Meet Ray Stiles | Graphic Designer & Digital Marketer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ray Stiles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ray, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
After decades of working with Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, and small owned businesses alike, I noticed the need for a more direct, hands-on approach to digital marketing and graphic design services. During this time, I also noticed the ever familiar and dreaded corporate burn-out on my horizon. Throw in the ever-changing daily landscapes due to the pandemic- I knew it was time. I wanted more creative flexibility. I wanted to be able to flex the creative muscle the way I see fit. I was tired of answering to someone and feeling like I was just another “rung on the boss-man’s ladder.” We’ve all been there, feeling underappreciated, and just another number. I struggled daily with the question of “why am I putting money in my boss’s wallet when I can do this for myself?” Each passing day- that question resonated stronger and stronger. The day I decided to take that step was the best day ever! There are struggles and stress- but it’s a new level of struggles and a new level of stress. However, at the end of the day- it’s my name on the project and my name on the check.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have lived and worked in Atlanta, Georgia for nearly 18 years. Before that, I grew up right up the road in the foothills of the North Georgia mountains- a Georgia boy from the start! I grew up on a working farm with a very creative family and at an early age, it was instilled in us to work with our hands and appreciate the natural beauty we see in our daily lives. I attended Savannah College of Art and Design for Graphic Design & Visual Arts. While at SCAD, I found my love of design and being a creative naturally runs deep. It was that early encouragement from family and devoted mentors that helped me get to where I am today.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m a foodie at heart! I think the best conversations can be found over a good meal. Atlanta is known for some of the best food in the South so there is plenty of good food and good conversations to be found. We would need to visit the classics here in the ATL- starting with Mary Mac’s Tea Room for a true southern cooked meal. From there, being an artist we would naturally need to visit the latest exhibit at The High Museum and take in all the sights and sounds of nearby Piedmont Park. A fun filled day of food, art and Southern hospitality!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother has been the strongest of all influences in my creative background. The area I am from is close to Cleveland, Georgia- the home of The Cabbage Patch Kids (you 80’s kids will understand!) My mother and aunt were some of the select few who were handpicked to sew and design the original dolls. I have seen the two of them work fearlessly into the early morning hours sewing and painting – loving every second of it! In that, I learned that there is a place in the world for creatives and with enough drive, determination, and elbow grease, you can do what you love and make a living out of it.

Website: https://www.thestilesco.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stilesandcompany/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stiles-and-company

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stilesandco

Other: info@thestilesco.com