AAPI Achieve Mentee Spotlight | Byron Buslig

Name: Byron Buslig | Business/Profession: ByronB Illustrations and Design

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the AAPI Achieve mentorship program?

I’m a Filipino Illustrator and Graphic Designer that has worked with a multitude of clients including Twitter, Capcom, Konami, etc. I wanted to join AAPI Achieve to increase my network and reach out to new potential clients in and outside of Arkansas. I also want to help support any sort of initiative that could help other fellow AAPIs and their businesses.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you hope this mentorship program will help you achieve them?

Short Term: Cast a wider net of freelance clients within the Arkansas area. I want to be well known locally, as well. Spruce up my current website, SEO, branding, marketing, etc.

Long Term: I want to go to bigger conventions next year. Really hit up the big ones like Anime Expo in California or even the big comic-cons like San Diego or New York. Here are some dream clients of mine that I would love to work with: Pokemon Company, Square-Enix, Magic The Gathering. Expanding the online store to where my monthly income increases. Not something I want to launch this year, but really have been thinking of expanding into apparel. Really into backpacks especially for carrying around controllers and fight sticks.

What are some challenges you’ve faced in your professional journey, and how do you think AAPI Achieve can assist you in overcoming them?

Being able to reach out to Arkansas clients. I have done a lot of work inside of Arkansas through my day job, but I’m usually a designer with no face to them. I’m hoping AAPI Achieve can help put my brand out there.

How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?

There’s never been a lot of well known Filipino artists as I was growing up, so that only pushed me to further cement myself as an established artist in the industry. We can’t always be doctors or nurses!

What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from your mentor through this program?

Being able to market myself better, build up my portfolio, build up a better network, and maybe connect myself to better vendors for merchandise production.