Where Kernie's Been!

[Kernie]

Hi everyone! It’s been a while. I’m alive and well... just busy. My apologies for disappearing from the cover scene; I never intended to be away so long. I’ve just been on a fun, new journey that hasn’t left much extra time in my day.

About five years ago, I started an Instagram account for my design work (@kern.creative.design) and was fortunate enough to get noticed in the indie horror film community. Over the years, several directors, producers, and actors have reached out to commission poster designs for their films.

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A major turning point came when Michael Leavy, a producer on the Terrifier franchise, asked if I’d be interested in designing posters for his film Stream, which featured horror icons including Jeffrey Combs, Dee Wallace, Tony Todd, Danielle Harris, Felissa Rose, and David Howard Thornton. I jumped at the chance and ended up creating two theatrical posters and two character posters for the film. Earlier this year, they brought me back to design a teaser poster for the sequel, Stream 2!

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Perhaps my highest-profile work came when Steven LaMorte, a friend of Michael Leavy and director of the Grinch horror parody The Mean One, asked me to work on his next project. He wanted to capitalize on the recent lapse of Steamboat Willie into the public domain with a bold teaser image announcing Screamboat, a horror-comedy about a murderous mouse aboard the Staten Island Ferry. Despite a quick turnaround, the project was a big thrill… and the teaser poster even appeared on Variety’s main page. Later that year, I was honored to be brought back to design the final theatrical poster for the film, now featuring David Howard Thornton (Art the Clown from the Terrifier films) in full costume as Steamboat Willie!

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Thanks to my work on Screamboat, Steven also asked me to create the artwork for The Mean One Blu-ray steelbook. As a collector of physical media and steelbooks, seeing my work on a steelbook was a real bucket-list moment! (And rumor has it my teaser and theatrical poster will be used as the front/back of the Screamboat steelbook coming in January!)

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In addition to official poster work, I’ve been collaborating with the Mahoning Drive-In Theater, a retro drive-in that exclusively screens classic films on 35mm. For the last four seasons, I’ve served as their Digital Marketing Designer, creating social media graphics, event posters, and t-shirt designs. It’s a great gig that lets me celebrate a wide variety of movies while stretching my design skills across different styles and genres. Along the way, I’ve become close friends with the team and regular customers, while enjoying some of my favorite films outdoors with friends and family—and even meeting some of the “celebrity guests” who visit for fan signings.

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It’s been a wild ride—something I never expected to experience. It’s incredible seeing my work out in the world and getting to collaborate with filmmakers and actors I’ve admired for years.

Perhaps the most surreal part? Seeing custom covers in the HiRes gallery using my official key art! That’s so weird… and awesome! I owe a lot of what I’m doing today to my time at HiRes. It’s where I really honed my skills and found my confidence as a designer. A heartfelt and sincere thank you to each and every person who liked, commented, and encouraged my growth… I don’t think I could have done it without the lessons learned in the cover community.

While I don’t foresee much time to return to cover-making, I always enjoy popping in, lurking around the forums like a creepy weirdo, and marveling at the incredible work from both veteran cover artists and fresh new talent!

[Jazzy]

Wow Kernie.... impressive work!
... and cool reading... and we miss you alot.

Take care buddy.

[Fidi]

Hello my friend! Nice reading some new post.

I've followed your work during the last years and it's always fun and exciting seeing your new posters. As for many others you are always an inspiration for me.

And it's funny reading you especially today. Just a few hours ago I had a Screamboat Blu-ray with your artwork in my hands at a local electronic market.

[bazzah]

Quite a few of us follow you on Instagram, and it has been pretty surreal for us to see you working so well in the industry. And compliments don't come much greater than being head-hunted by movie producers I do have to say though, your talent deserves bigger movies! But I am glad that things have worked out so well for you, and I hope it continues to do so.

Thank you for lurking in the shadows over the years, and not forgetting us. It really is great to hear from you, and for you to share some of your impressive work.

[wysmommy]

Wow. Wow. Did I say wow already!! Your designs are top-notch. Truly inspiring. I'm glad to hear you are doing well.

[chouette]

OMG that is amazing work, such talent that most will never ever reach! I was always a distant fan over at EFX and begged Curt to convince you to share your covers over there, but apparently that was not something that was even up for discussion, lol

Truly happy for your success over the years, well deserved... BRAVO!

[Bunny Dojo]

QUOTE (Kernie @ Nov 5 2025, 02:26 PM) Over the years, several directors, producers, and actors have reached out to commission poster designs for their films.

A brilliant choice on their part, you've rewarded them with incredible artwork.

And your partnership with the drive-in makes every night there look like a major event, the community is lucky to have you.

Checking out your Instagram, it looks like you're expertly balancing a lot of hard work with a lot of fun. In particular, I love how vocal so many of the cast & crew of these movies are in their admiration of your designs.

Really happy for your success, Kernmeister!

[RRJR84]

I've been following your work on instagram and Facebook for quite sometime i can honestly never get enough.
I'm glad your happy and continuing doing what makes you happy. I wish some mainstream companies would reach out for collectors edition Blu rays as well. Your covers were the reason i joined hi-res and your comic collection is the reason i ever made a cover to begin with. In the mean time keep up the great work.

[ripley]

Just one word, in capitals: WOW...
This is so inspiring, so much talented work.
Outstanding skills, great success and What recognition from these people who rightly placed their trust in you!
Each picture is a graphic pepit.
And the surprise is "Screamboat".
I remember when i see it last year that" it has something from kernie's style".
I know why now.
I don't have an instagram account, this explain why.
You live a dream, the kind of experience that, perhaps secretly, every designer here and elsewhere longs for.
Like dX'shoty, or Tim.
And what I find magical is this common thread: you all started here.
It's incredible.
Bravo.

[Nck90]

Awesome journey good luck with all your avenues this takes you..

still would like you to come back to us and finish some missing seasons eventually