We were lucky to catch up with Milton Gore, Jr. recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Milton, thanks for joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I had the chance to start anew, I’d kickstart my business much earlier in life. It wasn’t until later that I learned I could launch a business before turning 18, with parental consent. At the very least, I would’ve initiated my business journey at 18, investing a small sum each month to fuel its substantial growth over the next 12 to 15 years. Starting my business sooner would have provided invaluable experiences to better prepare for the future and seize opportunities to elevate my enterprise.
Milton, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am the CEO of MG Visual Studios, LLC, established in 2018. In this capacity, I specialize in creating customized designs tailored to clients’ specific needs, including marketing campaigns, branding, website design, and more. I also manage branding and marketing strategies for businesses, foster business development, and continually enhance my graphic design skills. Additionally, I serve as the Assistant Director of the Upperman African American Cultural Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington since January 2023.
My higher education career journey includes positions such as Community Coordinator at Coastal Carolina University from 2021 to 2022, Graduate Assistant at the Upperman African American Cultural Center from 2020 to 2021, SAAB Intern at the Student African American Brotherhood in 2020, and Assistant Residence Coordinator at the University of North Carolina Wilmington from 2019 to 2020. Some of my graphic design and marketing history included a Public Relations Internship at Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc. in 2015, Graphic Designer roles for Law to the People, LLC and Peterkin Law Firm, PLLC in Red Springs, North Carolina, in 2015, and a Graphic Designer Internship for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Office of Student Affairs from 2014 to 2015.
My educational background has played a significant role in my success. I earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2021 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Digital Arts from the University of North Carolina Pembroke in 2015. I also hold an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts from Brunswick Community College, obtained in 2012, and graduated from West Brunswick High School in 2009. One of my highlighted accomplishments as an undergraduate student includes being the first president of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke chapter of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). My work with Dr. Bledsoe to inaugurate three chapters of SAAB nationwide has been pivotal to my career trajectory.
An expert in graphic design, digital art, drawing, business, and organization branding design, I have achieved a high level of expertise through my dedication to exploring business and organizational culture for the development of research-driven designs. My passion for art led me to transform my hobby into a career path that culminated in establishing MG Visual Studios, LLC. The bedrock of my success lies in my deep faith and belief in God, which has guided me throughout my journey.
I have applied my expertise in graphic design and marketing to brand a variety of entities, including national conferences, start-up businesses, organizations, and city expos. My specialization lies in crafting compelling logo designs and graphic advertisements, as well as producing diverse cover designs such as book covers, UX/UI designs, website designs, social media marketing materials, mass email designs, and utilizing data analytics for client retargeting in the business realm. Beyond my proficiency in graphic design and marketing, I also excel in traditional art mediums, showcasing my talent in graphite drawing, pen/ink drawings, and digital art.
Since 2008, my artistic journey has undergone a conceptual evolution, shifting towards realism to express and depict the essence of my subjects. My interest in art dates back to early childhood, where I first explored sketching. Although there was a period when art took a backseat in my life, I rediscovered my passion during the later years of high school under the guidance of my Art Instructor, Shelia Vaught. In 2008, I commenced illustrating detailed portraits using graphite, and portraits have since become the focal point of my drawings. I continue to refine and digitize my graphite drawings.
My artistic exploration expanded to include a new category of expertise—digital art, with a specific focus on surrealism portraits. My creations consistently feature individuals and animals, skillfully blending expressions, nature, space, realism, and a myriad of colors. The amalgamation of these elements produces a dream-like surreal quality, designed to captivate the human eye with vibrant colors and offer beautiful content open to interpretation. My evolving body of work showcases my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring diverse facets of visual expression.
Among all the Digital Art I have released, I currently have a series called Golden Garden, comprising three pieces named Fittonia Albivenis, Sunflower, and Rose. Each artwork intertwines the elegance of Black women with nature, showcasing the true splendor of Mother Nature through excellence.
In my personal life, I am dedicated to spending quality time with my son and fiancée while enjoying jazz music, reading various genres of literature, and exploring different cuisines with loved ones. I visit my parents and siblings regularly and am committed to continuous improvement and expansion of my business with long-term goals. I am also enthusiastic about refining my craft further and creating a significant portfolio of digital art pieces intended for release over time while remaining open to initiating another entrepreneurial venture that aligns with my expertise in digital art and graphic design.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
Between 2020 and 2021, amidst a global pandemic, I found myself in a period of business adaptation. The shift to a virtual landscape necessitated a pivot in my approach. Given that my work revolves around virtual services, with a clientele spanning the globe, physical presence was seldom required for the dissemination of my work. However, as the needs of my clientele evolved, so did my strategies. I adjusted my schedule to accommodate the demand for virtual meetings, deadlines, aiding businesses in their branding endeavors and pursuit of success. This transition prompted the development of innovative marketing tactics tailored to the changing landscape, ensuring continued engagement with businesses seeking to promote their services. My focus shifted towards assisting businesses, organizations, and individuals in communicating the value of their services, particularly in generating income, thereby enabling consumers to discern the relevance of their offerings.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
As my business progresses, the primary source of new clientele stems from the rapport cultivated with previous clients who endorse and advocate for my services. Through word-of-mouth referrals and endorsements, my business gains visibility across various platforms, including social media and business gatherings. This network effect perpetuates as satisfied clients continue to recommend my services to others. Furthermore, social media plays a pivotal role in amplifying my business presence. Employing modern and inventive strategies for promotional activities is imperative for extending the reach of my business platform.
Contact Info:
- Website: mgvisualstudios.com
- Instagram: @mgvisualstudios; @mgvs.digitalart
- Facebook: @mgvisualstudios
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miltongore/
- Twitter: @mgvisualstudios
- Other: TikTok: @mgvisualstudios