. Title: Untitled Year: 2012 Media: Mixed media collage digitally printed wall paper Size: 8'x11'

4. Title: “Let there be light� Year: 2009 Media: Mixed media collage giclee print Size: 28"x32"

5. Title: “Male” Year: 2013 Media: Laser engraved cherry wood Size: 19"x44"

6. Title: Untitled Year: 2013 Media: Mixed media collage assemblage on a skate deck Size: 32"x9.5"x4"

7. Title: “Generosity� Year: 2013 Media: Mixed media collage digital print Size: 8"x11"

8. Title: “Cheers MKE” Year: 2013 Media: Mixed media collage on paper Size: 26"x40.25"

9. Title: Untitled Year: 2013 Media: Digital mixed media collage Size: 600px x 250px

10. Title: Untitled Year: 2013 Media: Digital mixed media collage Size: 600px x 2072px

CONCEP T SKE TCH E S

The Old English Tavern concept sketch Inspired by the Pfister’s Victorian collection and archives, this piece may read, “the Hotel Pfister presents, Old English Tavern.” This text would be in multiple typefaces inspired from the era, complemented and merging with media collage elements. All this would be set over an image of the English Tavern.

Pabst concept sketch This piece would feature an illustrative type treatment using typefaces inspired by the Pfister’s Victorian collection and archives.

There would also be images of the champagne style bottle used with the signature blue ribbon curling down and around the bottle. This would be set above an image of the Pabst brewing facility and/or the Pabst theater.

T HANK

YO U