Meet Stéphen ‘swizz’ Banks Creative Services & Development

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stéphen ‘swizz’ Banks Creative Services & Development and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stéphen ‘Swizz’ Banks, what’s one piece of conventional advice that you disagree with?
I don’t agree with the conventional advice to ‘build up your weaknesses until they become your strong points.’ While self-improvement is important, this approach assumes that all weaknesses can—or should—be transformed into strengths. In my experience, this often leads to wasted energy and frustration, as we stretch ourselves thin trying to master things we simply aren’t wired for.

Instead, I believe it’s more effective to focus on your strengths and lean into what you naturally excel at. By doing so, you can create a greater impact, enjoy your work more, and maintain your confidence. That’s not to say we should ignore our weaknesses entirely. It’s about recognizing them, reducing their impact, and finding ways to collaborate with or delegate to others who excel in those areas.

For example, if you’re a creative thinker but struggle with detailed administrative tasks, you’re better off partnering with someone who thrives in that area than trying to force yourself to become a detail-oriented person. This isn’t avoidance—it’s efficiency. Success often comes not from being good at everything but from knowing where to focus your energy and how to build a team that complements your skill set.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My journey started from a need of self-discovery. Before I developed a greater love for art and the magic that comes with it—I had hoped to find myself in it. Born on the East Coast and raised in the South as a military brat, the concept of setting roots was foreign to me. My entire life had been a series of semi-temporary living situations and relationships, evolving my capacity to adapt. It was hard; even my journey of joining and serving in the Army, which I had highly avoided, constantly tested my ‘tactical flexibility,’ particularly when faced with my own challenges. Leadership, adaptability, problem-solving—these were the prizes I was sent home with.

Fast-forward, I amassed a collection of work experiences that were as diverse as they were dissonant, each one seemingly unrelated to the next, forming a mosaic of randomness that only added to the confusion surrounding my true purpose.

January 25th, 2015 was the day that I started 8020creative. I finally solved the riddle, I connected the dots–I realized my purpose. In the tapestry of my life, the strong interwoven threads are leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving.In the tapestry of my life, the strong interwoven threads are leadership, adaptability, and problem-solving. The patches are the depictions of my “random” journeys, my story, connected to lessons lived and learned. Most tapestries are hung on walls and viewed from afar. I choose to use mine to provide warmth and security—covering and providing haven within the tales of my story for those like the younger me, also hoping to find themselves.

8020creative isn’t just a fancy name—it’s a philosophy I embody. It represents a challenge, a pact to dive into your creative depths and uncover value and purpose in the 80% of your life and craft that’s submerged, thankless and difficult. This allows the rewards—the fruits of your labor, that crucial 20%, to float to the surface. Whether it’s pioneering projects that bring a fresh perspective to the table or helping artists find their unique groove, it’s all about making meaningful stuff happen.

Simple Math: I support artists in all things business and creative development. I’m a friend, a confidant, and a trusted partner–no strings attached.

I truly believe that our beliefs shape our reality, molding the narratives we share with the world. At 8020creative, we are dedicated to nurturing and amplifying your unique narrative.

One of my mentors calls us “conduits”. He says our job is to facilitate the connection between people, ideas, and efforts to achieve amazing things. Much like electricity—without a conduit, there’s no power. Power, to me, is giving artists the tools they need to be their best. I believe in thinking outside the box, but also knowing what’s happening inside the box to make informed, innovative moves to set yourself apart.

I wield art as a weapon, smashing down the false identities, perceptions, and stories we tell ourselves every day. The goal is to reduce the clutter and find that inner you. I use creative arts to re-invent, reassure, and re-adjust as we set sail to show you off to the world—together. My approach to my work embodies the values of respect, integrity, and selfless service. As a natural-born creative, I am intuitive, unapologetically experimental, and obsessed with creating extensions of myself within my work and aiding my clients in doing the same within theirs. I love what I do and love the people who trust me to do it.

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 best friend came to LA, I’d kick things off with tacos from Guerilla Tacos in the Arts District—because nothing says LA like great tacos. We’d spend a day exploring The Getty for stunning views and art, then hit the caves at Leo Carillo State Beach to explore sea caves and watch the sunset from secluded coves. At night, we’d grab drinks at The Wolves downtown, a beautifully restored 1920s bar. And of course, no trip would be complete without a hike to the Griffith Observatory for iconic city views. LA is all about mixing culture, food, and those laid-back Cali vibes.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Darrel, Friidom, Dunn. He is a visionary who I have had the pleasure of working with. He is using his art to tell stories about communities all over Los Angeles.

https://thefriidom.com

Website: https://www.8020create.com

Instagram: @the8020creative

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

Image Credits
John Nyboer
Miguel Victoria
Darrel Dunn