We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ben Butler a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ben, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

I’ve always made things. When I was 6, I was nailing pieces of wood together on my grandmother’s porch (loudly and much to her and my uncle’s distress.) I’ve always drawn and painted, mostly cartoons. Cartoons like Calvin & Hobbes were major influences. Hanging with my art school friends at conventions got me curious on how to get my art into strangers’ hands. I went to school for animation and after I took an office job that had me around art for hotels and private clients. I kept thinking there was this big point or level of entry I had to hit before I could be seen as an artist as well or that my work could be received well. The truth is just showing up to my art table everyday after work made me an artist. I started selling art more often about 2017, joining markets that had open slots and conventions. I think starting when I did saved me from getting too comfortable with routine. Starting sooner would have required trusting myself more and I’m not going to fault past me for that. Starting later…I imagine I would have been more miserable if I had waited. Things happen and tend to work out as they need to.

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 grew up drawing and painting, sometimes as escapism. I liked showing my drawings to people because it gave me a way to connect ( I figured that out later in life, I wasn’t that observant as a kid). I wanted to draw comics and devoured every graphic novel I came across at the public library. I got my start selling prints and originals with my friend Dante of Rag-n-Bone Studio. He gave me a bit of space in his tent at Monster Bash at the Starlight Drive in around 2011-12. He carried my work to the venue while I trailed behind on my scooter (I didn’t have a car at the time). I followed him to a few more conventions and pieced my set up together as the years passed.

I try to make prints and pieces that are unique, leaning towards humor and things I think need to be said. I try to offer charming work, and I’m most proud of when I can make a connection with a stranger. I’ve incorporated parts of my personal identity into pieces: my southern upbringing, my queer identity, Buddhism and propensity towards absurdity. I want people to smile or feel a little lighter after seeing my work. I’m also proud of when I can bring a customer’s idea to life.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

I’ll begin by saying 2020 was a great year for all of us *sarcasm*. I was in a job I had held for 10+ years, printing art for hotels and cruise ships. I was doing markets here and there but mostly drained after work was done. The job was in a stressful environment and I genuinely didn’t think I could do any better. In 2020 I was one of many people furloughed and it was a tough blow to my ego to say the least. I asked around if anyone wanted to buy art or commission me for work. My anxiety tends to kick me into gear in regards to survival. I was blown away by the amount of work I got. I was painting so many different things: pet portraits, screaming raccoons and pride illustrations. I had more than one person telling me I needed to push my work more and get it out there. Getting away from that 10 year old 9-5 job and being in my studio most of the time was a change I needed.

I got reinstated at my old job. I knew couldn’t go back to that environment and be happy. My resume found its way into another company’s hands and I signed on immediately. The new environment is encouraging. I’m printing still but I’m also able to get feedback on my own work as well as learn new techniques. I’ve been able to focus more on Happy Cup Studio as well. I don’t feel as tied to one mode of survival as I used to, nor as defined by it. Happy Cup is my purpose and I proudly call myself an artist.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I’m grateful for how many folks give me a follow on Instagram. Watching that number grow has been humbling. I have a confession: I don’t remember when I signed up for social media. Like all of them. My username is just my name but way sillier. I wanted to keep it the same in case one of my cards got someone curious and they tracked me down. That was likely anxiety talking but consistency felt like a good idea. I never wanted people to feel obligated to follow me. I wanted my work to draw them in. For anybody starting out my advice is

Be consistent: In your messaging, in your work and your presence.

Be sincere: Come as you are and let your awesome shine through. Chances are you’ll find other people who vibe and appreciate you being authentic. It’s easier to be yourself than to be what you think will get you hype. And yourself is probably cooler than you think.

Believe in yourself: This one was tricky for me. I know it’s overstated, but it’s true. We are our own worst critics, but if you look in the mirror/at your work and regard it the way you would a loved one, I guarantee you’ll see your own merit. Give this bit some time to develop, it’s a process not a race.

And please keep going! Keep drawing, keep making, rest and repeat! Pursue balance between your life in and out of the social media scape. The number next to followers does not dictate your value, just keep showing up with sincerity and diligence when you have the spoons (spoons: mental energy).

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/HappycupstudioGA
• Instagram: @benstigator
• Facebook: facebook.com/benstigator
• Twitter: @benstigator

Image Credits
Ben Butler