Artist Spotlight: Aaron Burnette

Having spent time at two powerhouse teams in NASCAR, Kentucky’s Aaron Burnette has graduated to a new career high, with the revamping of one of the sport’s most iconic numbers and introducing a full wrap-shop experience to a team known for their out-of-the-box thinking and visual identity.

1️⃣ How did you get your start designing?

I got my start designing by creating websites for dirt late model drivers in Central and Northern Kentucky. That led to me getting a vinyl cutter before evolving into a full wrap shop. I did that for 10 years prior to my time in North Carolina. Once I moved to North Carolina, I was a designer for The Decal Source. From there, I went to Chip Ganassi Racing. Once they left NASCAR, I made the move to RFK [Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing].

2️⃣ Where do you turn for inspiration?

The best thing for me is to get off social media and put the screen down. I don’t pull much inspiration from other designers or teams. I’d much rather go for a run or walk and come back with a clear mind before starting a new design.

3️⃣ What project of yours are you most proud of and why?

I’m going to name a few because it’s so tough to name one single thing that stands out.

During my time at The Decal Source, I designed the Degree No. 88 for Dale Earnhardt Jr. (Richmond 2018). It was his first race back from retirement so that was a popular one.

When Jimmie Johnson went IndyCar racing for CGR, I created the majority of the designs during his couple of seasons there. A big perk of being at CGR was designing for multiple series.

Starting the wrap shop at RFK. Having a hand in choosing the equipment we needed and working on the process from day one. I’m proud of the way our wraps look and we have a lot of exciting things we’re working toward.

4️⃣ What’s your ‘trademark’ style that helps you stand out from other designers?

Obviously as a team, chrome numbers and pillars are a staple on the RFK cars. As far as my personal design style, I’d prefer to keep cars clean and legible from a distance. When cars are in a pack together, you need cars that stand out. A super busy design may look really good on the grid but you tend to lose a lot of those details from a distance and can make the car too hard to see. A smooth gradient goes a long way in my book.

5️⃣ You previously spent time at Chip Ganassi Racing prior to joining RFK Racing. How did your design flow change between the two teams?

I have a lot more creative freedom in my role at RFK. That isn’t a shot at CGR — it more speaks to the change that can come with a new opportunity. When I came to RFK, new ownership was coming in at the same time, along with a re-brand, in addition to the new number placement of the Gen-7 [NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen car]. It gave us a clean slate to create a new look from day one.

6️⃣ The driver drives the car; the designer designs the car. Has there ever been a time where a driver was with you throughout the entire design process of a car? What is that collaboration like?

Brad [Keselowski] has been instrumental in the current look of RFK. Chrome numbers and pillars were his idea from day one. Jimmie Johnson had a clear vision for his designs at CGR. Being able to work with two past Cup Series Champions is something I’m super proud of.

7️⃣ When RFK Racing went through their rebrand, the No. 6 itself received a fresh look. Being the designer responsible for putting that number together, what the process like designing a single number?

I’ve designed my fair share of numbers through the years and there typically isn’t much pressure in that. The 6 was a different ballgame. There’s so much history in the Cup Series with that number and with Brad coming over, there was definitely some pressure when putting those options together. I wanted a number that not only looks good on the car but looks good by itself. We achieved that.

8️⃣ What is something from a design perspective that you’d love to see RFK Racing implement into a future project or paint scheme?

There are so many ideas I’d love to try with the right opportunity. However, I’m going to keep this one internal. You’ll have to stay tuned!

9️⃣ Share a design tip for people just getting started.

Just keep creating. Whether it’s a paying job, a fictional design to post on social media, or something for iRacing … keep creating new concepts. It makes a huge difference and keeps you in the flow. 

For more, follow Aaron Burnette on X or Trading Paints, or just keep an eye on the Nos. 6, 17, and 60 Fords in the NASCAR Cup Series on Sundays.