Meet Matt Thomas, the Creative Director and co-owner of The Highlight Reel, who's combined his passions for music, technology, and visual arts into a dynamic career. With a background as diverse as his interests, Matt's journey is a testament to his creative spirit and entrepreneurial heart.
Once a touring musician, Matt spent two thrilling decades playing in bands and crossing the country, with a career highlight being the Warped Tour in 2009. This musical adventure also saw him dive into the recording industry, opening a studio from 2012-2015 where he produced metal core bands and composed 80s influenced electronic music. His musical prowess even saw one of his songs licensed for an official GoPro video.
Parallel to his music career, Matt harnessed his computer networking degree earned in 2005, leading operations for IT companies in Augusta and Woodstock, GA for 17 years. But, his left-brain activities didn't stop his right-brain from seeking out new creative outlets.
When Matt purchased his first camera, a Nikon D5100, a decade ago, it sparked an ardent love for photography. His eye was drawn to the vibrant pulse of city life, particularly city skylines. This passion spilled over into the world of craft beer, where he ran a successful Instagram account, partnered with breweries for product and facility photography, and contributed Georgia-specific coverage to a national online beer blog.
His photographic interests soon expanded into the realm of videography. Starting by filming his friends in bands at their shows, Matt discovered a new love and a new path for his creative pursuits.
Joined by Lee in February 2022, Matt took the leap to co-found The Highlight Reel. Today, his unique blend of creative passions and technical know-how make Matt an integral part of what The Highlight Reel has become, bringing stories to life with his distinct artistic flair.