Meet Ken Bullock CPP CDP | Marketing & Advertising Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ken Bullock CPP CDP and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ken, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
When I look back on the majority of my experience as a creative. There are a series of habits that I started with and others that were learned and adopted as I have proceeded forward. The sources for these habits vary. Some were adopted through my formative years, others through my time as a combat veteran in the U.S. Army and even more as I learned and grew as a husband, father, entrepreneur and leader of organizations.

In my formative years, like many creatives, I was an introvert except when around friends and probably a bit of an odd nerd…although I was into sports, physical fitness, music and several very technical things. Since I was very young I was drawn to art (mostly drawing) and an absolutely ravenous hunger for learning. So, one habit I have had since earlier on is to be a student for life. I am constantly learning, growing and evaluating my skill set, knowledge, how to apply it to my career and life and where things are going.

After high school I joined the Army as a 19D10 Cavalry Scout which for the lay person is a role that performs forward reconnaissance during wartime and reports to military leadership real battlefield intelligence of what is going on in the area (enemy activity, numbers, etc,). From my time in the Army and in this role newly adopted habits were perseverance, sacrifice, honor, adaptation and the foundation for my confidence and leadership skills and habits. The whole Improvise, Adapt & Overcome (a motto often repeated in most combat units). Most of my time in I served with 1st Squadron 1st Cavalry Regiment, one of the most battle honored units in the U.S. Army.

After Desert Storm & Shield and got out of the military and got my degree and before I graduated started Bullock Studios (around 1995). I dreamed of having my own full service design firm/agency…honestly at the time not fully knowing what that meant long term.

There was nothing magical about how I came up with the name I just didn’t want to pigeon hole myself with something that was too specific and wouldn’t grow with me or that I would outgrow (the learning & growing habit). I knew that I would add more services as I progressed not eve having sight of all of them but I wanted to be prepared.

With the business started and my degree in hand and decided to move back to Houston. I had lived here most of my childhood but with joining the military I moved away. I have never liked the climate in Houston…too hot and muggy for my taste, but the economic conditions were great.

Over the next few decades I moved a few times, worked full-time and simultaneously built Bullock Studios. Mostly print design, digital wasn’t a thing yet, but I quickly grew and added a wide variety of skills and services. Early on I didn’t want to lose clients because they had to go somewhere else because I was incapable of giving them what they want.

A new habit…give them what they want BUT better. I have always believed in going above & beyond to deliver the best product or service to my client. I want to exceed their expectations and get them to come back. I also thrive on competition; I have found it is one of the best ways to hone your skills as a creative. We all need to lose from time to time. Yeah, it hurts but it is the best way to learn and course correct.

Bullock Studios like many businesses took a little bit of a hit during COVID but has survived. It helped that we are small and selective of the work that we do. I would rather serve a few clients very well than over commit, try and grow too big too fast and hurt the overall quality of our work. We serve client all over the U.S., east & west coast, local and national, non profits & charities as well as small and large businesses. Most of our business is referral or word of mouth.

I won’t bore you with our litany of services, my accolades, qualifications and awards. Anyone interested in learning more about us can go to https://www.bullockstudios.com or look me up on LinkedIn.com.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the thing that sets us apart is our broad base of knowledge. When I first dreamed of having my own business/creative agency I was very new and young and really only understood traditional media (print, signage, graphics, and such). Since then, we not only expanded our understanding but capabilities into all of the other stuff and continue to do so even today. Web, digital, animation, motion graphics, photography, video, social media, interactive media, advertising, marketing, writing, proposals and more the list keeps getting longer and more comprehensive. Most recently we have been incorporating Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) for rapid visualizations and concepting.

I would say since about mid-career one of my favorite things has become not just the work but seeing the results of my work in the world. I have worked with several very good marketing and advertising professional over the years and getting the metrics behind what works and what doesn’t have been invaluable in what I do and how I work. I love not just creating but seeing the work perform in the field. I like the see how many views and interactions…did the piece achieve the business goals for my client and customers.

All of that said, it hasn’t always been easy and there have been times when I question if I still want to do this. Many people look at creative fields and think “Wow, that looks like so much fun”. They don’t see the deadlines, the demands, the times waiting for the checks to arrive and unexpected slowdowns in workflow. Starting and growing a business likes a lot of work, dedication and commitment. That this is something I enjoy and am passionate about helps make it easier and there are days where it doesn’t feel like work at all.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If I had a friend visiting me for a week, the places we would have to go to would be: (assuming they have never been to Houston/Katy (where I live))
• Sites: NASA, Moody Gardens, San Jacinto Memorial, Downtown, Old Katy, Brazos Bend State Park, Kemah/Galveston or Surfside (maybe some fishing), Buc’ees
• Dining: Saltgrass, Brenners, Harvest Kitchen & Bakery (in Katy) with Chef Pope, Whiskey Cake, Niko Nikos, a variety of BBQ places, Orleans Cajun (In Katy)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Boy where do I start. There are a lot of people and sources for my success and inspiration that it would have to be its own article or book. I would have to say broadly, my mother, my grand mother (on my father’s side) my stepmother on my father’s side, my art and photography instructors my senior year in high school (Anaheim High, CA) and last but definitely not least my wife of more than 20 years Melinda Bullock.

Specifically, I would add Cheryl Chartier, she was my boss for more than six years at three different employers. Cheryl gave me a lot of opportunity to spread my wings and grow and was one of my biggest fans. I won’t mention them all by name (you know who you are), but I have also had a great many clients, vendors, colleagues and coworkers that have helped me though life’s trial and tribulations. All have which have made me who I have become and contributed to my success.

Website: https://www.bullockstudios.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenbullock/

Image Credits
All artwork and photos were created by Bullock Studios (any stock photography used credit varies)