Meet Roy Patterson

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Roy Patterson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Roy, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been one of my greatest teachers.
As a proud gay, Latino, first-generation Mexican-American immigrant, walking into spaces where no one shares your lived experience can feel isolating at times. But I’ve learned to see those moments not as setbacks, but as invitations to show up, take up space, and lead with authenticity. My presence alone is a form of quiet resistance and a celebration of resilience.
Early in my career, whether I was on stage as a performer or behind the scenes crafting brand stories, I realized that my voice mattered, even if it sounded different than the majority. I stopped trying to shrink or adapt to what was expected and started embracing what set me apart. That shift didn’t just help me succeed, it helped me lead.
Over time, I developed a kind of creative fluency that goes beyond aesthetics. My experience as a creative director and strategist isn’t just about design or content, it’s about connecting deeply with people, understanding perspectives, and turning underrepresented narratives into powerful brand moments. I’ve learned to speak both the language of business and the language of heart and people, and that ability to bridge those has been one of my superpowers.
There’s also a special kind of empathy that comes from being the only one in the room. It’s made me a better listener. A more intuitive leader. A more intentional collaborator. And while I’ve had to work harder at times to be seen and heard, I’ve also learned how to open doors for others, to make sure that once I’m in the room, I’m not the last one who looks like me to get there.
Ultimately, what’s made me successful isn’t despite being different, it’s because of it. I show up with a unique lens, informed by my culture, my queerness, my heritage, and my story. And I’ve found that when you lead with purpose, passion, and an unapologetic sense of self, people listen. They connect. And they trust you to guide them somewhere bold and new.
So yes, I’ve been the only one in the room. But I’ve never let that stop me from making that room more vibrant, more inclusive, and more visionary than it was before I walked in.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

At heart, I am a creative. What I do lives at the intersection of strategy and imagination. I help people, brands, and businesses not only find their voice but amplify it in powerful, unexpected ways.

At the core of everything I do is the belief that creativity is transformative. Currently, I am the Creative Director for one of the nation’s leading dance competitions. I have the immense privilege of shaping unforgettable experiences for performers and audiences across the country. It’s a role that allows me to blend my background in performance with my expertise in design and storytelling, making every stage, every moment, and every dancer feel seen, valued, and celebrated.

Outside of the dance world, I work independently as a consultant with companies navigating rebrands, creative pivots, and growth. Whether it’s developing a visual identity from the ground up, guiding the art direction of a campaign, or aligning social media strategy with deeper brand values, I’m all in. I specialize in helping businesses not just look better, but feel more authentic and emotionally resonant to the audiences they serve. From design systems to content execution, I partner with brands to ensure every touchpoint tells a cohesive and impactful story.

But my creativity doesn’t stop at client work. I also create and share stories on my own social platforms, where I explore the fun, the fabulous, and the deeply human. On Instagram (@roy_fer), you’ll catch weekly segments like #TurningHumpDayIntoJumpDay and #FallingIntoFriYAY , where I tap into joy, inspiration, and sometimes just pure silliness to help people feel more uplifted in the middle of their week, but always surrounded by color, always COLOR! I also love sharing my adventures through Broadway, travel, food, and everyday moments of wonder, because storytelling isn’t just what I do, it’s who I am.

What excites me most about my work is that no two days are the same. One day I’m designing a high-impact brand system, the next I’m creating an immersive event, and the next I’m filming a video that brings someone a much-needed laugh. I get to live in color (literally and figuratively), and use my voice to empower others to do the same.

Looking ahead, I’m expanding my consulting work with a focus on supporting mission-driven and culturally conscious brands that want to stand out and stand for something. I’m also exploring ways to merge my love for performance and storytelling into new content formats that connect with wider audiences.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to create work that makes people feel seen, understood, and inspired, and to build a world where everyone’s story has the chance to shine.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I think the most impactful qualities in my journey have been resilience, creative problem-solving, and emotional intelligence, each one shaping not just how I work but how I connect, lead, and evolve. Resilience has been at the core of everything. 

I mean, as a proud gay, Latino, first-generation Mexican-American immigrant, there were many rooms I entered where I was the only one who looked or sounded like me. Instead of letting that silence me, I used it as fuel. I’ve faced rejection, pivots, and the uncertainty that often comes with creative careers, but I’ve always believed in my voice and stayed rooted in purpose. My advice to anyone starting out: you don’t need to have all the answers right away, but you do need to keep going. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about learning to rise with even more clarity and intention every time.

Then I feel creative problem-solving is the superpower that’s made me valuable in every space I’ve entered. Whether I’m designing a brand identity, producing a national-level dance event, or reimagining a client’s social presence, I approach challenges as opportunities to innovate. I don’t just ask “how do we fix this?” I ask, “How do we make this unforgettable?” For those early in their path, practice seeing solutions where others see obstacles. Say yes to projects that stretch you, and surround yourself with people who think differently than you do; you’ll learn faster and create bolder work.

And for sure, emotional intelligence has been the glue that holds it all together. I’ve built a career not just by being talented, but by being deeply attuned to people, their needs, their stories, and their dreams. Whether I’m leading a team or connecting with an audience on Instagram, listening and empathy are my biggest tools. If you’re starting out, develop your ability to really hear people. Ask better questions, stay curious, and don’t underestimate the power of human connection; it will set you apart in any field.

At the end of the day, your journey is uniquely yours. Don’t try to mimic someone else’s highlight reel. Build your story with honesty, courage, and creativity, and never forget that your perspective is your strength.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I start by pausing and stepping away, even just for a few minutes. A short walk, a deep breath, or a moment with my favorite TV show helps me reset. Then, I break things down into smaller, manageable steps. I remind myself that I don’t need to do everything at once, just the next right thing.

I also check in with people I trust. A quick message or conversation can shift my perspective and lighten the load. And most importantly, I reconnect with my why. That reminder of purpose brings clarity and calm.

My advice? Be kind to yourself. Overwhelm is part of the process, but so is rest. You don’t have to hustle to prove your worth. You just have to keep showing up with heart.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Roy Patterson photographer

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