We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Lawrence Butler. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Lawrence below.

Lawrence, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

The inception of my creative services business was a journey that began with a passion for gaming and evolved through various stages of personal and professional growth. Around 2016-2017, I started streaming on Twitch.tv, creating gaming content and gradually gaining traction. As my channel grew, I realized the need for a unique and professional visual identity. This led me to hire a graphic designer for my logo, merch designs, and overall stream graphics. However, after a few months, my designer decided to leave the field, leaving me in need of design services.

Rather than hiring another designer, I saw this as an opportunity to learn and create designs myself. Initially, my designs were far from perfect, but with persistence and practice, I began to improve. Once I felt confident enough, I joined Facebook groups and responded to posts from people looking for designers to earn some extra spending money. My first client was a startup clothing brand. Though my early designs were amateurish, they laid the foundation for my future endeavors.

My initial foray into design work for clothing brands led me to focus on Twitch channel packages, an area I was more familiar with. Combining my love for metal music—specifically metalcore, deathcore, and djent—I began reaching out to bands to create merch designs. This gradually expanded to album art and logos. For about a year, I immersed myself in this niche, honing my skills and building a portfolio.

The real turning point came during the COVID-19 pandemic when I used my stimulus check to start my own clothing brand, Killerbearclothing. I fused my knowledge of design and my passion for metal music to create a grunge/emo brand. This venture taught me invaluable lessons about business, from professional communication and marketing to sales and overall business management. Simultaneously, I was also starting a band with my brother, VowOfSilence, which consumed much of my time.

Despite the progress, I encountered challenges. Mistakes during the rebranding of my clothing line led me to take a break and reassess my approach. Around the same time, my band experienced a fallout, and I was involved in a car accident that severely injured my arm and hand, resulting in a layoff from my job. These setbacks were tough, but they also gave me time to reflect on my goals and the fragility of life. Realizing that the accident could have been worse, I decided to seize the moment and pursue my passion for design full-time.

I dedicated myself to mastering various tools like Photoshop, Procreate, Adobe Illustrator, and After Effects, and began offering my services on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. I reached out to as many bands and potential clients as possible, gradually building a network through recommendations. Now, I am learning Blender for 3D modeling and delving into photography and videography, with the support of my girlfriend, who is a photographer and journalist.

Emotionally, the journey has been a rollercoaster. The uncertainty of freelancing can be stressful, with periods of no sales followed by unexpected success. However, the freedom to manage my own schedule and the support of my circle have been incredibly rewarding. Working with bands allows me to attend shows and network in a fun and engaging environment. This journey has been challenging yet fulfilling, and I am excited about the future possibilities.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am a seasoned creative professional based in Fremont, OH, specializing in various artistic disciplines, including graphic design, videography, video editing, and illustration. My portfolio encompasses a diverse range of projects, from crafting distinctive logos and compelling album art to producing dynamic music videos and visualizers. With a commitment to excellence, I aim to deliver exceptional visuals that empower bands and musical artists to achieve success and growth.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative professional is the ability to create lasting works that endure beyond my lifetime. Additionally, the opportunity to collaborate with talented individuals is immensely fulfilling. Through my art, I can transform the ideas and emotions in my mind into tangible forms that others can experience and interpret. Whether it’s visualizing an emotion or crafting a new world, I aim to inspire others through my creations. Furthermore, by contributing high-quality art to various projects, I ensure that my work reaches a wider audience, allowing more people to appreciate and be influenced by it.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

One resource I wish I had fully appreciated earlier in my creative journey is the importance of networking. While many new entrepreneurs and creatives are aware of networking, they often don’t realize its true potential. I used to underestimate its value, but now it’s one of my favorite aspects of my professional life.

The adage “it’s not what you know, but who you know” holds significant truth. My current position is largely due to the connections I’ve made, whether through friendships or business relationships. Networking can lead to word-of-mouth referrals, where someone might recommend you as the perfect person to solve a problem. With a global population of over 7.9 billion, you never know who you might meet.

For instance, at a recent concert, I struck up a conversation with a band and discovered their drummer was a videographer whose work I admired. Additionally, I met my favorite artist, who has created artwork for bands I love. These serendipitous encounters underscore the importance of networking. In retrospect, I wish I had embraced it much earlier in my career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lawrenceraycreative.myportfolio.com/work
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lawrenceraycreative/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LawrenceRayDesign/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf96MgqfF36M8JdB4En6QWA

Image Credits

All works are done by LawrenceRayCreative, Photos taken by Melissa C Baker.