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Rod Authority has been hard at work bringing readers the very best in event coverage, features on innovative hot rod and custom shops, gorgeous builds and the talented individuals behind them, and spotlights on the women who run the ship in an industry dominated by their counterparts. This year, a new column is being introduced–artist profiles.
From automotive renderers and concept designers to pinstripers and disciples of the lowbrow school, Rod Authority is proud to present the first of many features spotlighting this critical facet of classic car culture.
Robbie Bryant and Brian FIelds of KEG-Media are a duo of savvy artists who have built a business that is still growing after 12 years. Robbie owns and operates KEG-Media. His business specializes in, but is not limited to, concept renderings, logo design services, website development, print media, shirt design, project build marketing, and signage. Being veterans in the automotive world, together Robbie and Brian’s objective is to make the dreams and imaginations of clients come to life. In essence, what they offer are equal parts conceivability and the initial step towards tangibility.
Devilish Designs And The History Of KEG-Media
The roots of what would eventually become KEG-Media were planted back in 2001. Robbie worked as a manager of a custom car shop in St. Louis, Missouri. Robbie recalls spending time after work learning the ins and outs of Photoshop 2.0. “I figured out how to cut out vehicles and lower them onto new wheels, how to do paint jobs, and some body mods like simple shaving,” said Robbie.
This was an era of rendering that was still dominated by the hand drawers of the day. Digital rendering wasn’t a common site in the industry but friends, colleagues, and connections eventually started reaching out to Robbie on a more frequent basis. “I did a lot of free work for the practice but quickly realized that it started taking up too much of my free time. I know longer wanted my time to be free so I started charging people as I got better–$25.00 to $50.00,” explained Robbie.
It was at this time that Robbie gave his service an identity, “Devilish Designz.” In 2002, with requests mounting, the name was changed from Devilish Designz to “Kutting Edge Graphics.” Robbie said, “I went by this name for the next couple of years until I noticed people kept referring to me as KEG in online forums and messages.”
As he gained more cliental Robbie eventually expanded his services to offer logo design, printing, and web development. These new services along with the catchy nickname were the inspiration for KEG-Media, it has stuck ever since.
Rounding Out The Team, Black Betty, And SEMA Breakout Years
“Brian was a young 16 year old who would constantly message me showing me his work asking for tips and opinions. I started giving Brian some pointers and advice and realized I told him so much I better have him join me rather than work against me in the future,” explained Robbie.
In 2008 Robbie opened up the KEG-Media facility and in 2009 relocated Brian to Arkansas from Texas. The business was on a successful climb during these years and during 2010’s SEMA Show the KEG-Media brand skyrocketed. “We have been back at SEMA every year since with multiple vehicles and have now built three cover trucks in three years and two other feature trucks. Our baby, however, is a 1960 Chevy 2-door Brookwood Wagon named “Black Betty,” said Robbie. Black Betty touts an LS3 motor and made its debut at the 2012 SEMA Show where it was displayed in the AccuAir Suspension booth. The wagon attracted the attention of Chip Foose which was a defining moment for Robbie who was truly honored.
It was during this successful year at the SEMA Show that clients started approaching KEG-Media about project vehicle marketing. “We did three different vehicles that year to show we could do any style. I knew if I could do those for myself that I could project manage and market other people’s builds.”
Last year KEG-Media debuted two of their own builds and four others for their marketing clients. In 2013 alone, Robbie and Brian figured that the total amount of renderings they did for SEMA was a walloping 121. This doesn’t include the other design projects outside the scope of the SEMA Show or clients outside of the automotive industry.
KEG-Media’s track record alone speaks for itself and with 12 years under the company’s belt, it shows no sign of slowing down.
Q&A With The KEG-Media Crew
Rod Authority had the pleasure of digging deeper into the minds of Robbie and Brian to learn more about the company, but also them as individual car enthusiasts and artists. Check out the exclusive Q&A session with KEG-Media below:
Rod Authority: For those who are state lines away–describe your work environment.
Robbie Bryant: We have a fun environment since it’s just Brian and I. It’s very laid back. 800-square ft. office with a 2400-square-ft. shop that we store our custom vehicles in.
RA: What is a typical day for KEG-Media like?
Robbie: Brian opens up the office at 9:00 a.m. and I show up a few hours later when I am not on the road. Office closes at 6:00 p.m.. I am usually there until 9:00 or 10:00 p.m.. The day is pretty much a blur of working on design projects, marketing calls, answering phones, emails, and taking new orders.
RA: What is the toughest project car the company has taken on?
Robbie: Our toughest vehicle build we have taken on has to be our Brookwood Wagon aka Black Betty. That’s a very detailed car.
RA: What has been your most stressful project?
Robbie: Our most stressful project has nothing to do with design. For the past five years KEG-Media and our friends have thrown the largest custom car, truck, and bike show in the state of Arkansas called Slamily Reunion. Each year though, it goes off without any problems and a huge part of that is made possible through our awesome staff and my wife.
Robbie Bryant’s Background
Outside of work, Robbie is a father of five boys, Dakota 18, Pierson 10, Jaxon 6, Keeton 3, and Hudson who is 5-months. He is married to his best friend and biggest supporter, Keena. Robbie told Rod Authority, “She is a big reason to my success as she always supports me and pushes me to achieve my dreams. I come from a small town called Richmond in Missouri where I grew up as a kid. I have always had a fascination with custom cars before I could even drive.”
Robbie lost his father when he was eight to a rare form of brain cancer. “He was always into his cars and motorcycles. Always kept them cleaned and washed. I think that’s where my love for the custom auto industry comes from.”
RA: What first attracted you to art?
Robbie: When I was young I used to look through my mom’s magazines. Inside them, there were these animal faces and it would say, “draw me.” It was a contest–I was into drawing so I did one and sent it in. To our surprise I won what was supposed to be an art scholarship, but when they found out how young I was they ended up awarding me with some art supplies.
RA: Who is your biggest artistic influence?
Robbie: Chip Foose is my biggest influence in automotive design.
RA: What is your favorite medium?
Robbie: I prefer design on a PC because it looks more realistic.
RA: What is your favorite classic?
Robbie: My favorite is a 1960 Brookwood 2-door wagon and I just happen to own a beautiful one. It’s my dream car.
Brian Fields’ Background
Brian is a critical asset to the KEG-Media team. Robbie and him have years behind their friendship and business relationship. Outside of work, Brian has been married to his best friend, Jessica, for three years. Brian spent most of his life in a northern suburb of Houston, Texas called Spring.
“Through my school years I always had an automotive magazine with me and would constantly be drawing flames and graphics on my binders,” said Brian.
RA: What first attracted you to art?
Brian Fields: Nothing attracted me to art really, it’s something I’ve always done–from marking up my parent’s walls when I was still in diapers to all the art classes I could take throughout my school years. It’s just something that kind of came natural to me–something I always enjoyed doing.
RA: Who is your artistic influence?
Brian: Boyd Coddington is my biggest influence in automotive design.
RA: How would you describe your artistic style?
Brian: I describe my style as “all over the map.” I can design something from really bold and in your face to clean and corporate.
RA: What is your favorite medium?
Brian: I prefer design on the PC due to the array of ways you can design on it.
RA: Hand Drawn versus computer rendering–what is your preference?
Brian: You can’t beat any great hand-drawn rendering and I’ve seen some amazing ones in my time. However, I prefer the digital renderings we produce due to the more realistic effect you achieve with them.
RA: What are the pros and cons of each in your opinion?
Brian: With hand-drawn renderings it’s hard to make a change without completely starting your project over. However, with digital renderings we can easily show clients different mods and or accessories without starting from scratch.
RA: What is your favorite custom?
Brian: My favorite custom would be Adam Labrese’s ’78 Ford XC Falcon from Australia.
RA: Leave us with a quote that defines your work ethic.
Brian: Work hard, stay humble.
For more information on KEG-Media head over to their homepage to see an overview of their services, contact information, and a further look at these talented individuals. Be sure to keep an eye out for their bold and versatile designs across several automotive genres, especially as this year’s SEMA Show draws nearer.
