Rising Stars: Meet Milton Gore, Jr.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Milton Gore, Jr.

Hi Milton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am the CEO of MG Visual Studios, LLC, established in 2018. In this capacity, I specialize in creating customized designs tailored to clients’ specific needs, including marketing campaigns, branding, website design, and more. I also manage branding and marketing strategies for businesses, foster business development, and continually enhance my graphic design skills. Additionally, I serve as the Assistant Director of the Upperman African American Cultural Center at the University of North Carolina Wilmington since January 2023.

My higher education career journey includes positions such as Community Coordinator at Coastal Carolina University from 2021 to 2022, Graduate Assistant at the Upperman African American Cultural Center from 2020 to 2021, SAAB Intern at the Student African American Brotherhood in 2020, and Assistant Residence Coordinator at the University of North Carolina Wilmington from 2019 to 2020. Some of my graphic design and marketing history included a Public Relations Internship at Southeastern Community Action Partnership, Inc. in 2015, Graphic Designer roles for Law to the People, LLC and Peterkin Law Firm, PLLC in Red Springs, North Carolina, in 2015, and a Graphic Designer Internship for the University of North Carolina at Pembroke Office of Student Affairs from 2014 to 2015.

My educational background has played a significant role in my success. I earned a Master’s Degree in Higher Education and Leadership from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in 2021 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Digital Arts from the University of North Carolina Pembroke in 2015. I also hold an Associate of Arts in Fine Arts from Brunswick Community College, obtained in 2012, and graduated from West Brunswick High School in 2009. One of my highlighted accomplishments as an undergraduate student includes being the first president of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke chapter of the Student African American Brotherhood (SAAB). My work with Dr. Bledsoe to inaugurate three chapters of SAAB nationwide has been pivotal to my career trajectory.

An expert in graphic design, digital art, drawing, business, and organization branding design, I have achieved a high level of expertise through my dedication to exploring business and organizational culture for the development of research-driven designs. My passion for art led me to transform my hobby into a career path that culminated in establishing MG Visual Studios, LLC. The bedrock of my success lies in my deep faith and belief in God, which has guided me throughout my journey.

I have applied my expertise in graphic design and marketing to brand a variety of entities, including national conferences, start-up businesses, organizations, and city expos. My specialization lies in crafting compelling logo designs and graphic advertisements, as well as producing diverse cover designs such as book covers, UX/UI designs, website designs, social media marketing materials, mass email designs, and utilizing data analytics for client retargeting in the business realm. Beyond my proficiency in graphic design and marketing, I also excel in traditional art mediums, showcasing my talent in graphite drawing, pen/ink drawings, and digital art.

Since 2008, my artistic journey has undergone a conceptual evolution, shifting towards realism to express and depict the essence of my subjects. My interest in art dates back to early childhood, where I first explored sketching. Although there was a period when art took a backseat in my life, I rediscovered my passion during the later years of high school under the guidance of my Art Instructor, Shelia Vaught. In 2008, I commenced illustrating detailed portraits using graphite, and portraits have since become the focal point of my drawings. I continue to refine and digitize my graphite drawings.

My artistic exploration expanded to include a new category of expertise—digital art, with a specific focus on surrealism portraits. My creations consistently feature individuals and animals, skillfully blending expressions, nature, space, realism, and a myriad of colors. The amalgamation of these elements produces a dream-like surreal quality, designed to captivate the human eye with vibrant colors and offer beautiful content open to interpretation. My evolving body of work showcases my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring diverse facets of visual expression.
Among all the Digital Art I have released, I currently have a series called Golden Garden, comprising three pieces named Fittonia Albivenis, Sunflower, and Rose. Each artwork intertwines the elegance of Black women with nature, showcasing the true splendor of Mother Nature through excellence.

In my personal life, I am dedicated to spending quality time with my son and fiancée while enjoying jazz music, reading various genres of literature, and exploring different cuisines with loved ones. I visit my parents and siblings regularly and am committed to continuous improvement and expansion of my business with long-term goals. I am also enthusiastic about refining my craft further and creating a significant portfolio of digital art pieces intended for release over time while remaining open to initiating another entrepreneurial venture that aligns with my expertise in digital art and graphic design.

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?
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Running a business solo can often feel overwhelming, especially when juggling numerous tasks. There have been moments when keeping up with marketing and administrative duties has been particularly tough. Moreover, there were valuable business resources and advice I only discovered later.

One of the most challenging periods was between 2020 and 2021, during the global pandemic. This time required significant adaptation, as the shift to a virtual landscape demanded a change in my approach. Since my work focuses on virtual services and I have a global clientele, physical presence was rarely necessary. However, adapting to the changing environment meant focusing on helping businesses, organizations, and individuals communicate the value of their services, especially in terms of income generation, so that consumers could understand the relevance of their offerings.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve applied my expertise in graphic design and marketing to brand a variety of entities, including national conferences, start-up businesses, organizations, and city expos. I specialize in crafting compelling logo designs and graphic advertisements, as well as producing diverse cover designs such as book covers, UX/UI designs, website designs, social media marketing materials, and mass email designs. I also utilize data analytics for client retargeting in the business realm. Beyond my proficiency in graphic design and marketing, I excel in traditional art mediums, showcasing my talent in graphite drawing, pen/ink drawings, and digital art.

Since 2008, my artistic journey has undergone a conceptual evolution, shifting towards realism to express and depict the essence of my subjects. My interest in art dates back to early childhood, where I first explored sketching. Although there was a period when art took a backseat in my life, I rediscovered my passion during the later years of high school under the guidance of my Art Instructor, Shelia Vaught. In 2008, I began illustrating detailed portraits using graphite, and portraits have since become the focal point of my drawings. I continue to refine and digitize my graphite drawings.

My artistic exploration has expanded to include digital art, with a specific focus on surrealism portraits. My creations consistently feature individuals and animals, skillfully blending expressions, nature, space, realism, and a myriad of colors. The amalgamation of these elements produces a dream-like surreal quality, designed to captivate the human eye with vibrant colors and offer beautiful content open to interpretation. My evolving body of work showcases my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring diverse facets of visual expression.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I believe that finding a mentor can be achieved by networking and learning from those who have experienced similar situations before. A mentor can provide guidance and advice, aiding in one’s progress along their journey. Some people meet their mentors naturally, especially when they surround themselves with like-minded individuals who seek to empower and inspire them.

Taking advantage of networking opportunities is crucial for enhancing your skills, advancing your career, and exploring other opportunities. I’ve consistently attended networking events, built valuable relationships, and placed myself in situations that might feel uncomfortable. I recognize that these experiences offer potential for growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mgvisualstudios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mgvs.digitalart/ and https://www.instagram.com/mgvisualstudios/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgvisualstudios
• Twitter: https://x.com/mgvisualstudios