Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to BeezleBub Ross Aka Ron Conley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
BeezleBub Ross, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I originally started my career in an engineering firm doing technical work and the occasional cover design for pitches. One day I got a call from an online educational company that needed an illustrator and I just so happened to be exactly what they were looking for. I worked as a cartoonist and animator for several years and eventually landed the job I currently have as an illustrator for an online gaming company. It has been a WILD ride, from trying to fit creativity into a very prim and proper environment, to a studio who gives me full creative freedom and let’s me and my team know how appreciated we are.
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 started getting into my craft at a young age, and got a scholarship to the Columbus College of Art & Design. For several years I struggled to find my way into the industry. This led to me going back to school for my Game Design degree where I made a lot of great connections. I got into the industry I’m currently in by scouring artist forums and job sites. I came across a listing for an illustrator and threw my hat in the ring, landed a position with an up and coming company that started to really gain traction, and made sure to do my best for them while maintaining my freelance business on the side.
The services I provide are primarily illustration and logo design for a wide variety of subjects. My main items are shirt designs and print designs I tend to sell online and at local conventions, but my other work, for clients, has been everything from album covers to book covers to cartoons. I’ve also done work for Topps and several their Star Wars sketchcard series sets.
I would say main thing about my work is that I’m very flexible style-wise, and really like to bring energy to the subject. With my self made items I focus a lot on horror and sci-fi themes with a bit of fan art as well as my own ideas. It doesn’t stop there though, I like to be creative with my designs in different mediums so I also do sculpture and some jewelry making as well.
Have you ever had to pivot?
When I made my first foothold into the industry, I had to take a pay cut. It was a sacrifice I was willing to make at the time, but also a dream come true to get to be a full-time artist. After several years there, there was a financial crash and I learned I would be laid off in 6 months. It was a tough time as I had just purchased my first home and was locked into the city I lived in. But after a LOT of searching I was able to find the company I work for today. I know a lot of artist friends who have dealt with similar work situations, and what I’ll say, is seriously, don’t give up. Being an artist, for me, isn’t a choice, it’s what I was meant to do.
Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?
I wish I had more access to the modern internet we have today. There are SO MANY sites for tutorials and classes online it’s almost a waste of money to go to college nowadays. That being said, the connections you make in your journey are JUST as important. Getting to know other artists, interacting with them, etc is a huge part of all of it. I had access to places like DeviantArt, but today there are innumerable sites you can gain knowledge and befriend like-minded artists out there. I definitely wish I had focused on connections as much as my studies.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.beezlebubross.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beezlebubart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beezlebubross
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronconley/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeezleBub_Ross
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbuMs4DUidSsNERSNjdaJIQ