We caught up with the brilliant and insightful William E. Ricks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
William E., appreciate you joining us today. What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?
The legacy I aim to build and leave is one that reminds people that creativity and art is what you make it. I’ve done some interesting things during my business’ lifetime, from the “Modern Nostalgia” editing style, to how I bring the light and love of Jesus Christ and His Word in unique ways. The important thing about creativity is that as long as you love it, you are confident about it, and you know it reflects your artistic vision, that’s the key! Everyone won’t see your creative vision and that’s ok. As long as the right people see it and appreciate it, that is what matters.
I also want our love for Jesus Christ, and our ability to merge sharing His love and Word with other forms of content as part of our legacy. I am so thankful for God and what He’s brought me through. Even when I verge off track, the Lord is always there to guide me back into His presence and purpose. God will use people and their creative talents to share His Word, whether through a song, art piece, movie, etc. And that is what helps more people see the truth and light of Jesus Christ. So that is how I hope Squilliam Content Creations is remembered — a company that brought the light, love, and truth of God’s word in fun, creative ways! I also think my “Modern Nostalgia” editing style will be etched in this company’s legacy and maybe even have some of my work in a museum some day, ahaha, Lord willing!
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am William E. Ricks, the owner an operator behind Squilliam Content Creations. I am graduate of Penn State (B.A. Digital Journalism & Media), and currently live in Baltimore, Maryland. We are in different industries including photography, videography, music, and gaming. Since I was a kid, I always enjoyed documenting moments through pictures, videos, words, you name it! I began photography as a hobby around 2016-2017, but after taking a photography/videography course in college, I really fell in love with the art, patience, and detail of these crafts. As I began taking more images and videos, family and friends inquired about potential photography services, which inspired me to start my business. I am also a self-taught musician, using my experience playing various percussion instruments in middle school (shoutout Gauger-Cobbs) to make beats and instrumentals.
My business has been active for about 7 years now, having different names before Squilliam Content Creations (Eye of Eli and ShotsBySquill). I only focused on photography to start, capturing formals, proms, sports events, graduations, baby showers, and more. But I began getting into videography and graphic design using the knowledge and skills I gained during college.
Squilliam Content Creations offers photography and video services for our clients. I can take pictures for clients or we can edit pictures that our clients already have. For our video services, I can create a video from footage provided by our customer, or I can shoot and edit the footage for our client. I also offer some light design work services, creating colleges and other small graphics needed by customers.
I also create music! Under the stage name “Squilliam”, I have released multiple albums and EPs that span across Hip-Hop, Gospel, Funk, R&B, Lofi, and more! My music is available on across various streaming platforms, just search “Squilliam”, and bless your ears with awesome tunes!
What sets myself apart is my photo editing style. I coined the term “Modern Nostalgia”, which aims to give photos a vintage feel (something you may see in a history book), but still have vibrant colors! People can always point my work by the vivid skies, striking details, and contrast. I’m also known for my portraits of people, bringing out the detail, emotion, and artistry with each shot.
I try not to use the word “proud.” I use “satisfied” instead. I love my photography, it holds a special place in my heart, but I am most satisfied with my music. Outside of middle school band class, we didn’t have any formal music training or lessons. When I wanted to get into music production, I simply picked up an iPhone, opened GarageBand, and got to work. It’s really awesome to see how the Lord has given me the ability and musical ear to create the music I have made. And I have so much in the vault ready to release, so make sure you all are tuned into Squilliam!
What I want people to know about my business is that I love what I do! I take pride in capturing moments for you, and I give my commitment that the work I provide will meet your standards. I understand the faith and trust that comes with customers accepting my services, and I don’t take that for granted. I will do my very best to make your experience with Squilliam Content Creations a prosperous one!
Lastly, and most importantly, Squilliam Content Creations is a faith-based company. I believe that Jesus Christ is Lord, and the Bible is the supreme source of truth. My brand aims to always honor God and His Kingdom through the work I provide, the way I present myself, and the jobs I take on. As my Lord Jesus lives, so will my phenomenal work! Amen!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is “being fast is better”. We live in a society where instant gratification and speed is the name of the game. And I honestly fed into that for a bit during my career and in my business. I would rush to complete assignments, I would try to be the first one done things, not really taking the time to double check, revise, and correct anything that seems out of whack. That definitely impacted the quality of my work, and I had to really stop everything in my life and ask God for patience. Patience in not only the process of doing the work (writing, photography, video creating, etc.) but also reviewing/editing the work. It has taken a lot of work (and still does, because there are times I feel like I am not moving fast enough), but I thank God for showing me the value of patience. Him continuing to educate me in that aspect has allowed my work to become sharper, better, and more appealing to potential customers/supporters. Taking my time has actually saved me time from having to undo errors, or make drastic edits to something I rushed to complete.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
I think the goal that best describes our journey is said in Mark 16:15 of the Bible: “And He (Jesus) said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to all creation.'” I want to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone. That is the duty of a believer in Christ, and I believe I was blessed with these creative abilities to help spread the Lord’s Word in new, exciting — but truthful ways. Through my content, services, and connections, I simply desire the Word of the Lord in its purest and truest form, guided by His Holy Spirit. It’s powerful, living, and active on its own where it will touch and impact those who desire it!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squilliamcontentcreations.mypixieset.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/squilliamcreations/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SquilliamCreations/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/72714032/
- Twitter: https://x.com/SquilliamRicks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtzzhwwAOblZoysnQlsZXcA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/squilliam_98
- Other: Print Shop (to purchase prints) – https://squilliamcontentcreations.pixieset.com/
Image Credits
All Images Taken and Edited By William E. Ricks of Squilliam Content Creations