Matthew Brennan

Matthew Brennan is an Illustrator and Graphic Designer based in southwest Michigan. His unique style blends the hard edged line art style, vibrant expressions of classic comics, and an old master's approach to anatomy, composition, and light. Matt's graphic design has been used by local businesses and non-profits in advertising tabletop games and cos-play. His Illustrations have been featured in several juried exhibits and as part of Kalamazoo's Art Hop.

After leaving Michigan Technological University, and the pursuit of a degree in physics, Matthew attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College, where in 2013 he earned his AAS with a focus on illustration. Since then he has continued to Illustrate part time while continuing to develop his technique and style. In the future Matt plans to transition his skills into a full-time career.

Outside of work and taking care of his two sons, Matt finds time to volunteer with Her Majesty's Royal Guard (HMRG). HMRG is a not for profit that performs live steel, fully armored, and full contact medieval combat to audiences across southwestern Michigan. As president and a Knight of HMRG; Matt performs in demonstrations of martial combat, gives educational speeches on weapons and armor, constructs and maintains suits of medieval armor, serves as a mentor to his squire, Nick Miesch, and is the outward face and contract negotiator for the club. Matt is also a avid outdoorsmen and enjoys hiking, skiing, fishing, camping, bush crafting and kayaking. For those days when Matt is stuck indoors, Matt loves video games television and movies. In addition to practicing traditional mediums including acrylic, graphite, ink and water colors; Matt is an avid maker working across a wide variety of mediums and always exploring new ways to breath life into his imagination.

Resume of Matthew Brennan

Objective:

Seeking work that will utilize my talents to communicate and create inspirational experiences.

Education:

Associates in Applied Science (AAS), Art and New Media, with a concentration in Illustration.

From Kalamazoo Valley Community College.

Graduated April 28, 2013.

Skills: Digital

Affinity Photo, Affinity Designer, Affinity Publisher, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe InDesign, AutoDesk Sketchbook

Skills: Traditional

Graphite, Acrylic paint, Pen and ink, Charcoal, Water color, Ceramics, Wire, Wood Working, Leather Working

Skills: Other

2020 Cabinetry Designer, Forklift, Cashier, LTL, Microsoft Office Suite

Prior Work Experience:

Menards Three Rivers, Three Rivers MI. Hired as Cabinets and Appliances Sales Associate September 2017. For reference call (269) 278-2183.

Freelance Graphic Design, Swords of Valor, “Five Minuet Sword Fight” released 2019. For reference call Allen Bernstein (269) 574-7130

American Axle Manufacturing (AAM), Three Rivers MI. Hired as Materials Operator from April 4, 2016 till August 24 2017. For reference call (269) 278-0211.

Freelance Illustration, Her Majesty’s Royal Guard. February 3, 2015. For reference contact Matthew Kruchowski (612) 382-1864

Vector Marketing, Elkhart IN. Hired as sales rep from October till December 2011. For reference please call Nicole Shudder, District Manager in Elkhart IN, at 574-262-5288.

Tuesday Morning, Portage MI 49002. Hired as sales associate and cashier, from November 2010 till March 2011. For reference, contact Jackie Sellers, store Manager at 269-329-1244.

Abbott Labs, Sturgis MI 49091. Hired through Manpower as a forklift operator, from April 2010 till August 2010. For reference, contact Ron Hurst, third shift LTL, crew leader at 269-651-0751. Contact Manpower at 269-651-9336, to inquire about this and other short term jobs I have completed for them.

Community:

President of Her Majesty's Royal Guard, and Mentor, in Her Majesty's Royal Guard Squireship program.

Accommodations:

My work has been featured in three juried shows, for Kalamazoo’s Art Hop. My work has also been featured in three other KVCC Art Hop exhibits.