Today we’d like to introduce you to Elias Rivera.
Hi Elias , please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey into the world of design began in the pews of a Pentecostal church in Framingham, Massachusetts. Raised in a strict Christian household, leadership was a family standard; my mother led the women’s ministry, my stepfather was the community’s handyman, and I eventually rose from leading the children’s ministry to leading the youth. It was there, at Iglesia Jesus El Buen Pastor, that I first discovered my eye for branding. When it came time to coordinate youth events, I took it upon myself to visit the local Walmart to print campaign banners that matched our service concepts. I didn’t know it then, but I was already a creative director in the making.
At 18, I transitioned into a new chapter of life, moving away from the church and into the world of digital media. I began earning an income as a “Family Founder” and live streamer on BIGO LIVE. It was during this time that I met my partner, John Rivera, who introduced me to the world of Reality TV—a medium I had never been allowed to watch growing up.
My professional breakthrough came through a moment of problem-solving. I noticed a production for a series called The Mixed Attraction was at a standstill because their graphic designer had walked away. I stepped in, offered to do what I could, and effectively saved the production’s visual assets. That one “yes” turned into a three-year journey that has led me to work with major TV networks, celebrities, and national brands.
The road, however, was far from easy. Two years ago, John and I, along with our dog Chanel, experienced homelessness. Despite the hardship, I refused to let my business die. John invested in a Walmart hotspot so I could connect my laptop and work from wherever we were. Before I even had a laptop, I was building professional-grade designs on Canva Pro using nothing but my phone.
I faced significant financial hardships and dealt with individuals who tried to take advantage of my situation. I made the strategic decision to “start up” by offering free work to major networks to prove my value. This grit paid off. I eventually won a cover art competition for Smiley from Baddies East on the Zeus Network, signed an NDA for official business with NowThatsTV, and had the privilege of designing for Love & Hip Hop’s Amara La Negra. My client list quickly grew to include Big Liddy, SwayWayy from the SwayWayy Podcast, and Fetti Fein.
I got to where I am today by refusing to give up, even when I felt like doing exactly that. I’ve dealt with people who tried to use me or threatened my business to avoid payment, but those experiences taught me my worth. I no longer sell myself short; I charge accordingly for the quality I provide while still finding ways to give back to my community through discounted services.
Today, Royal Graphics Plus is a testament to that resilience. We have grown into a comprehensive, one-stop shop for high-end creative needs, including:
• Digital Design & Visual Arts
• Comprehensive Branding & Identity
• Web Development & Management (Coming Soon)
• Professional Photography
• High-Fidelity Videography
• Social Media Assets (Reels, Flyers, & Cover Art)
What started with a Walmart hotspot and a phone in a time of homelessness has evolved into a premier creative agency serving the biggest names in entertainment. I am proud to represent the talent coming out of Worcester, Massachusetts.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been anything but a smooth road. My journey has been defined by obstacles that I’ve had to outwork, both in my personal life and within the industry.
The most significant hurdle was navigating homelessness two years ago. Alongside my partner, John, and our dog, Chanel, I had to find the strength to keep a business running without a permanent roof over my head. My “office” was wherever we could find a signal. We didn’t have much, but we had a Walmart hotspot and a laptop. That period taught me that resourcefulness is more important than resources; if you have the drive, you can build an empire from a phone and a prayer.
However, the professional and social challenges were often harder to stomach than the financial ones. While expanding my creative reach as a runway model for a yearly Pride fashion show, I began networking more heavily in Worcester. This is how I met another creative group of designers that the city supports. That group saw me model and play piano in the back of one of the sets.
Unfortunately, I entered into some professional collaborations where the effort was not mutual. I found myself pouring my time and energy into promoting and pushing other people’s businesses, only to be met with a lack of support and, at times, a negative environment when I sought the same in return.
The most difficult lesson came when I was working on submissions for The Mixed Attraction (TMA). I was relying on specific collaborative assets and photos that were essential for my progress, but the materials I received were of such low quality that they were unusable. It was a disheartening realization that not everyone you help will be invested in your success.
These experiences took a heavy toll on my mental health; I developed significant social anxiety and reached a point where I felt hesitant to engage with the industry at all. I felt like a “giver” in an industry of “takers.” Yet, even in the middle of that anxiety and disappointment, I had a responsibility to Royal Graphics Plus. I had to learn the hard way how to separate my personal hurt from my professional duty. Despite the lack of support, I refused to fail the clients who truly valued my work.
These challenges were my greatest teachers:
• Professional Boundaries: I learned that while I value community, I must protect my time and energy for those who respect my craft.
• Integrity Under Pressure: I learned to keep my business running and maintain my standards even when my personal environment felt heavy.
• The Power of Self-Reliance: I realized that my talent is my greatest asset, and I don’t need the validation of a “scene” to be successful.
Today, the “rough road” is exactly what makes the success of Royal Graphics Plus so meaningful. I don’t just provide a service; I provide the results of a work ethic that has been tested by fire and a brand that stands on its own two feet.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the founder and lead creative of Royal Graphics Plus, a multi-disciplinary creative agency. We specialize in high-impact Digital Design, Branding, and Visual Identity. My work is known for its “celebrity-standard” quality—blending bold, modern aesthetics with strategic marketing.
I am specifically known for my work within the entertainment and reality TV sectors. I’ve had the privilege of winning a cover art competition for Smiley from Baddies East (The Zeus Network), and I’ve designed high-end promotional assets for Love & Hip Hop’s Amara La Negra, as well as prominent industry figures like Big Liddy, SwayWayy, and Fetti Fein. From flyers and motion graphics to official NDAs with networks like NowThatsTV, I provide the visual engine that helps brands and public figures command attention.
I am most proud of my consistency and integrity. There were moments in my journey where it would have been easy to walk away—especially while navigating homelessness or dealing with industry gatekeepers. I am proud that I never let my circumstances dictate the quality of my output. Whether I was working from a laptop on a Walmart hotspot or designing from my phone, I delivered work that stood up alongside the biggest names in the industry. Knowing that I’ve built a “one-stop shop” that now offers photography, videography, and soon, full web development, is a massive point of pride for me.
What sets me apart is the “Royal Standard”—a combination of raw grit and refined professional execution.
1. Versatility: Most designers just do “graphics.” I understand the full scope of branding, from the technical side of web management to the artistic side of photography and videography.
2. Resilience as a Service: I don’t just “do a job.” I bring a level of dedication that comes from having to fight for my place in this industry. My clients don’t just get a flyer; they get a partner who understands the high-stakes nature of entertainment and knows how to deliver under pressure.
3. Community-Minded Growth: Unlike many in this space, I balance my high-ticket celebrity work with a commitment to the community. I believe in charging what my work is worth, but I also believe in reinvesting and providing knowledge to local businesses to help them level up. I didn’t have a mentor to show me the ropes, so I strive to be the professional resource I wish I had when I started.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is integrity—both in my work and in my relationships.
In an industry that can often feel transactional or even predatory, I believe that your word and the quality of your output are your only true currency. Having navigated homelessness and professional betrayals, I’ve seen firsthand how damaging it is when people over-promise and under-deliver, or when they try to build themselves up by tearing others down. Because of those experiences, I am deeply committed to a “Royal Standard” of honesty. When I take on a client, whether they are a local startup or a major TV network, my goal is to provide a service that is as reliable as it is creative.
This matters due to the following:
1. Breaking the Cycle: I was raised in a background where leadership and community were central values. Even when I moved away from the church environment, those core principles stuck with me. I want to prove that you can be successful in the fast-paced world of entertainment and reality TV without losing your soul or your ethics.
2. Stability Through Excellence: After surviving a period where I lacked a permanent home, I realized that stability isn’t just about a roof over your head—it’s about building a foundation of excellence that no one can take away from you. My business is my stability, and the only way to keep it strong is to remain obsessed with the quality of my craft.
3. Empowering the Underdog: I remember what it was like to have nothing but a phone and a hotspot. It matters to me that I use my platform to provide knowledge and high-level branding to others who have the talent but might lack the resources. I want Royal Graphics Plus to be a bridge that helps people move from where they are to where they want to be.
To me, success isn’t just about seeing my designs on a major network; it’s about knowing that I got there by being a person of my word and a professional who others can actually trust.
Pricing:
- Professional Flyers from $65.00+
- Monthly Retainer package for $300, $600, $900, $1500
- Logos from $100.00+
- Billboard Designs from $200.00+
- Branding Package from $500+
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/royalgraphicsplus?igsh=ZWhvOG1rcjM4Ym4y&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ROYALGRAPHICSPLUS
- Other: https://www.skool.com/royal-graphics-plus-7763/about?ref=f55a490feb4a480ca0c4c6dee903490c
