Episode 8 - Barton Damer, Owner and Creative Director, Already Been Chewed

Barton Damer's entrepreneurship story is a bit different from what we usually hear. He wasn't a terrible employee, nor was burnt by his nine to five; he actually did enjoy his job and had a side hustle as a freelancer with digital arts in which he loved working on the weekends. With time, his side hustle started growing to the point that he had to make a choice; he was overbooked as a freelancer, and in 15 to 20 hours a week, Barton was making the same as he was making in his full-time job. Already Been Chewed started as a Design and Inspiration blog when the entire world was blogging, where Barton mixed pieces of art he found interesting and inspiring with his own work. By the time he decided to quit his nine to five and start his own studio, he already had a solid following and a brand. It was a no-brainer. Barton Damer is the Owner, Creative Director, and Founding Artist of Already Been Chewed, a design, motion graphics, and 3d animation studio. They work with some of the most iconic brands globally, like Marvel, UFC, New Balance, NBA, Disney, DC, Star Wars, and Nike, to name a few. Barton was named 2009 Digital Artist of the Year by Computer Arts Magazine and Veer Creative Catalyst Winner in 2011. Our conversation spins around Barton's decision to begin his own creative studio, his journey as a digital artist and entrepreneur, and his decision to start his company in Texas. He shared details of how two different injuries in both of his knees ended his skateboarding aspirations and opened artistic possibilities simultaneously. We also talk about the influence of skateboarding, Hip Hop, and basketball in his childhood and how that upbringing helped him connect deeply with most of the clients they work with at the agency. Resources:Visit Already Been Chewed website: https://www.alreadybeenchewed.tv/Follow them on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alreadybeenchewed/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlreadyBeenChewed/Twitter: https://twitter.com/bartondameror connect with Barton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barton-damer-92a32918/This episode is sponsored by Wylie, TX. Visit: https://wylieedc.com/Get your free Texas business expansion or relocation resources today by visiting www.TexasEDConnection.com