The Man Behind the Poster
We honestly can’t stop drooling over our #Boonies poster. Derek Wycoff, you are truly talented, and we can’t thank you enough for our little masterpiece. With such appreciation in our hearts, we chatted with him this week about what being an artist living in Boone is like.
Born and raised in Hildebran, North Carolina, Derek came to Boone for Appalachian State University. He majored in Interdisciplinary Studies, with a concentration in Internet Studies. Years later he still roams the Appalachian campus, but now as an employee for the University. Officially, he is a web developer for University Communications. His job includes creating with photographers, writers, and social media gurus for the University’s marketing department.
When asked why he planted his roots in this little town, Derek said staying was easy. “I like the ability to live a simple life if you want to,” he explained. “The advantage of living in Boone is being able to live a rural or quiet lifestyle but still being in a bigger conversation in terms of the graphic arts and music community. It doesn’t require me to move, and I like having that option.”
In addition to working for App, Derek owns a freelance business; a graphic design studio called Maple Fortress. He creates websites, interface design for equipment, and posters for different events, artists, and even Boonies premieres. We were introduced to his work through his wife and Artemis employee Lindsey, and have been in love with his art ever since.
Not only does he work in graphic design, Derek is also the drummer for local band Naked Gods. He is able to overlap his passion for music and design by creating posters for his shows. Derek credits the atmosphere of Boone for giving him the confidence to thrive artistically. “A lot of people gave me a chance early on,” he said. “I feel like I had the chance to practice in our community, before branching out to other places.”
While we agreed that our little town has lots of room for improvement in opportunity and diversity, Derek emphasized the advantages of living and creating here. “In Boone, there is a community of artists and like minded folks you can reach out to and connect with.”
It’s people like Derek (and little baby Eno!) who celebrate the High Country, and also encourage it to grow in a mindful way. So on the last Thursday of this month, come celebrate Derek, local business, story telling, and this little town we call home at the Boonies Premiere. Can’t wait to see you there.