Today we’d like to introduce you to Barrett Lewis.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I was raised in Houston with my 2 older brothers by my mother – a master’s degree concert pianist and schoolteacher. It was a life that swayed in and out of poverty, as well as domestic abuse. It was a life that could have normalized low-income living and abusive relationships, but thankfully it didn’t. I was lucky to discover early on that creativity heals, and that became my outlet and saving grace. I started drawing when I was old enough to hold a crayon, and began noodling at mom’s piano as soon as I could sit up straight. After a while I started developing some skill, and people began to notice. By 2nd grade I was the “school artist” and was designing calendars, flyers, and even illustrating students’ book covers for them. Meanwhile Mom was the resident music teacher, so I was also learning how to read and listen to music. One day, she took us to see Star Wars. I think it was Return of the Jedi in 1981. I was 3 or 4 years old, and don’t remember much, but I DO remember her explaining that the main reason she was taking us was because of the music. She was a huge fan of Mr. John Williams, of which I also became a fan. Who isn’t, right? Anyway, we collected every soundtrack on record of his that we could, adding to the library of Mom’s classical-only music collection. At the piano I would sit and hammer out the melodies of Williams by ear, and once I became fairly adept at it the private music lessons began. First piano, then choir, then guitar (I really wanted to play the drums but that’s another story). I was becoming both an artist and a musician. It was all that I had, and I completely surrendered to it. I attended a Johnston magnet middle school for art and music, and later went to HSPVA. I didn’t play sports, or learn about carpentry, or cars, or many of the things young boys might learn from their dad. Art and music was all I knew, but I was getting good at it. My grandparents were both doctors, and they asked me that ultimate question of questions one day, “what do you want to do with your life?” Of course they frowned when I told them I wanted to be and artist and musician. Even Mom recommended against being a musician for a living, since her master’s in music merely landed her an elementary teaching position. I honestly thought I’d be a starving creative for the rest of my life, but in 1995 I saw Toy Story and everything changed. I saw a future in animation. If I could get into filmmaking through animation then I could possibly have a career in art. And maybe, just maybe, compose music to one of my animated pieces! That dream has come true. After graduating from the Art Institute of Houston I ended up as an animator for Reel FX in Dallas. Now, almost 20 years later, I am a creative director of Reel FX’s commercial division, ATK PLN, and have directed and composed for hundreds of projects!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has most definitely been bumpy, although I always feel blessed in comparison to some others out there in the world. As a creative, some of the biggest challenges I’ve seen have come from the advancement of technology and saturation in the industry. Kids are learning animation software younger and younger, and are hungry for work as they enter the workforce. So hungry in fact that many will accept jobs with extra hours for less pay – something the seniority among us can’t afford to do – which can put the jobs of experienced artists at risk. The same thing happens with musicians – who now have the means to release their music through social media, which doesn’t pay the bills regardless of the following one might have. I know incredibly talented artists and musicians who struggle to land their next paying gig, and that keeps me up at night.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about ATK PLN – what should we know?
ATK PLN is the commercial division of Reel FX Creative Studios, who is most recently known for the films The Book of Life and Free Birds. Reel FX was founded in 1996 first as a commercial animation partner to advertising agencies in DFW, and quickly became a full-spectrum animated film production studio as well as design, vfx, editorial and audio for commercials, games, and VR. ATK PLN was recently launched at a subsidiary brand to focus on commercial and short form works. I am incredibly proud of the team at ATK PLN, because we approach work with integrity, authenticity, passion, and love. This isn’t just a business. It’s not just a job. We are hired to help solve some of the most challenging creative problems in our industry, which forces us to be innovative. Our creative approach is why clients come to us.
If you had to start over, what would you have done differently?
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve thought about this question. Although I’ve often wondered how my life might be different, I wouldn’t go back and change a thing. What I find important is that everything I’ve experienced, good or bad, has contributed positively to my being, especially my creative side. Although painful at times, every lesson is valuable.
Contact Info:
- Address: 301 N. Crowdus St.
Dallas, Texas 75226 - Website: www.atkpln.com
- Phone: 214-979-0961
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atkpln/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atkpln/
Image Credit:
Photos are from projects with Father Joe’s Village in San Diego, and Oncor in Dallas
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