Work About Contact What We Do
And Who We Work For
farms and ranches blue collar trades consumer brands + local shops

About Scout & Forge

Scout & Forge is an independent, multi-disciplinary design and print studio for rural markets and small businesses. You get clear ideas, clean design, and work that helps you grow.

We help with branding and identity, strategy and positioning, websites and SEO, ads and communications, packaging, print and large-format signs, photography and video, events and installations, illustration and type, motion and simple sound. You choose what you need. We build a plan that fits your timeline and budget.

You work directly with the people who create your work. Our leads are practicing designers. We listen, plan, and deliver. You get one team, one point of contact, and steady updates from start to finish.

We believe great design needs passion, smart thinking, and personal commitment. Our portfolio includes main streets across the Ozarks and rural America, along with regional and national brands that want to reach those communities. Big brand quality, built for your town.

TOM WOOD

Chief Creative Officer

You want marketing that works. I help you get it.

I sit with you. I listen to your goals. I make a simple plan. I guide our team. We build what you need. Logos and brands. Websites and SEO. Social posts and ads. Photos and videos. Print and signs. I keep you updated. I check what works. I improve the plan so you grow.

I work with local shops and big brands. If you are small or large, I am ready to help.

I bring real wins to your project. I have over 20 years in art and design. My art is on more than 100 licensed products. Retail sales are over 8 million dollars worldwide. I have created work for Warner Brothers, Disney, the NBA, the NFL, MLS, Reebok, Gatorade, and the NCAA. I also run Meridian Design Works.

I grew up on a farm in Arkansas. My parents taught me to work hard and be kind. I started drawing at age five. A famous painting called Death Dealer inspired me. I studied at the University of Arkansas on a full scholarship.

I live in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas. I mentor young artists at Comic Cons. I also spend time with my daughter, Emily.

With me, you get clear steps and steady results. I will listen first. I will make a plan that fits your budget and time. I will help your business grow with Scout and Forge.

 

ALICIA SURFACE

Senior Art Director

 

Alicia Surface brings both creativity and heart to her role as Senior Art Director at Scout & Forge in the Ozarks. Originally from Lemoore, California, Alicia moved to southern Missouri her senior year of high school and has been part of the community ever since.

Art and design have always been her calling. She began her professional art career in 2010 as a tattoo artist, where she first learned the art of turning creative concepts into something tangible and meaningful. Today, that same passion drives her work at Scout & Forge, where she brings digital visions to life with purpose, artistry, and intention.

When she’s not creating, Alicia enjoys gaming with her husband, Cordell, and their two boys, Ronin and Gaius. She also loves crafting, cosplay, and diving into science, a lifelong interest that inspired her to earn a degree in Health Science. She stays active in the community through her youngest son’s Cub Scouts troop, where she helps him with service projects and outreach.

What drew Alicia to Scout & Forge was the team’s vision: making art that matters and helping clients and their businesses soar. For her, creativity isn’t just about design; it’s about connection, purpose, and storytelling through visual impact.

BLAKE REESE

Client Success Strategist

You want your business to grow. I help you do that.

I meet with you. I listen to your goals. I make a simple plan. I guide our team to get the work done.

We can help with your look and message, your website so people can find you online, social posts and ads, photos and videos, flyers and postcards, and signs. I share updates. I check what works. If something does not work, I fix the plan.

I was born in Salem, Arkansas. Alton, Missouri is my home. The Ozarks taught me to be honest, to show up, and to keep my word.

My wife is Holly. She is the superintendent at Alton School. Our daughters, Jace Heck and Jaylee, keep us close to our community.

With me, you get clear steps and on time work. You will always know what we are doing and why. I will listen first, then help your business grow with Scout & Forge.