I LOVE to create things. The #1 goal in my life is to create things visually, through words, sounds, or a combination of them all. While most of us start with the ‘day job’ story, and I’m no different, my eye has always been on the ultimate goal of finding time to create.
The majority of my career has been spent helping companies and their CEOs build upon or create their strategic marketing and service offerings to help build a narrative for the customers journey. I enjoy helping a company level up. Looking back at things all these years later, I’m basically a DM (Dungeon Master for those who don’t know and shame on you!) for business owners.
But what about the rest? I’m a husband and father, artist, puppet master, writer, unabashed metalhead, and all around eccentric being. If you know me, I don’t have to tell you that, the experience has already been yours to have 🙂
I was born in the early 70s in Orlando Florida but have spent the majority of my life on Long Island, NY. It was an amazing place to grow up in the 70s and 80s and today has that same magic for my kid.
Like everywhere, things change. I know many of us ‘old schoolers’ wish things were the same but what fun is that? Embracing change and difference is what makes everyone unique.
Puppetry and the world of Dungeons and Puppets
15+ years ago I began dabbling in the art of puppetry. I have never stopped. For me, it’s one of those activities that can instill limitless creativity if you are willing to reach out and grab it. Most recently I have been working on a 2D puppetry project with my daughter we have named Dungeons and Puppets. It’s all things D&D with a puppet adventure twist.
The coolest part is working with my kid on the project making the actual characters, backstory, building that universe together. When will we release it? Who knows! She’s in school and that takes priority so our timeline is officially, “Whenever!”
And then… Spy Squirrels were born.
I’ve been writing up ideas and treatments for years. From small book ideas, to vast universes like Dungeons and Puppets. One part of me has always been reaching towards authoring a series of kids books, sharing my love for creating things in an adventuresome way. Then it happened. One day while out with the family. Completely out of nowhere.
Spy Squirrels!
This has happened to me 1000x before. I have pages and pages of ideas in countless books, digital notes, you name it. Sometimes I feel like Miles Finch from the movie ELF with my little black book of ideas and drawings. I went home later than night and wrote my basic ideas down. Ok good, mission accomplished. Now my mind can create 1,000 other things I’ll likely not have time for.
But that didn’t happen this time. Much like how Dungeons and Puppets took over my headspace while sharing it with my daughter, Spy Squirrels took over mine entirely. Character ideas, storylines, plans plans plans! Just stuck in my head like I unlocked an achievement in the latest Xbox game.
I have been tirelessly writing, drawing, and designing my Spy Squirrels universe since. I’m very excited to share this with the world.
Any final words Steve, anything good?
We all have our hobbies and interests, right? Mine include listening to tons of rock and roll / metal music, going to concerts, learning about 3D printing with the kid, and painting for tabletop games. I will update this space soon with a Spotify playlist to enjoy.
Most importantly, thank you. For coming here, checking out my work and life. I appreciate every single person that is a part of my world and I hope you do too.
-Steve