Project Lightning – Creator Bio

G2G: First, can you tell me your in-game Trainer name, level, and your favorite Pokémon? Is there a reason it is your favorite? Also, what do you do in your daily life?

PL: My trainer name is Lukstar83, level 39. It’s really hard to pick a favorite because there are so many awesome ones, but I’d have to choose Shiny Rayquaza. He just looks so awesome, especially in black with those neon highlights! By day, I am a Marketing Production Coordinator at a large law firm in Washington DC and a former graphic designer.

G2G: What got you into Pokémon/Pokémon GO? Were you into Pokémon before GO was released? What do you like the most about Pokémon in general? Do you have a favorite feature in PoGO?

PL: I was a sophomore in high school when Red/Blue was released in the US. I remember seeing a kid on my bus playing on the way to school, and I asked to look at the game manual. I immediately fell in love with the little monsters and haven’t looked back since. I started playing PoGO the day it was released, and while it was slow going at first, I’ve really kicked up my playing in the past year thanks to YouTubers like Mystic7 and TrainerTips. What I love the most about Pokémon is just how highly detailed and creative the designers are with them. From the amazing design of Rayquaza all the way to the absurd Trubbish.

G2G: What inspired you to create Pokémon focused apparel, using a beautiful minimalistic approach? Was it just something you wanted to do, or is there more to it?

PL: I wanted a way to show off my love for Pokémon, but I didn’t like the cartoony, almost childish t-shirt designs that you would find in most major stores. I was also turned off by how expensive some of the “designer” Pokémon apparel was and wanted to create something just as stylish but more affordable. As a graphic designer, I’ve always been drawn to minimalist designs and bright colors, so I tried to incorporate that into my clothes.

G2G: What keeps you driven? What are your future goals for Project Lightning? Do you have other plans, like maybe Project Dragon, Project Fire, etc.?

PL: Right now, my fans are what drive me. It’s been a bit of a slow climb as I’ve never run a business or managed a social media profile other than my personal one. A lot of hard work goes into each post I make, and each design I create, I tip my hat to the people that do this every day for a living. I really hope to continue to bring awareness to Project Lightning in 2020, and maybe do some collabs with others in the Pokémon Community. I would love to expand Project Lightning into other types, there are obviously some very cool ‘Mons that I would love to do, but for now, we’ll just keep this spark going 😉

G2G: Is there anything else you want to share? Hidden talents? Thoughts about the current state of the game? Price of tea in China?

PL: We’ll have quite a few new designs and options coming early 2020, so keep an eye out for those. I just started playing Shield over Christmas break, and despite what haters have been saying, I’m really enjoying it. I’m really looking forward to catching all of the new Galar Pokémon, and I can’t wait to see them in PoGO as well. We’d have to ask Polteageist about the price of tea in China.