Cameron Schuyler Creates at California Roots

Article by Melodie Yvonne Ramey

Images courtesy of Cameron Schuyler

MONTEREY, CA – I’ll have to admit that until recently I was unaware of California Roots. I found my path there by following my love for one of my favorite bands, Dirty Heads. I heard they would be playing the giant festival in May, along with many more of my favorite bands, and I quickly bought tickets. I didn’t know of the nature of the jubilee until after the plans were set in stone.

I quickly learned that California Roots is not just a music festival. It’s true what they advertise. It IS a movement. The music line up is spectacular, of course, but now that I know more about it I find I’m not just eager for the music. It’s the whole experience that I’m enthusiastically anticipating. I’m amazed at the light and love surrounding every aspect. It’s not about pushing a brand or making money. It’s about sharing a big Caliroots hug with the world.

Caliroots includes everyone, and creates opportunities to help guests arrive with tickets in hand. They post helpful hints about places to stay and where to find transportation. They have contests giving away tickets for free, as well as contests for people that want to try their talents. I found the Wild Card Live Painting Contest to be one of the most interesting of these competitions so far.

I’ve always admired live artists of all kinds. Creating in front of a crowd is awe-inspiring! Many talented painters threw their hats into the ring, and the public chose a winner. That lucky victor, and the artist I voted for that I can’t wait to see in action, is Cameron Schuyler.

This artwork by Cameron was official band merchandise for the Dirty Heads in 2012. Image courtesy of Cameron Schuyler

I first became introduced to Cameron’s artwork in the same manner I became acquainted with Caliroots. I followed my love of Dirty Heads, and found Wicked and Wylee. Just like California Roots is more than a festival, I learned that Wicked and Wylee is more than a fan club. It’s a family.

Cameron’s artwork was the official fan favorite for the Dirty Heads poster contest on CreativeAllies.com in 2012. Image courtesy of Cameron Schuyler

I saw Cameron’s work immediately upon joining because he designed the beautiful Wicked and Wylee logo. The Wicked and Wylee logo incorporates the octopus, a common symbol in the DH community, with other imagery that makes it appealing to not just people in the group, but individuals everywhere. The symbol resonates loudly not only with Dirty Heads fans, but lovers of sea creatures, avid Cthulhu fans, and many, many more.

This design by Cameron became well-known as the Wicked and Wylee logo design. Image courtesy of Cameron Schuyler and Wicked and Wylee

When Cameron offered the logo for sale on a shirt I had to have one. I ordered it, and began wearing it right away. Since that day I have been accosted on numerous occasions by individuals that have never even heard of Dirty Heads, but want my shirt. The best thing, though, is no matter where I am if I see someone else wearing Cameron’s design I know they are family.

Wylees all across the world are proud to be emblazoned with a beautiful design by Cameron Schuyler. Image courtesy of Cameron Schuyler and Wicked and Wylee

Cameron barely made a cent for that logo or all of the shirts he made for the wylees. He just did it to make people happy. He even took care to make sure there were a few extra on hand to give to those that may be down on their luck. He also donated a generous portion out of the tiny bit of money he did make to the Cystic Fibrosis foundation each time he did a print run.

Throughout the time that I have been a wylee I have been blessed to get to see other pieces of Cameron’s art as he shares it online. I have seen his extraordinary talent, and I have also got to see that he is a fantastic human being. He has a beautiful wife and children that he would do anything for, and he is always there to give an encouraging word for anyone that’s down.

When I saw that Cameron had entered the live painting contest for California Roots I put my vote in immediately. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone deserve to win something this much. Cameron’s artwork transcends genres, and helps bring people together from all across the nation. I’ve seen Cameron bring beauty and peace to help a small group of strangers become a family. I can’t wait to meet him in person, and see what he and his fantastic imagination bring to this epic gathering of humanity at California Roots 2015.

For more information and to follow Cameron’s work:

Website: cameronschuyler.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CamsArt

Instagram: https://instagram.com/cameron_schuyler

Behance: https://www.behance.net/cameronschuyler

Image courtesy of Cameron Schuyler

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Photo and video footage shot for Photographic Melodie by Melodie Yvonne Ramey. Shot with Nikon D800E
All footage copyright Melodie Yvonne Ramey and/or the performing artists. No usage is permitted beyond non-profit online sharing without written permission from Melodie Yvonne Ramey and/or the performing artist. Photos are not for commercial sale. It is ILLEGAL to sell concert photographs without the permission of the artist. It is ILLEGAL to use these photos for anything at all without permission from the photographer. Please send any and all inquiries of usage requests to melodie@photographicmelodie.com. Non-profit online sharing of images is permitted only when following these specific guidelines… images are NOT to be altered in any way. This includes, but is not limited to cropping, adding filters, removing color from, any other changes, and/or removing the watermark. Also absolutely no making money off of,  and/or taking credit for my images as it is illegal, and makes me long for death.

Categories: Concerts & Events, Concerts & Events 2015, Interesting Tidbits, Melodie Yvonne, News and Stuff, ReviewsTags: , , , , , , ,

Melodie Yvonne

Melodie Yvonne, lead photographer and owner of Photographic Melodie, grew up in the small southern Indiana town of North Vernon. She picked up her first camera at the age of 5, and was immediately hooked. By the age of 15 she began to turn every trip, even just to the local park, into a fantasy scene of her own imagination, and started mentoring with many local professionals. Melodie received an Associates of Applied Science in Visual Technologies majoring in Photography from Ivy Tech in 2002 after studying under acclaimed professors and many other masters in the field.

Melodie’s main focus has always been music photography. Growing up listening to many amazing musicians inspired her dream to create visual images that made people feel the way they do when listening to music. Her goal was to help people SEE the music.

Melodie has done numerous jobs around the country ranging from working for bands to being the official photographer on many southern Indiana Poker Runs. Her specialties are in nature, music, and candid event photography. She published her first print work, a collection of images & poetry, in 2011, and has since published many more print works. Melodie currently acts as owner & lead photographer at Photographic Melodie, House Photographer for Purdue Theatre, and Tour Photographer for multiple Billboard Charts topping bands as well as freelance work with many other media outlets, venues, and musicians.

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