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#003 – Brian Butler
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Brian Butler
Brian established The Upper Hand Art studio in 2004, designing flyers for third-wave ska bands out of his college dorm room. Today the studio operates at the intersection of Brian's fine art career and commercial services.
As a practicing artist, Brian is probably like mid-level up on a Coachella line-up poster. He's been invited to paint in globally acclaimed art festivals like Pow!Wow! Hawaii, Colorado Crush, numerous Secret Walls events, and even more Art Basel Miami activations. His practice of drawing at concerts has led to commissions from SXSW, Bonnaroo, and a countless number of performances. In 2019, Simmons University produced a touring exhibition that surveyed 10 years of Brian's concert drawing.
Brian's agency background set the standard for his professionalism, and provided invaluable insight into both the value of strategy, and how to service the needs of client and agency. This time also sharpened his ability to design a 360° campaign with integration across all mediums.
The Upper Hand Art studio has hinged the past six years of operation to Brian's unique hybrid of art and marketing knowledge. Organizations like Tumblr, Converse, Red Bull and The Miami Heat have all benefited from Brian's considered approach.