Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Torey Butner. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Torey, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I had a tiny inkling I would pursue an artistic path when I was small. Always painting (my messes at their best), always sculpting (play-dough was my material of choice), always drawing (walls were my favorite canvas), I’d spend my time coming up with new ways to entertain myself and my siblings.

When I entered elementary school, I quailed at the competition. Sarah was going to be a sculptor. So I decided I would be a photographer. But Kevin was going to be a photographer. So I decided I’d draw. But Cassie was going to draw for a living. She didn’t tell me that, I just knew because her drawings were so much better than mine.

And so at the age of ten, I decided instead that it would be convenient for me to go into something less artistic.

Six years later, I had decided on the grand title of Astrophysics; the study of physics and chemistry, exploring stars, planets and galaxies; the detectives of the universe. Then I took high school physics. And I hated it. One week before college applications were due, I made the snap decision to follow what I loved when I was five (can’t go wrong there, right?) and apply as an art major.

It wasn’t until after I graduated and a friend commissioned me for a few posters that I realized I could start my own business and make a living as a creative professional.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an Illustrator and Writer living and working in San Francisco. I love illustrating, writing and telling stories that create memorable experiences for those who read (or sing) them. I care about encouraging self-expression and sustaining the environment for the people and animals who share the planet with us.

My work is influenced by my love of curiosities, folklore, nature and aims to inspire wonder and discovery of magic in the everyday. I am motivated by a mix of vibrant color combinations, shaping compositions, and finding new ways to incorporate soft textures in my work. Through illustration, I provide unique solutions that simplify complex messages for kids and create memorable, emotional connections.

I love collaborating with art directors and authors on their vision and creating something bigger than what we could create on our own. Clients include: San Francisco Bay Ferry, Ladybug Magazine, Babybug Magazine, Shutterstock Blog, and MIT.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

There are three main aspects of the creative journey that came as a surprise to myself and to those that I talk to.

1. While there is timing flexibility in the art world, it is not unlimited. I can take two hours for lunch every day if I want, I could even take a day off on a whim. But those hours have to be made up at some point in order to continue moving forward.

2. Making a living from your art is the same as running a business, except most of the roles are help by one person. Marketing manager, packaging associate, illustrator, financial strategist, grant writer; each of these and more are part of what it takes to run a business. Of course, in running a business, you can outsource specific sections. But a business based on your art is still a business.

3. While a person who lands a salaried role at a company no longer needs to search for work, an artist needs to constantly apply and reach out, even after winning a job. That way, there will be a constant inflow of work.

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

I absolutely love creating art that resonates with people and brings them together. When children’s book “My Mushy Matzah Ball” written by Arianna Brooks and illustrated by me was published, the response was amazing.

The board book is an intro to traditional jewish foods and showcases the diversity within the culture. Parents and grownups would message to let us know how they felt seen by sharing the traditional foods and that their children loved finding themselves in the book.

The ability to bring people of different backgrounds together is something that I strive for in my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.toreybutner.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toreybutner/

Image Credits
Torey Butner