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BEHIND THE STRIPES

Haddon McKinney

By Atlanta United FC

December 1^st, 2020

Most kids stayed up playing video games with their friends, but November Scarf of the Month Designer Haddon McKinney spent his free time drawing and eventually turned it into his career. He loves many artforms including drawing, oil, sculpture and now, digital media.

“I went to art school for undergrad,” McKinney said. “I didn’t do any digital work or design work. That was more self-taught.”

Now, McKinney works for Apple designing illustrations for their apps. He enjoys working from his iPad and knows that all of his past experiences and diverse interests have helped mold his career.

“I have a design background interest as well as illustration,” McKinney explained. “Those work really well together. Most artists like to focus on one thing. You kinda go where you’re interested and what your strengths are, and I like to be versatile and pursue multiple avenues with whatever sparks my interest.”

One thing that sparks his interest in his field is making movie posters. On the side, he creates posters for independent movies or galleries in LA for gallery shows.

“That’s what I do with my own passion and what I do for freelance and side work,” McKinney expressed with pride. “I do design for people as well.”

Art continues to take McKinney in different directions, and eventually lead him to the scarf design contest for the 5-Stripes. He was able to mix what he loves to do with his support for Atlanta United.

“I am a big fan,” McKinney explained. “It was a passion point that made sense for me.”

Though he was born in Texas, he lived in New York and eventually moved to Atlanta in 2015 where his connection to the 5-Stripes began. The club was being build at the same time he moved to the city.

“It’s really been the last few years MLS has taken off,” McKinney explained. “I didn’t become passionate about the league until Atlanta United. I went to Red Bulls matches, but I wasn’t a die-hard fan.”

When he isn’t working on a project, you can find McKinney in Mercedes-Benz Stadium cheering on the team with his scarf raised high. His inspiration for the scarf came from the 17s and their love for Atlanta. When he read the description for the scarf design contest two things stuck out to him: how the fans are incorporated into the club culture and how important it is for the fans to feel like a part of the team.

“We are that 17th player,” McKinney shared.

A design element McKinney particularly likes is the spacing of the “A’s” throughout the word Atlanta. The “A” in the back of the scarf is also emphasized in the middle of the word. There are multiple A’s in a tessellation fitting together on one side, and a train track under the phrase ‘We are Atlanta United’ on the back of the scarf, tying in our city and the spike. The scarf also includes a neutral player representing the fans, who are always in the stands cheering with their scarves up.

“I was very excited to be selected. I don’t typically enter contests, but I wanted to support the team so I decided to give it a go. It brings focus back to fans,” McKinney said. “I don't feel like I missed anything.”

For McKinney, he loved working on the project because it reignited his childhood love for art and combined his passion for design and for his club.

“I am happy to know that my scarf will be enjoyed by many Atlanta United fans, and will be used to support and promote the team,” McKinney shared with joy. “Whether it’s the way we play the game, the character of the team, or our sportsmanship - Excellence is what we strive for in all we do... including our awesome scarves!”

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