Reeling in my FIRST paid gig, Swish The Fish
Michael Butorac
Create, Motivate, Innovate. Adobe Creative and MBA Candidate of Marketing at California State University, Fullerton
The Unexpected Deep Dive into "Swish the Fish"
The Doodle That Changed The Dude
As you guys have come to learn by now, I find my inspiration in the most unexpected places (like finding Adobe at Whole Foods Market ). One of my most pivotal discoveries happened in the middle of my senior year of high school, during AP Psychology class. Like many students do, I found myself doodling on the side of my paper while taking notes. Mr Leduc had several knickknacks throughout his classroom, like a little sumo man that he got from Japan. Little did I know, Mr Leduc was a world traveler before he settled into a life of teaching. He started with a career in sales , but he did not love how it pulled him away from his family . He used this love for family and community to pivot into a career teaching psychology, where he would use anecdotes and clever metaphors to help students absorb concepts better.
Before I knew any of this, I thought he was just some mean old guy who was messing with us . Little did I know, this simple discovery would lead to an awesome collaboration that would shape my future. My AP Psychology teacher, Mr. Leduc, noticed my doodles one day and asked me to stay after class. Expecting to be reprimanded, I was instead offered a chance to collaborate on a children’s book—a project that would become "Swish the Fish."
The Plunge: From Doodling to Designing
When Mr. Leduc first approached me about collaborating on a book, I was taken aback. He saw potential in my doodles that I hadn’t even considered. His idea was simple yet profound: a daughter and father fishing in a lake, they find a magical fish, the fish outsmarts the duo. I never thought about making children's books, especially in high school, but the opportunity to bring this story to life was exciting. As much as I was eager to start, life as a senior was hectic. College applications, extracurricular activities, and social commitments took up most of my time, and the project was put on the back burner.
The Pandemic Pause: Finding Time in The Void
As the semester went by, it seemed like Swish might never come to fruition. Mr. Leduc and I were both busy, and the demands of senior year kept piling up as I continued to bite off more than I could chew. Then, the tides changed—COVID-19 hit, and suddenly, everything slowed down. With the pandemic came an unexpected gift: time. Schools closed, events were canceled, and I found myself at home with more free time than I’d ever had before. It was during this period that I finally had the opportunity to dive into the project.
The pandemic, while a challenging and uncertain time, gave me the space to invest in my art. I started to envision the world where Swish, our main character, would live. I spent hours experimenting with different art styles, learning digital illustration techniques, and figuring out what kind of artist I wanted to be. This project became my escape from the chaos outside—a way to channel my creativity and focus on something positive.
The Creative Process: Bringing Swish to Life
Creating Swish was both a challenging and rewarding process. With Mr. Leduc’s guidance, I learned how to translate the whimsical ideas in my head into a cohesive story that children could enjoy. We spent hours brainstorming, refining the storyline, and discussing the illustrations. The collaboration was seamless—Mr. Leduc’s experience in psychology provided depth to the characters, while my growing skills as an artist brought the story to life visually.
One of the most significant lessons I learned during this time was the importance of patience and persistence. There were moments when I doubted whether I could finish the project, but Mr. Leduc’s encouragement kept me going. The pandemic allowed me to explore my creative potential in ways I hadn’t imagined, and by the end of it, I had not only completed a book but also discovered a passion for visual storytelling that would guide my future endeavors.
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Sinking Through the Surface
Looking back, I realize how pivotal this experience was in my life. Without Mr. Leduc’s encouragement, I might never have pursued a creative career. His belief in my abilities gave me the confidence to explore my artistic side, and the project we worked on together became a foundation for everything I’ve done since. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of working on various projects and collaborating with talented creatives, but it all started with this little guppy.
This experience taught me the value of mentorship, especially during difficult times. The pandemic was a period of uncertainty and isolation but having a project to focus on and a mentor to guide me made all the difference. It’s a reminder that opportunities can come from the most unexpected places and that creativity can thrive even in challenging circumstances.
Reeling in the Takeaways
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Swish was more than just a children’s book; it was the beginning of a journey that has shaped my creative career. What started as a classroom doodle turned into a collaborative project that taught me invaluable lessons about creativity, mentorship, and perseverance. Even if it is not something you see yourself doing, try it anyways. I’m grateful for the opportunity Mr. Leduc gave me and for the path it set me on. As I continue to grow as an artist and creator, I carry the lessons from this experience with me, knowing that sometimes the most significant opportunities come when you least expect them.
Catch Swish the Fish on Amazon & Spotify!
Amazon: If you’re interested in exploring the whimsical world of Swish and his adventures, "Switched the Fish" is available for purchase on Amazon. This charming children’s book is a perfect read for young readers and those who are young at heart. Dive into the story that started my creative journey and discover the magic of Swish’s world. https://amzn.to/46UuDy4
Spotify: We also recorded an episode of Passing the Mike where we reminisce on the journey and catch up. This man adores his wife and kids, retirement has been the best for him. https://open.spotify.com/episode/6QPQ3eD3Eq6U6AkrSXTGfC?si=ed8e4b89e0344e1e
Swishing you a good rest of your week,
Michael Butorac
Consultant at Tupperware Brands (Now I don't make, own I am just the middle man of selling, contact them directly)
7 个月Good for you!