‘Make it mean something’ was Ryan Fitzgibbon’s design philosophy at 27 when selected as a PRINT New Visual Artist in 2015.
In 2015, Fitzgibbon was immersed in his young design publishing career and committed to the global fight for LGBTQ rights. Three short years prior, he founded Hello Mr., a quarterly magazine focused on the interests and stories of gay men. Ryan aimed to offer a fresh perspective by combining high-quality journalism, personal stories, and contemporary culture. Featuring in-depth articles, interviews, and photo essays, often highlighting themes of identity, relationships, and community, Fitzgibbon’s Hello Mr. was a thoughtful and inclusive publication celebrating the diversity and experiences of modern gay men.
I’ve helped restructure organizations, redesign brands and build on existing strategies, but I had never built one from the ground up and stayed around long enough to manage it. Launching Hello Mr. on my own was the greatest challenge of my career.
Ryan Fitzgibbon, 2015
Challenges often make us stronger, and they continued to do just that for Fitzgibbon. He self-published Hello Mr. from Brooklyn, New York, before moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in January 2020. Shortly after arriving, he was diagnosed with HIV at the height of the pandemic.
“Make it mean something” continued to resonate for Ryan. His diagnosis inspired his creation of In Our Blood, a platform that supports individuals with detection and exercise while replenishing their inner activism. As he committed to Tulsa, he continued to work to protect LGBTQ+ rights and expand HIV/AIDS care and prevention in Oklahoma. His meaningful work also supports the Black Wall Street Times in producing multiple print publications and opening their newsroom and storefront in Greenwood.
Being selected as a New Visual Artist in 2015 buoyed my confidence as an artist and indie publisher. The recognition renewed a dedication to my practice by highlighting the impact that could be achieved with support from a platform as revered as PRINT.
Ryan Fitzgibbon, 2024
Though Hello Mr.‘s last publication was in 2018, this past spring, A Great Gay Book: Stories of Growth, Belonging & Other Queer Possibilities hit the bookshelves to celebrate the collection of essays, short fiction, poetry, interviews, profiles, art, and photography from the magazine’s archives, as well as new material from today’s most prominent LGBTQ+ creatives. For Fitzgibbon, making it mean something means something every day.
You can make it mean something, too. Enter your work in PRINT New Visual Artists for 2024 to impact the future of your career and inspire design creativity around the world.
Featured Image: Alternative Cover Design for PRINT New Visual Artists Magazine, April 2015 by Shane Griffin, NVA Alum Class of 2015
