Meet Mark Fansler | Artist, Designer, and Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mark Fansler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mark, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been a creative in how I execute, think, and live. It simmers to the surface of everything I do, so I am always bored with places I land after I have been there a while. I long for engagement, growth, and stimulation. Why do I pursue a creative career? It is the only way I can keep myself engaged without getting bored because the job constantly changes and keeps me on the edge of growth and creative expression in so many different media forms.

I started as an illustrator, sketching and doodling in the classroom to pass the time. Then, went into Graphic Design to explore the more technical side of my art. Now, I film, edit, and tell stories. All these are my passions; some lay dormant while others are at the front of my day-to-day workflow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve been a fine artist since I was a young kid, I would draw sketches in the classroom and I always just wanted to be like my older brother who drew better than I did at the time. Eventually, my brother stopped drawing while I never stopped and found it as a way to express myself.

My art allows me to cope with life’s challenges and manifest frustrations and happiness in a form that is mine, and cannot be controlled or touched by the world around me. When I got out of High School, I figured there would be no way I could make it as a professional fine artist, so I got a degree in Graphic Design to fulfill art’s more technical side. It was a wonderful experience; I received my degree from Oklahoma State University in Okmulgee and had some amazing professors that poured into me and taught me to pay attention to the details. I have worked in Graphic Design for 20 years doing freelance work for various clients and home builders in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. I also continued my education and learned web and eventually landed in a role where I spent a few years fine-tuning my videography and editing skills.

Today, I freelance full-time and do everything from Illustration, Logos and Brochure Design, and Cinematic Wedding Films and Inspiration Video Stories for Churches in the D/FW Metroplex.

One of the biggest joys and challenges over the years have been raising four children, the oldest who is 19 now, while working and growing as a creative. I did a lot of working from home and still brag to my kids that I was the one I stayed home with them while they were in diapers. I was the dad at the restaurant table who could braid his girl’s hair without missing a beat.

My wife worked outside the home during all these years, and because of that, I was with the kids a lot and cherish those moments. As a man and a dad, working from home with the kids all those years had its ups and downs. Sometimes you doubt yourself as a man, and those were some of the struggles that I dealt with over the years. I questioned my worth sometimes, but I know that being with our children has an immeasurable value. Regardless, I wouldn’t take it back for anything. Those moments for the kids, all the growing we did together while I grew as a creative are priceless.

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 my friend was visiting the Dallas area, I would take them down to local restaurants here in McKinney. Actually, every time we have company coming to town, our go-to spot is downtown McKinney. Every single time. It offers everything, wonderful food, drink, and entertainment And it’s all within eight minutes from our home. Downtown McKinney has changed a lot over the years and just has a wonderful small town charm mixed with big city quality.

Aside from going to downtown McKinney, or other go to Moose or obviously Dallas Mavericks or to go to a Roughriders game or maybe even the Dallas Stars. The Dallas Cowboys are too expensive 🙂

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First, I’d like to thank Jill Byrd for sharing my information. I’ve had many mentors over the years. All of them have been patient with me as I navigated the ups and downs of life as I learned the craft.

Website: http://fanslermedia.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fanslermedia/

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/markfansler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fanslermedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZWyd07glUmpJ862vfpZv9g

Other: Vimeo: https://vimeo.com/user20286585