Scrojo, the enigmatic artist behind the name Craig McKenzie Haskett, has carved out a unique niche in the world of concert poster design. His journey began in high school, where he and his friends sought the perfect name for their punk band, eventually settling on the provocative 'Scrotum Joe'. This name, though initially met with skepticism, would become his signature, cutting through the mundane and embracing the provocative. With a rebellious spirit, he designed T-shirts for surf/skate brand Life's a Beach, signing them with his moniker, Scrotum Joe, and inadvertently cutting off the 't-u-m'. This unexpected twist led to a client referring to him by this name, which stuck. Despite his initial aspirations to join a band, Scrojo's true calling lay in poster design, a field he dominated with over 3,000 posters over nearly 40 years. His work spans various genres, from boxing matches to rodeos, and his influence is profound, as evidenced by his inclusion in the largest private rock poster collection in the world, curated by Dennis King. Scrojo's posters are not just promotional items but works of art, capturing the essence of the artists and albums they represent. His process involves meticulous research, understanding the artist's tone and voice, and then crafting a central image with strategic text placement. This attention to detail, combined with his ability to adapt his style from art deco to psychedelic, makes him a chameleon in the design world. Scrojo's personal connection to artists and albums is evident in his favorite posters, such as the one he created for Jimmy Cliff's 'The Harder They Come' LP, which sparked his interest in graphic design. His versatility and personal touch have earned him a reputation as a sought-after artist, with venues and artists alike embracing his unique style and allowing him to go 'nuts' with their presentations. Scrojo's journey is a testament to the power of embracing one's unique voice and the enduring impact of art, even in the face of provocation.
