The Seahawks return home to Lumen Field in Week 6 to face the Arizona Cardinals. In the continued effort to create initiatives to highlight homegrown Pacific Northwest talent, the Seattle Seahawks Gameday Poster series does just that. Meet Week 6 feature artist Jordan Kay.
Behind The Gameday Poster
This is the fourth year of the Seahawks Gameday Poster series, done in partnership with Seattle art pioneers the Ames Bros, with proceeds benefiting a different organization each week. The Week 6 beneficiary is Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Crucial Catch Fund, tying to the Crucial Catch theme of Sunday's game vs. the Cardinals. The Crucial Catch Fund will help local patients who cannot cover the incidental costs of cancer treatment.
The Ames Bros duo of Barry Ament and Coby Schultz are the masterminds behind some of the world's greatest illustrations, created here in Seattle. The pair met at art college in Montana, moving to Seattle to pursue their artistic endeavors in a bigger market. The duo found a niche in poster and apparel artwork for mega groups like Pearl Jam and Metallica. Now they are giving homegrown talent an opportunity to shine on a major platform courtesy of the Seahawks.
Who Is Jordan Kay
The journey from small-town Midwest America to the pinnacle of Seattle art didn't come easy for artist Jordan Kay. But there's beauty in everything in life, and Kay is one of those gifted enough to create art across various mediums that have been appreciated worldwide.
Ironically enough, art has been a side-hustle for Kay for the majority of her adult life, serving for several years as a senior designer for Starbucks Creative Studio. It takes courage to leave the nest, and Kay did just that, earning degrees from the University of Brighton, UK and the Minneapolis College of Art.
The Seattle Theatre Group highlighting the arrival of Jenny Lewis at The Moore with some vibrant art illustrated by Jordan Kay:
Kay's drive and ability to create art and illustrations across various mediums has led to her working with everyone from Target to Bleacher Report to The Washington Post.
Kay took some time to discuss her background and how she draws inspiration from both the Midwest and Seattle.
"I think being from the Midwest somehow keeps me very humble and curious," said Kay. "Growing up in a small town, I always wanted to experience all of the fun and events happening in bigger cities. Being in Seattle now (and for the last decade) has been a blast, and filled with so many new discoveries."
With more than a decade of decorated freelancing work and collaborative efforts with various entities, Kay discussed which were the most impactful.
"That's a tricky one," said Kay. "There are a lot of projects where I'm floored to get to work with such a big company or magazine (and then I text my parents, asking if they're proud of me.) But also, taking on meaningful work for local Seattle businesses or non-profits make me really proud, specifically I did some work with Ecosia, a search engine non-profit who uses their ad revenue to plant trees around the world where they're needed most–it feels special to get to support something the earth really needs."
"Music plays a very huge part in keeping me going," said Kay. "Finding flow while working, and inspiring new ideas. Also taking time to get out on a hike or long walk through nature is very resetting and inspiring to me. And the occasional good glass of Malbec."
Achievement is different to everyone, and despite a long, decorated career, Kay still has plenty of aspirations in terms of potential collaborations.
"Ooh, that's a juicy question," said Kay. "I would love to partner with a pro-animator and make a longer length motion piece, obviously including a spicy music track. That and it would be fun to completely take over an interior or exterior space with my work in collaboration with another artist or organization–something very immersive."
The Artwork
This week's gameday poster depicts the Seahawks swooping down on its prey, as the Arizona Cardinals come into town. Kay brings out the best of the Seahawks action green and navy blue colors, with the red of the cardinal popping off the screen. Kay discussed what went into the specifics of such a vibrant piece.
"I love using limited palettes," said Kay. "So it was fun to figure out how to make the Seahawks green and blue feel cohesive with the Cardinals' red color. I gravitate towards pastel colors, so a screened back red/peach felt pretty good to bring it all together. I love pretty quirky hand lettering and did what came naturally to me when it came to the lettering. I think more personality in the lettering can make the piece fun and approachable. The sparkles felt appropriate (not only because of my love of music) but also made me think of the lights at the game."
Fortunately, there were no real hiccups in the creation process, but Kay did take a moment to thank those who helped make this possible.
"I didn't run into much–the printers of this piece really spun magic with the overprinted tones (when one color overlays another color to create a new color;)," said Kay. "That's always the only thing I get a bit nervous about. Everything can look great on a screen, but when it comes to printing, things can get a bit tricky! The real magician is Nick at Seizure Palace Printing!"
Pickup your limited-edition Jordan Kay Phillip Seahawks Gameday artwork and find out more about Virginia Mason Franciscan Health's Crucial Catch Fundhere.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from Week 5 vs. the New Orleans Saints on October 9, 2022 at Caesars Superdome. Eye On The Hawks is presented by Western Washington Toyota Dealers.
Safety Ryan Neal supports the Seattle Mariners and wears their cap on Friday as the Seahawks flew to New Orleans while the baseball team opened the playoffs in Toronto.
Seahawks players board the Delta charter flight to New Orleans.
Seahawks players deplane after arriving in New Orleans late Friday evening.
Members of the equipment staff load equipment from the belly of the plane into trucks that will take the Seahawks gear to the stadium for Sunday's game against the New Orleans Saints.
Safety Ryan Neal points up to the light ring in the Caesars Superdome as he and cornerback Michael Jackson examine the stadium on the team's Saturday visit.
On Sunday monring, safety Josh Jones is greeted by members of the coaching staff on the way to breakfast in the team's meal room.
Linebacker Josh Onujiogu supports the Mariners as he walks to the buses the day after the Mariners won their wild-card round series over the Toronto Blue Jays.
Quarterback Geno Smith walks to the bus.
Geno Smith warms up near midfield in the Caesars Superdome. Hours later, Smith would launch a touchdown strike to Tyler Lockett from nearly the same spot on the field.
Seahawks president Chuck Arnold signs a Seahawks Crucial Catch flag before the game. During the month of October, the NFL amplifies it's misson to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction.
Seahawks fans had a message for quarterback Geno Smith, echoing his statement from earlier in the season.
Seahawks offensive lineman Stone Forsythe prepares in the locker room.
Members of the equipment staff Dan Cramer and Austin Bui help Stone Forsythe don his shoulder pads in the locker room.
Linebackers coach John Glenn reviews notes in the cramped visitors locker room.
A fan takes a photo with Seahawks legend K.J. Wright on the sideline before the game.
Running backs Rashaad Penny and Kenneth Walker III talk on the field during pregame.
Defensive linemen including from left, Quinton Jefferson, Shelby Harris and Bryan Mone go through their pregame warmups.
The NFL Crucial Catch sticker is visible on the back of linebacker Jordyn Brooks's helmet.
Quarterback Geno Smith hands off to running back Rashaad Penny during the final phase of pregame warmups.
Cornerback Michael Jackson focuses in the locker room in the quiet moments before the team heads to the field.
Seattle's Quinton Jefferson wore cleats with the number of Seattle Mariners Hall-of-Famer Ken Griffey, Jr.
Seahawks offensive linemen wait to leave the locker room for kickoff.
Seahawks captains Al Woods, Nick Bellore and Quandre Diggs (not shown) watch the opening coin toss.
Defensive tackle Al Woods drags down New Orleans' Taysom Hill.
Cornerback Coby Bryant breaks up a pass early in the game.
Seattle's DK Metcalf turns and looks for the end zone on this reception from Geno Smith that resulted in a touchdown.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III picks up the blitz at left and quarterback Geno Smith launches a touchdown strike to DK Metcalf.
Seahawks defensive coordinator Clint Hurtt consults with head coach Pete Carroll on the sidelines.
Seattle's Coby Bryant jars the football loose on a tackle by Ryan Neal.
Seattle's Tariq Woolen scoops up a fumble caused by teammate Coby Bryant (8) as the defense scrambles towards the loose ball.
Seattle's Tyler Lockett catches the first of two touchdown passes from Geno Smith.
Seattle defenders fly in to make a tackle.
Offensive line coach Andy Dickerson gives instructions on the sidelines.
Seahawks celebrate Tariq Woolen's interception.
Seahawks receiver Tyler Lockett catches his second touchdown from Geno Smith.
Tyler Lockett falls into the end zone with his second touchdown of the game.
Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III heads to the end zone on a 69-yard run as Tyler Lockett begins the celebration behind him.
Seattle's Kenneth Walker III leaves all defenders in the dust on his 69-yard rushing touchdown in the Superdome.
After the game, Pete Carroll addresed the team in the locker room.
Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll takes on a serious tone when asked about the injury to running back Rashaad Penny in his post game press conference.
