"Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy, both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me."
-Michael Scott (The Office)

I am a product of my environment. I'm a creative because my parents let me explore and fail without a safety net, but with plenty of reinforced affection and the occasional ice cream cone when things just didn't work out. Born in Florida and raised in the southern crescent of Atlanta, Georgia - I've always been surrounded by people that were different than me... and that is a really good thing. To not be with people of different color, religion, social class, etc... is really strange; if everyone looks, thinks and acts the same... beware!

After graduating from Logos University with a degree in Biblical Studies, I did what every Biblical Studies major does... graphic design! So many words, so little pictures. Actually... I worked at a bookstore. Two months into my employment I met an incredibly talented and sweet semi-hispanic girl; several years later we tied the knot and never looked back. In 2008 my wife began to work with the amazing Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA); I followed suit in 2009 as the newly appointed Director of Publications. Being co-workers for several years prior to getting married we knew that we could actually work together and still like each other. HUSBAND & WIFE?! WORKING TOGETHER?! MADNESS! It actually has been pretty fantastic.

I've always been surrounded by people different than me... and that is a really good thing.

My time with GMEA was filled with growth and fulfillment. When I first started, everything was quite straightforward - think Microsoft Word and clipart. Thankfully having a progressive employer, a willing board of directors, and some well-placed persuasion the organization welcomed a bit of change. And boy oh boy did we change!

In 2016, I launched Ryan Barbee Creative and began to take on a larger number of clients and thankfully the progress has been overwhelmingly fantastic. With an increasing number of clients and expanding into social media management, the future is bright! 

When at home my time is spent being a husband, dad, avid music connoisseur, coffee drinker, dreamer, over-thinker, and borderline worrywart. Thankfully I have a supportive wife and 3 little girls who are extremely gifted at reigning reality into my sight.

The downright truth is, that I can't wait to work with you! Together, let's make you and your business succeed!