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

Preston, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you 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?

I did this as a hobby during my military career, and once I retired, I worked a regular job for a year and a half and hated it. So, I decided to quit and do what I always wanted to do: create artwork for people to enjoy. So, I got a business license (LLC) and started creating, designing, and making full-time from my house. It takes a lot of work to learn how to price everything, do the taxes, and develop a fundamental business plan that works. I got a head start on creating projects while still in the Army and while I was still receiving income. But once I began to do the business full-time, the money could vary per month: some highs and some lows, plus the cost of materials. But I always look ahead to what is next and what I need for the project. I have a graphic design background, so it made it easy in the marketing aspects. I did my website, business cards, etc. I could not have sped it up any faster because I was in the military, and I could only reach out so far until I retired. But every choice I have made has led me to where I am today, and it keeps growing.

Preston, 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?

Hi, my name is Preston Miller, and I am from Graham, Washington. Throughout my life, I have always had a passion for creativity. I came from a low-income, broken family and sometimes drew to escape the chaos. Also, because we did not have a lot of money, I tried drawing pictures to sell on the street to make money to get some candy for me and my little sister. I tried to take art classes when I could in school, all the way until I graduated high school. After high school, I attended college and got my AA degree in Multi-Media Design and Production (Graphic Design). Still, I realized once I graduated, it would be very competitive in the job market and would take me a long time to find a good job. So I decided to do it as a freelance hobby to one day make it full-time. During this same time, I needed a job and decided the best route would be to join the Army, which helped pay for my schooling. I decided only to do the Army for a few years and then get out and do graphic design. Well, that day never came. I went into the Army as a mechanic, working on small engines for a few years, and was deployed to combat when we were bombing Kosovo in 1999. Once I got back, I was promoted to sergeant (E5). I changed jobs to a Cannon Crew Member (Shot the M109 howitzer tanks). After a few years of doing that, I was selected to support the missile defense program by guarding the missiles up in Alaska as Military Police. I was in Alaska for a few years until I returned to the lower 48 (when I was in Alaska, I got my BA in Emergency and Disaster Management). The Army saw I had my BA and was asked if I would be interested in becoming an officer. Of course, I accepted it because I was a 2nd Lieutenant in 2014 (Officers school was the most challenging course I have ever achieved in the Army). I also selected the Chemical Corps (Biological Chemical Warefar / Weapons of Mass Destruction Specialist) officer branch. My job was to advise the generals on enemy weapon capabilities. I held this position as a Captain and Commander until my retirement in 2021 (23 years of service).

I started combining my graphic designs with woodworking as a Lieutenant in the Army. I was in a unit looking for someone to do graphic design work to be done for their up-and-coming military ball. So I told them, “I have a background in Graphic Design.” They wanted me to design flyers and stuff for their event. Then, a few days later, a Major asked me, “They are looking for a centerpiece for the ball” made from wood. He asked me if I could do that. I replied, “I have never done something like that, but I will try it.” So, I created the concept art to build the wood centerpiece. They were impressed with it so much that I was honored at the ball for it. This project kicked off my woodworking business. So, during the rest of my military career, I did this as a hobby by building plaques and awards for units, honing my skills, and learning everything I could. Once I retired from the Army, I worked a civilian job for a year and a half, trying to return to the real world. But with my PTSD, chronic migraines, and anxiety, I could not function in that environment, and at the same time, my business was growing a lot. So, I decided to quit and do my business from home, where I am now. Yes, I work more, but I love doing it.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what helped me build my reputation is that I have already served in the military, and most of my projects are plaques for service members. It is an instant connection, and service members would rather pay for a project from another service member than someone who has not served. Also, I am somewhat OCD and a perfectionist with an attention to detail that builds that reputation for quality work. You can’t get that anymore because the regular trophy shops want a quick turnaround to make as much money as they can, even if the quality of the project could be better.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist and creative is that it is my passion, and I love it. I have been an artist since I was a kid and wanted to be one when I grew up. Yes, life has sent me hurdles, and I had to reroute what I did to support my family, but in the end, I can create designs with my mind and build them with my hands. Plus, serving in the military has given me PTSD, and keeping my mind active daily helps me focus on the positive, not the negative. A win-win

Contact Info:

• Website: www.trigoncreations.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trigoncreations/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrigonCreations/
• Youtube: We will be starting Youtube soon

Image Credits
I want to give credit to my wife (Rocio Miller). She does all the finances, photos, videos, etc. Love you