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A lot of people hear the term “VPN” and think it is something hackers use, or something you only need if you are trying to hide something. That could not be further from the truth.

A VPN is one of the simplest and most important tools for staying safe online.

Here is what it actually does, in plain English.

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What is a VPN?

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) creates a secure, encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet.

That tunnel does two important things:

1. It hides your location and IP address.

Websites, advertisers, data brokers, and bad actors cannot easily track where you are connecting from.

2. It protects your internet traffic from being seen.

Your internet provider, public Wi-Fi networks, and anyone trying to snoop on your connection cannot read what you are doing. They only see encrypted data.

That is it. Nothing sneaky. Nothing illegal. Just a safer connection.

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Why is a VPN important?

Because without one, almost everything you do online is visible to someone—your ISP, advertisers, shady Wi-Fi hotspots, or anyone who wants to build a profile about you.

Here are some real-world reasons a VPN matters:

• Remote work

Companies use VPNs to protect confidential information when employees work from home.

• Protecting personal information

A VPN helps shield your location, your browsing history, and the apps you use.

• Safety for vulnerable people

Survivors of abuse, LGBTQ individuals in unsupportive environments, activists, and journalists rely on VPNs for basic safety.

• Security on public Wi-Fi

A VPN prevents hotels, airports, cafés, and anyone on the same network from seeing your activity.

• Privacy from data brokers and advertisers

Without a VPN, companies track your movements online and build detailed profiles to sell.

• General peace of mind

Most of us do very normal things online: pay bills, check health portals, communicate with family. None of that should be exposed.

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The key point: VPNs are everyday tools

You are not “hiding something” if you use a VPN.

You are protecting something—your privacy, your identity, your safety, your work, and your family.

Millions of people use VPNs every day and never think twice about it.

They are as normal as using a seatbelt or locking your front door.

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Why states trying to ban VPNs is a problem

When lawmakers try to ban or restrict VPNs, they are not stopping criminals.

They are stopping teachers, parents, remote workers, students, small businesses, nonprofit employees, and ordinary people from using basic digital safety tools.

Banning a VPN is no different from banning locks because someone might misuse one.

It hurts everyone more than it helps.

Read my full analysis on why state-level VPN bans won’t protect kids and will weaken online privacy for everyone:

The Real Cost of VPN Bans

Before digital tools, before online tutorials, before Photoshop… there was the airbrush. In 1984, mine became more than just an art tool—it became the start of my creative life.

In the early 1980s, I was living in Los Angeles, still searching for the path my career would ultimately take. I did carpentry work, explored acting and set design, and bartended. Then, one day, on a whim, I purchased an airbrush. That decision became a turning point in my life. I spent every spare moment learning how to use it. This was long before the internet, so my “teachers” were the articles and tutorials I found in magazines.

In 1984, I visited Otis College of Art and Design—known then as Otis Art Institute of Parsons School of Design. I met with a counselor to discuss going back to school, and she suggested I start with a couple of classes. I enrolled in an airbrush course and a photorealistic illustration course. I absolutely loved both, as well as the instructors who taught them. Those classes gave me the skills and artistic direction that would shape the rest of my career.

During that time, I created the two illustrations you see here.

The first, Crowned Crane, was my project for the photorealistic illustration class. It’s a mix of airbrush, paint, and colored pencil, based on a photo I took of a crane at the San Diego Zoo.

The second piece was created in the airbrush class. At the time, I thought it would be fun—and a bit ironic—to create a photorealistic illustration of my own airbrush, using the airbrush itself.

Looking back, that period in my life feels magical. It set me on a creative path that has lasted decades. I will always be grateful to my instructors, Barry Farr and Judy Unger, for teaching me skills I would carry forward for years to come.

I’m excited to share that I’ve launched a print collection featuring the exquisite glass sculptures of Craig Mitchell Smith—photographed by me for his new book Heart of Glass. With Craig’s permission, these fine art prints are now available to collectors, fans, and anyone who loves the interplay of glass and light.

You can view the growing collection here:

https://rickstringercreativeservicesllc.pixieset.com/heartofglassprints

This is just the beginning. I recently returned from Brookgreen Gardens, where I photographed Craig’s newest installation in a breathtaking outdoor setting. These new images will be added to the gallery soon, so stay tuned!

Thank you for supporting Craig’s extraordinary vision—and my journey to capture it through the lens.

I’m excited to share that Voyage Michigan Magazine recently interviewed me for their Rising Stars series! This was a great opportunity to reflect on my journey—where I started, where I’ve been, and where I’m headed next.

The Artistic Path: From Airbrushing to Photography

My creative journey has taken many turns over the years. It all began with an impulse purchase of an airbrush while working as a bartender in Los Angeles. That simple decision opened up a world of artistic exploration, leading me to study at the Otis Parsons School of Design and eventually work on a large-scale airbrush mural.

Fast forward through decades of creative evolution—from working in design and illustration to eventually founding Rick Stringer Creative Services, LLC—and I now find myself fully immersed in the world of photography. What started as a side passion has become my primary artistic focus.

Capturing Art Through Photography

One of the most exciting projects I’ve had the privilege of working on is photographing the glass art of Craig Mitchell Smith. Our collaboration has taken me to incredible places, including the stunning outdoor exhibition at The Museum of The Shenandoah Valley. These photos, along with others, will be featured in a book about Craig’s life and work, set to be published later this year.

Beyond that, I’ve been exploring fine art photography, landscapes, and still life, constantly finding new ways to express my artistic vision.

Challenges and Growth

No creative journey is without its challenges. Finding my own artistic voice has been an ongoing process, and transitioning from one medium to another has required adaptability and patience. But through it all, I’ve had incredible support—especially from my wife, Cindee, who continues to be my biggest inspiration and muse.

Read the Full Interview

Voyage Michigan did a wonderful job capturing my story. If you’d like to read the full interview and learn more about my journey, you can check it out here: https://voyagemichigan.com/interview/rising-stars-meet-rick-stringer/

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Feel free to reach out, connect, or share your own creative experiences. And if you’re looking for a photographer to bring your artistic vision to life, let’s talk!

Thank you for being part of my journey.

—Rick

I was recently interviewed by CanvasRebel Magazine! This opportunity came my way thanks to my friend Jennifer Harsha Carroll, who kindly recommended me to them. I’m truly honored and humbled to be considered for such a feature.

In the interview, I delve into my creative journey, the projects I’m passionate about, and some insights I’ve gathered along the way. It’s a candid glimpse into my world, and I’d love for you to read it.

Check out the full interview at CanvasRebel and join me in this exciting highlight of my career:

CanvasRebel Interview

Hello, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Rick Stringer, and I’ve been active in the creative arts industry since 1984.

My journey began in Los Angeles with the purchase of an airbrush, a tool I instantly fell in love with. Initially, I taught myself how to use it, and later enrolled in a couple of classes at Otis College of Art and Design, which turned out to be a transformative experience. I only took two classes there, but these significantly shaped my career.

My airbrush instructor was a graffiti artist named Barry Farr. Sadly, we’ve lost touch, but his mentorship and teachings have stayed with me over the years. One day in class, while observing my photo-realistic illustration, Barry mentioned a potential job opportunity. As a young individual kickstarting my career, this was an exhilarating proposition.

Barry had secured a project involving the new construction along Wilshire Blvd, between L.A. and Beverly Hills. The plan was to adorn the temporary protective wall for pedestrians with a mural. Together, we painted realistic, life-sized people on 4′ x 8′ panels in his studio. The sheer quantity of these panels was enough to cover one side of a city block. This project was a wonderful experience and served as the launchpad for my career.

I later relocated to the Chicago area and joined a small advertising and marketing firm, R N Johnson and Associates. This became another crucial stepping stone in my career. In their office was a Macintosh, which was introduced just a year prior. I had no idea then how that small machine would revolutionize my life. During my tenure, I created production artwork and learned as much as I could about the Mac.

Upon my brother’s persuasion, I explored the market in Grand Rapids, Michigan. There, I joined a design firm, Michael VanderWall Design, which was also interested in Macintosh. It was a great opportunity to expand my knowledge of the graphic arts industry and the Mac.

However, as the company began to face difficulties, I started searching for new opportunities. That’s when I came across an ad that perfectly matched my skills. The company was Corbin Design, located in Traverse City, Michigan. Although I had earlier vowed never to live farther north than Grand Rapids, after receiving high recommendations about Corbin Design, I decided to take a leap of faith and sent in my resume and portfolio.

To my delight, they invited me to Traverse City and offered me a job on the very day of my interview. Unable to resist the opportunity, I moved to Traverse City with my wife and small son in 1992.

Over the years, I have honed my skills. As the Vice President and Technology Director for Corbin Design, I’ve worked on illustrations, maps, and Filemaker database designs, while managing all the company’s computers. Now, after nearly 30 years at Corbin Design, I’m ready for a new challenge.

If your small business needs help with artwork, database design, or Macintosh computer assistance, I’m the person you’re seeking.

Thank you for reading this far, and I hope we can collaborate to create something wonderful.