The Spirit of Nashville is a collection of prints celebrating Nashville’s abundant charm and rich history. This project started in 2003 as a limited edition promotional calendar that would feature 14 prints designed in the tradition of the Golden Age of Poster Art, a style that was popular from the 1920s to the 1950s. A team of artists from Anderson Thomas Design: Joel Anderson, Abe Goolsby, Emily Keafer, Matt Lehman, Aruna Rangurajan, Kristi Carter Smith, and Darren Welch sketched, researched, photographed and eventually rendered all of the designs in the collection using traditional as well as modern computer techniques. The collection was so well received that they decided to create a new series each year. 

Artists Statement

“The concept originated as a gift for our clients and friends. We visualized creating something that would boldly state the flavor, character, and vibe of the city where our design firm was founded. Many of our clients from New York and Los Angeles had a backward, hick-town picture in their minds when they thought of Nashville. We set out to change that perception by creating art that celebrates the wonderful things only Nashville has to offer.”

Anderson Thomas Design: Joel Anderson

Joel Anderson is a graduate of Ringling School of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida where he studied illustration and design. After graduating from Ringling, Anderson moved to Nashville, Tennessee to work for Carden & Cherry Advertising. During his seven years in the ad business, Anderson also created paintings, clocks and sculpture for local galleries, as well as graphic design for print, movie and television. In 1988, he won an Emmy Award for his design work on a CBS children’s show. In 1993, he and long-time friend David Thomas decided to start their own graphic design firm: Anderson Thomas Design, Inc. Since then, they have built a team of designers and illustrators who continue to do award-winning work for clients such as Universal Studios, DreamWorks, National Geographic, Golden Books, Hasbro, and a host of local, national and international clients.

More posters may be viewed viewed at www.SpiritofNashville.com