‘Life of Brian’ comes ‘Full Circle’

Illustrator Brian Lutz returned to his alma mater last week for two days of inspirational exchanges. The 2008 advertising art graduate engaged Pennsylvania College of Technology students in hands-on work in two Illustration classes, delivered a public lecture in Penn’s Inn and answered questions during a reception in The Gallery at Penn College, where his “Full Circle” exhibit is on display through Oct. 4. It was in the gallery and his Penn College classes that Lutz was first inspired to pursue a career in illustration, so the exhibit’s title is an apt description. 

“Brian’s visit to campus was not only a highlight of my year but will be influential to the overall development of our students,” said Brian A. Flynn, assistant professor of graphic design and department head. “In his talk, Brian emphasized the importance of being determined and passionate about your work. A creative life will have many highs and lows, and you must ‘always look on the bright side of life.’” 

During his college conversations, Lutz shared that motto – “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” – inspired by the song sung at the end of “Monty Python’s Life of Brian.” 

And if returning to his alma mater wasn’t full circle enough, at the end of his Penn’s Inn lecture, the Monty Python fan unveiled his latest work – an illustration of Eric Idle, a member of the legendary British comedy group, published in The New Yorker on Sept. 8. 

Although his art has appeared in numerous top publications, including Time, New York Magazine, Entertainment Weekly and Politico, Lutz remains humble and appreciative.

“This is an incredible, mind-blowing moment to be exhibiting in the same gallery space that made me want to do this in the first place,” he said, referencing The Gallery at Penn College’s 2008 show by acclaimed illustrator Brad Holland. 

“I lucked out and saw this show,” he explained, showing a poster for Holland’s exhibit during his Penn’s Inn lecture. “It changed everything. It cemented what I wanted to do.”

At one of his class demonstrations in an art lab on the second floor of the Bush Campus Center, Lutz told the students: “I found illustration in this building, and it’s taken me pretty far. I’m honored to be here.” 

In addition to finding his path, the artist says he learned a lot about color as well as work ethic at Penn College.

Another life-changing experience he received while pursuing his advertising art degree was traveling to Italy on a study-abroad trip.

“I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing without this school,” Lutz said, adding that he gained many “lifelong friends at the college,” including the welding student who, years later, ended up being the best man in his wedding.

Working as a bartender at Kimball’s also supplemented his friendships (and finances). It was a skill he continued to utilize to pay the bills during the early days of his career. 

During the artist’s talk in the gallery, Lutz was asked what is the biggest surprise in being an illustrator, and he replied, “I would have to say this show here. That I’m standing here, talking to all of you. It’s crazy. It’s a huge surprise. The biggest surprise is today. Now.” 

Flynn, who also spoke at the evening gallery gathering, warmly shared, “I’ve been thinking about Brian's visit all day, and it was very meaningful and touching for me. When alumni are successful like this, as a faculty member, it is humbling to have been a small part of their success.”

Among Lutz’s other advice to Penn College students:
“Go the extra mile. Do things no one asks you to do.”
“Keep up your personal work. (I draw for fun every single day.)”
“Mistakes? I don’t believe in them.”
“Embrace your local community.”
“If you’re trying to find your way, don’t stop. Everything is at your fingertips. Keep going. Don’t give up.”

An article on Lutz’s journey is featured in the Fall 2024 Penn College Magazine.

The Gallery at Penn College’s hours are: 2 to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; noon to 4 p.m. Fridays; and 1 to 5 p.m. Sundays. (The gallery is closed on Mondays and Saturdays.)