Artist Spotlight
Keith Neltner
Neltner is a Kentucky-based artist who owns a branding and design studio. In April 2025, he participated in his first BIG INK at the American Sign Museum.
Life In the Arts
I grew up on our family farm in rural Kentucky, tucked into a small valley called Camp Springs. My studio is just two doors down, home to Neltner Small Batch, the branding and design studio I run. After graduating from a small community college in 1997, I spent years working in healthcare, CPG, and eventually music and merchandising. In 2013, I jumped into full-time freelance work. My kids were young, and the flexibility let me stay close while collaborating with a talented circle of friends and peers. Since then, I’ve worked on film, murals, packaging, and identity design.
Printmaking and Process
Print has always been part of my creative projects. I’ve worked with large-scale commercial presses, handled my production, and leaned into the hands-on details — color, trapping, specialty inks — to capture a tangible experience. In the early 2000s, I started designing screen-printed gig posters for local bands and Hank Williams III. That process opened up a new world — analog, collaborative, bold. In 2016, my wife and I bought the Camp Springs Tavern, a historic watering hole that became a hub for live music. Posters followed naturally. During that era, the legendary Andy Sohoza worked with us to print hundreds of them. When COVID hit, my kids and I turned to linoleum block printing. The results were rough, but full of heart — that handmade grit I’ve always chased. I’ve also worked with Otto Printing in Newport, KY, on letterpress vinyl sleeves for Arnold’s Bar and Maker’s Mark. We’ve pushed the envelope with foil, embossing, and whatever else we dream up for annual Record Store Day releases.
BIG INK
I first saw a BIG INK print at DIY Printing, and James Billiter’s experience put it on my radar. It looked intimidating initially, but when I saw that the American Sign Museum was hosting, I couldn’t pass it up. I’d made a goal to stretch myself this year, and this process became a welcome, meditative focus amid the chaos. I chose The Crow as my subject, a film that celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024. The original graphic novel by James O’Barr was one of my earliest influences in illustration.
The Carving Journey
The biggest challenge was planning and the unknown, making sure the final print matched the vision. Getting used to the physical tools took time, but once I found a rhythm, it was deeply rewarding. BIG INK provided solid resources, and Lyell’s guidance made it all approachable.
The Meetup & Printing Together
The American Sign Museum was a perfect setting — professional, welcoming, and energetic. Visitors moved through the space as we worked, creating a unique flow. Our group of seven artists, from seasoned to first-timers, clicked immediately. The whole day was smooth, fun, and full of mutual respect.
The Crow
Keith Neltner
Woodblock Print On Paper
36 by 24 inches
Printed at the American Sign Museum
1 in stock
The Final Print & What’s Next
I’m proud of the final piece. The textures and details — even the stippling — came through with some trial and error. Next time, I’d consider going bigger or using a more organic shape. Seeing other artists’ approaches was incredibly inspiring. The shared Instagram group has also been a great way to stay connected and learn from others.
On The Horizon
I’m working on branding for 19 North Brewing Company, Tarnished Truth Distilling, Blackwood Distilling, and an unreleased Waylon Jennings album. I will also include a gallery submission (a neon sign) in the upcoming CVLT of DOOM show in Cincinnati, OH, opening in April.
Discover More