BE HEARD Vol. 5
The Visionary World of SCKY REI: An Interview with Skylar Reed
Skylar Reed (SCKY REI)
Some artists find their calling early, and for Skylar Reed—better known as SCKY REI—that calling was undeniable. His work spans multiple mediums, blending illustration, graphic design, and music, with influences drawn from anime, Black culture, and a deep appreciation for storytelling. From North Omaha to St. Louis, he has left an imprint on the creative landscape, proving that true artistry knows no bounds.
Finding Art in North Omaha
Growing up in North Omaha, Scky REI was surrounded by a tight-knit community that played a pivotal role in shaping his creative journey. The neighborhood had its challenges, but it also fostered deep connections. “North Omaha has staple places like the Malcolm X Foundation and local spots like Time Out Chicken. It’s a place where everyone knows everyone or finds out they’re related in some way,” he recalls.
Art was always in the background of his life, beginning with childhood sketches of Pokémon and Dragon Ball Z characters. “I started tracing them at first,” he shares, “then I got good enough to do it from memory.” Drawing became his way to connect with people, forming friendships in school through art. “I was the kid that would draw characters for classmates—it helped me make friends at an early age,” he adds
Anime Meets Culture
A defining element of Scky Rei’s work is the fusion of anime aesthetics with Black culture. His love for anime started early, before mainstream U.S. networks even aired it. “I remember seeing Dragon Ball Z on my grandma’s TV before it was officially airing here,” he says. Later, when Toonami introduced anime to a wider audience, it solidified his artistic direction.
His influences include Blue the Great, Takashi Murakami, and Robert Pruitt, artists who push boundaries in their visual storytelling. “I wanted to see more of us in underrepresented spaces,” he explains. This led to a distinctive style—bold colors, singular eyes, and an emphasis on characters that celebrate and redefine Black identity.
Mastering Multiple Mediums
Scky Rei’s artistry isn’t confined to a single form. From illustration to digital design and photography, his creative process is fluid. “It depends on the day,” he admits. “Sometimes I wake up and feel like taking pictures, sometimes I want to design something digital. It’s sporadic but makes sense in the grand scheme of things.”
His Instagram reflects this diverse approach, showcasing everything from album covers to streetwear collaborations. “It may look all over the place to some, but to a creative mind, it’s cohesive,” he adds.
Creative Roots: Family & Music
Creativity runs in the family. His father and uncles were in a music group, exposing him early to the recording process. “My dad would take us to the studio, and I’d watch everything unfold,” he remembers. This early inspiration led to his own music career, culminating in the release of his album Progress on That, which earned three awards.
His impact extended beyond music—his contributions to the Omaha creative scene led him to participate in the J. Cole-executive produced film Out of Omaha, directed by Clay Tweel and Dreamville. Despite his success in music, visual storytelling remained his true passion, and he gradually shifted his focus back to illustration and design.
Building Bridges Through Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of SCKY REI’s creative process. He has designed album covers, worked with the Malcolm X Foundation, and created character designs for festivals like Juneteenth Joy Fest. His deep involvement in the St. Louis creative scene has led to partnerships with artists like Mvstermind, whose Open Aux & Mvstercamp provides a platform for musicians to showcase their unreleased work. Through these collaborations, SCKY REI has been able to merge visual storytelling with music, activism, and cultural celebration.
“Community is everything,” he says. “When I did my last solo exhibition in Omaha, over 200 people showed up. That love and support keep me going.”
Beyond his work in St. Louis, SCKY REI’s artistic vision extends across multiple mediums and cities. His creative reach spans from graphic design to event curation, continuously pushing boundaries in visual storytelling. His work with organizations like the Malcolm X Foundation reflects a commitment to honoring historical narratives while infusing them with modern artistic expression.
Now, as he prepares for his next exhibition, he’s weighing whether it will be a solo project or a collective endeavor. Regardless of the format, one thing remains certain—his work is rooted in community, culture, and creative evolution. Through every collaboration, he reinforces the idea that art is a bridge, connecting people through shared stories and experiences.
Creative Milestones & Recognition
While art has always been his foundation, music also played a significant role in his journey. SCKY REI’s musical talents led him to win multiple awards, including three for his album and two from the University of Nebraska Omaha. His contributions to the Omaha music scene earned him recognition, and he even played a role in the film Out of Omaha, executive produced by J. Cole.
Beyond music, Sckyrei has participated in solo and group exhibitions across Chicago, St. Louis, and Omaha, establishing himself as a versatile and impactful artist.
Words of Wisdom for Emerging Creatives
For aspiring artists, his advice is simple yet powerful: “Everybody gets used—just don’t get misused.” He encourages young creatives to research everything, find a mentor who genuinely supports them, and embrace learning opportunities. “You’re going to be used in this industry. The key is making sure it’s beneficial and not exploitative.”
What’s Next for Sckyrei?
With new exhibitions, collaborations, and a merch drop on the way, SCKY REI is gearing up for an exciting new chapter in his creative journey. His upcoming project, Sky Hype, a collaboration with The Art Hype in D.C., is set to release soon, marking another milestone in his expanding artistic influence.
“I want to build something bigger than myself,” he says. Whether through art, design, or creative direction, he continues to push boundaries, bridging the gap between culture, storytelling, and community engagement. His work doesn’t just exist in galleries or on album covers—it lives in conversations, movements, and the collective consciousness of those who experience it.
As his projects grow, so does his vision. Beyond his upcoming releases, SCKY REI is actively cultivating spaces for emerging artists, ensuring that creative expression isn’t just celebrated but also accessible and sustainable. From curating events to mentoring up-and-coming talent, he is shaping a creative ecosystem that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and authenticity.
His journey is proof that art isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about storytelling, representation, and creating spaces where creativity can flourish. And with so much still on the horizon, he’s only just getting started.
