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Designing a Legacy: The History of Forbes & Butler

2001: A Creative Partnership is Born

The story of Forbes & Butler began in 2001, when two talented graphic designers, Holly Forbes and Jason Butler, decided to merge their creative strengths. Both brought distinct artistic backgrounds to the table—Holly, a Baylor University graduate (BFA, 1984), and Jason, a University of North Texas graduate (BFA, 1991).
What started as a shared vision for high-quality visual communication quickly blossomed into one of East Texas’s premier creative agencies. Establishing their firm in the heart of Downtown Longview at 104 W. Methvin St., they committed early on not just to serve clients, but to purposefully be involved in the community through volunteerism, and to actively work toward revitalizing the historic fabric of downtown Longview.

The Art of Community

For over two decades, the firm became synonymous with the visual identity of Longview. Beyond traditional advertising and branding, Forbes & Butler played a pivotal role in the cultural renaissance of the downtown area.

  • Downtown Revitalization: The firm has been a steadfast anchor in the downtown district, advocating for its restoration and growth long before the current wave of redevelopment.
  • Public Art: The agency’s influence extended to the city’s walls. Jason Butler, a passionate artist and screen printer, was instrumental in bringing to life several vibrant murals in downtown Longview and Holly most recently designed the Arts!Longview and TCA funded mural for the city water tower that is the focal point for downtown and celebrates our cultural arts community. 

2023: Honoring a Co-Founder

In April 2023, the firm and the Longview community faced a profound loss with the passing of co-founder Jason Butler. A “creative genius” with a booming laugh and a compassionate heart, Jason left an indelible mark on the agency’s DNA. His legacy continues to inspire the team’s work, reminding them that great design is ultimately about connecting with people.
That same year, in a testament to their resilience and enduring excellence, the Longview Chamber of Commerce named Forbes & Butler the 2023 Small Business of the Year. The award recognized not only their financial stability and innovation but also their unwavering dedication to the community during times of change.

Today: Carrying the Torch

Today, Forbes & Butler Visual Communications remains a premier design firm led by Holly Forbes. Along with a team of talented designers, they continue to bridge the gap between creative craftsmanship and modern digital strategy. They are proud to have worked with clients like Texas Bank and Trust, Kilgore College, Fish City Grill, Stemco, and many more. From their brick-and-mortar studio on Methvin Street, the firm carries forward the mission started in 2001: to help clients share their message and purpose with creativity, integrity, and a touch of local pride.

Timeline of Milestones

2001

Holly Forbes and Jason Butler found Forbes & Butler Visual Communications.

2006

Jim Tilley Joins Forbes & Butler Visual Communications

2010s

The firm cements its reputation as a leader in branding, web design, and print media for local and regional clients.

2016

Whitney Pickett Joins Forbes & Butler 

2023

Named Longview Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year

Present

Continuing to serve as a pillar of the Longview creative and business community from their historic downtown office.

Some of our Awards

The Team

Holly Forbes

Baylor University
BFA, 1984

Jim Tilley

Baylor University
BFA, 2005

Whitney Pickett

Texas Tech University
BA, 2016

Shelly Butler

University of North Texas
BBA, 1990

Jerrad Parsons

Texas Tech University
BA, 2010

Katie Case

Stephen F. Austin State University
BA, 2006

Sofia Cilk

Kilgore College
AAS, 2021

Olivia Mendoza

Kilgore College
AAS, 2024

Jason butler

September 19, 1967 – April 28, 2023

About Jason

In 2001, Jason Butler joined creative forces with Holly Forbes to form Forbes & Butler Visual Communications, Inc. Over the next 22 years, Jason and Holly’s expertise as designers helped the firm expand the scope of its services. They created a free-thinking, compassionate, and creative work environment where all employees were treated like family. The firm handled a vast array of clients, from large corporate franchise campaigns to start-up business logos and non-profit branding. Jason was a creative powerhouse who approached every project with passion and excellence.

During this time, Jason was heavily involved in various organizations and nonprofits, dedicated to bettering the local community. In 2015, he joined the Longview Main Street Board of Directors, where he proudly served for the rest of his life. Jason was ecstatic to witness the growth of Downtown Longview.

Jason was also an enthusiastic hobbyist. He enjoyed spending weekends camping, hiking, and kayaking. Music was another of his passions, one he shared closely with his daughters. Above all, Jason found his greatest joy in screen printing, which he produced out of the family’s garage. In 2018, he founded Jason Butler Fine Art Screen Print and began exhibiting his work at Longview’s quarterly ArtWalks, where he connected with others over his art. Jason always cherished bringing the memories of his clients to life.

Above all else, Jason passionately loved his girls, Shelly, Lindsey, and Morgan, along with his four-legged friends, Baxter, Bella, and all of their pets over the years. Every year, the family made a point to take a vacation together—whether it was spent at Pensacola Beach, in the mountains skiing, or in the desert. If he was with his girls, he was happy.

Amongst his peers, Jason was known as the life of the party. His laughter was infectious, and he loved bringing others joy. He will be dearly missed by his friends and family, as well as the entire Longview community. Jason was a shining pillar of his community, exemplifying what it means to be a leader, advocate, and friend.

A memorial mural titled “Colorful Lady”, made possible by the generosity of his family and friends, ensures that Jason’s contributions to the arts will continue to inspire the cultural community. The artwork for this mural is based on the original screen print series of the same name by Jason. His limited edition series featured his signature style of printing: an ever-evolving palette of colors that changed with every pull of the squeegee. This mural is installed on the north-facing wall of the LMFA at 213 North Fredonia Street in Longview, Texas.

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