Life & Work with Luke Strickler

Today we’d like to introduce you to Luke Strickler.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I grew up in a small Pennsylvanian town. It was the only major northern community burned down by Confederate forces during the civil war, which like the town, isn’t relevant but is kind of interesting. There I was lucky to have friends who were passionate about something, interested in more than hanging out in basements staring at the walls. I wasn’t. I had no passion. I was okay staring at walls. Sometimes they even had nice pictures on them. Thank god I had loving people in my life to show me what a boring jerk I was. So I copied the people around me who seemed like they had purpose and were genuinely enjoying themselves. Why should they get to have all the fun?

I started writing and liked it well enough to base my entire life around it. I transferred to New York University because my passionate friend wanted to do that, and he tended to have good ideas. I studied TV writing because people on TV told me that would be a fun thing to do. There I learned people don’t really like reading unless you’re already good at it, and even then just for a little bit before bed. So I started teaching myself video editing and digital art so I could make something for people to look at while I worked on writing something people would want to read. Now when a video doesn’t do well I can say it’s okay because I’m actually a writer, and when my script gets turned down I can brush it off because I’m actually a digital artist. I recommend everyone diversify their rejection.

When I graduated and everyone in New York was too much of a coward to offer me a job, I decided to move to LA. Turns out LA is full of cowards too. Eventually, some brave souls dared to pay me minimum wage to work for them 60+ hours a week in TV post-production. Suckers. I got to make art and meet the people I love who make my life better, and all they got was me pretending I know what all these wires do. Sadly COVID ended all that and I had to accept a position as a writer’s assistant, working from home while teaching myself 3D animation. Now I’ve gotten to write an episode for TV, make a handful of short films, and a lot of graphics I’m proud of for wonderful people. Thems the breaks.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, and don’t let anyone tell you different. I’d like it on the record that things come naturally to me, and I never blow it, mess up, fumble, embarrass myself, make mistakes, or screw the pooch. My only struggles have been the ones I make for myself. Anxiety, fear, the works. If I wasn’t involved, I’d be a huge success.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a comedy writer known for online sketches. I’m a digital artist known for making animated posters for comedians and shows around LA. I’m a filmmaker known for animated shorts that you can watch on NoBudge. I’m most proud of whatever I just finished, which right now is a short film about a man arguing with his wife at Ruby Tuesday’s, a 90’s skater-inspired poster, and a sketch about AI and JibJabs.

What sets me apart from others is how all of the projects I listed above look and feel different. Most people are consistent, and dependable. Not me. But in a good way.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Doing good work with room to play around. Doing it with good people. Everyone having a good time. Getting done in time to go play some tennis.

I want to make good stuff. The best stuff comes when you are having a fun, so I figure enjoying life is just an unavoidable obstacle to being productive.

Contact Info:

• Website: lukestrickler.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luke_strickler/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Luke_Strickler
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LukeStrickler