Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Reed.
Hi Todd, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
Grew up in a family with a lot of artistic men to look up to, whose artistic skills ranged from photography, hot rod fabrication, graphic arts, and interior design. As a youth, I was a local, well-known graffiti artist and comic book illustrator.
Graduated from Fort Hayes visual arts program, majoring in 3-D sculpture, and abstract painting.
Had my first gallery art show at the age of 18, which led to a career in illustration and interior design.
Created the “lizard, king” mascot for Columbus, Ohio ECHL hockey team “Columbus CHILL” at the age of 20.
For the next 12 years of my life, I pursued performing arts, including acting in Los Angeles, lead singer for the band “The World Famous Weedeaters,” and a top performer on Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
After returning to Ohio in 2003, I explored the culinary arts, with my Food Truck business “Psychoburger”, and my Cajun/Caribbean fusion restaurant “Iron Lion”.
Having a strong desire to return to my original love for filmmaking and special effects makeup, I took a drastic career change in 2018 and took an internship at Don Lanning’s D3 studios to elevate my clay sculpting skills.
In 2019 I started my own special effects/filmmaking company called “steam-powered Sfx Productions,” Which gave me the opportunity to become an art instructor at Columbus College of Art and Design, specializing in practical movie special effects/filmmaking.
I have been fortunate enough to fabricate props and interiors for Cedar Point amusement park, Six Flags Minnesota, Six Flags California, and hundreds of Haunted House attractions across the United States.
This past year I had the opportunity of restoring a Columbus, Ohio Christmas icon Mr. TREE, the Talking Tree, from the legendary Lazarus department store in Columbus, Ohio.
One of the leading sculptures for “Otherworld Ohio. “
Currently, my production company is filming a horror movie entitled “Amber Alert,” which takes place in Ohio. And a. Special effects reality build show called
“614 Scream Kings”, where I travel all across the United States, researching Cryptid monsters and building them in our Ohio-based fabrication studio!
Also, we are in the process of re-creating a Columbus, Ohio speakeasy based off of a “themed restaurant“ called “Columbus Catacombs”, a 1940’s underground night club featured in Time Life magazine circa 1941.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Our major struggle has been locking down silent investors with a vision. Looking for a creative/performance space to house all of the different events we would like to create in the future
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Creating fine arts by utilizing all of my skill sets and knowledge stemming from every facet of art that I enjoy creating. Special effects, makeup, three-dimensional walls, hangings, three-dimensional sculpture, graffiti art, set, design, photography, and digital arts.
What sets me apart from a lot of other Ohio artists from similar influences,
I am not a one-track pony. Some artist, I know are comfortable with being good at one style of art. Where I strive to be great at multiple art styles… I am always learning new things to apply to my art style. And I honestly feel that I will never stop learning and growing because that is what artists are supposed to do.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
When I am in my studio, I enjoy watching behind the scenes/making footage for movies that inspire me. I also enjoy watching documentaries or reality shows of artist, filmmakers, gourmet chefs, and inventors!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toddreedrockstar?igsh=MTlwOGVkNnlsdTZ0MQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/todd.reed.902?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Image Credits
Todd and Tonya Reed
