TRANSFORM speaker series: Steven Butler

The last time Steven Butler visited the Huntington Library, he was there to perform for an annual black-tie gala.

His next visit there will be in September to give a TEDx Talk about visual language and storytelling, and how they intersect with perception. We look forward to having him share his perspective!

Steven has a rich performance background and has done multimedia work with the Designmatters educational platform at ArtCenter College of Design. He was previously a dancer and choreographer who has worked with artists including Ludacris and Backstreet Boy Nick Carter. Afterward, he transitioned into directing and received his bachelor of fine arts in film at ArtCenter College of Design.

When he found out he would be speaking at this year’s event, he said he felt extremely excited and nervous at the same time. He also admits to being reluctant at first about going into “uncharted territory.” But after some soul searching, he was inspired and motivated to share his unique perspective of the world on the TEDx platform.

“This is a huge opportunity for me and it’s been a while since I’ve done something out of my creative comfort zone,” he said. “So far the process has really pushed me in ways I didn’t expect.”

He added that he’s looking forward to sharing the stage with the other speakers lined up for the big day in September.

Given this year’s theme, we asked Steven what the most transformative idea or experience has been in his life so far, and he said this: “I don’t really look at life and experiences this way. On any given day, if you asked me this question I might have a different answer, which alludes to how transformative life feels from moment to moment. That being said, whenever I’m creating something out of pure joy, I feel it has a life changing effect on me.”