Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Vasek
Hi Blake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I sort of bumped into graphic design as it wasn’t something I was actively going to pursue leaving high school. What began as wanting to improve my church’s youth logo led to taking an introduction to graphic design course my first semester in college and landing my first design-related job designing a handout card for a missions organization. That was in 2004.
20 years later, I am still bumping into design opportunities and incredible clients that have trusted me to bring their dream into reality. Whether it be starting a photography studio from scratch, launching a subscription box service for your dog and helping to bring awareness to pet rescue, or starting a ministry that touches the entire globe, all of these opportunities found me and began with my simple response: Sure, I can help! I’ve designed book covers for authors, numerous logos for restaurants, realtors, dentists, doctors, construction companies, musicians, hair stylists, landscape companies, apparel companies, dance studios, ministries, churches, non-profits, and even podcast artwork for an Emmy-award winning voice actor and OG Ninja Turtle!
My dad taught me the virtue of serving others with your gift and the reward of that lesson has paid me back in spades. It’s opened more doors for me than ones I tried to force open myself. I’m so grateful that I saw this exemplified on a daily basis that it’s become second nature to me – to the point I forget that I own a business alongside my wife and should charge for these type of projects. But it all works out in the end.
One thing I’ve always known is that I want my work to matter. I want it to make a difference wherever it goes and in whoever sees it. I’ve devoted the last “almost” decade to being the creative director at One School of the Arts & Sciences in Longwood, Fl. Over the past 8 years, I’ve been a part in telling their story through design, video, photography, social media, marketing campaigns, and in-person, live events. From creating a YouTube morning show during the 2020 quarantine to designing custom mailer boxes filled with stickers and various curriculum to bring school to remote learners later that fall, this position has given me the privilege of riding shotgun into some pretty cool endeavors. I’ve been a listening ear, a mentor, and a cheerleader to some incredible scholars over the years and have watched them grow in their gifts and talents!
Of all the blessings I’ve received at One School, the greatest of them all would be meeting my wife Ashley. From the moment I heard her laugh, I knew I wanted to be there as long as she was. And now, 7 years later, and being married almost 5 years, I’ve never been more grateful to have bumped into this opportunity. It’s brought so much meaning to my life and the one that means the most to me.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I began my design journey in 2004, and have gone through so many monikers/logos trying to find my place in this industry, It was a side gig for many years. I never finished school. I didn’t have a degree. So, I would try to incorporate design in almost every position at every job I had. My bosses would throw me a bone once in a while, but eventually, I had to return to reality. Until January 2016, when the design projects I was taking on became increasingly more profitable than the previous year’s combined. I decided to take the risk and quit my job and pursue design full-time. I would quickly learn that a safety net of a full-time job with health benefits and retirement would no longer be there for me when work dried up or there were no opportunities to bump into. Life became real and jobs I bid for didn’t call back or I was too expensive for what they needed. Imposter syndrome would kick in and tell me that I wasn’t qualified to be a designer. No real agency would hire me, because I’m a self-taught dreamer who just wanted to make the world just a tiny bit more beautiful. I still struggle with it to this day. But I put on my professional cap and power through. I realized talking with other creatives that this is a common epidemic amongst our industry. Glad I’m in good company!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in graphic design, particularly, logos and identity design. I absolutely LOVE a well-designed logo. I strive to create a lasting mark for my clients, one that evokes wonder, but also leaves a simple resonance.
I’m most proud of the work I’ve done at One School. I’ve been able to create a full brand language full of bright colors, strong type, and a host of mascots that span across 3 levels of learning and various departments and initiatives. Imagine the responsibility to design the look of the athletics department and the theatre campaign for The Music Man in the same year. The variety of projects and challenge is always there to sharpen me and bring about my best work.
I love that my wife can see my work and tell immediately that I’ve designed it. I’d love to say I have a signature style, but I just do the best I can. I try to incorporate meaning into my work- like a little spark or a hidden nod to a client’s first pet. I feel like I personally invest myself into the dreams of my clients. The motto of our business is “Our dream is to help build yours.” When I feel that personal connection, I go to greater lengths to get it just right and it shows.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
The thing I love most about Orlando is that there are so many little neighborhoods and towns you can spend a day in and still have more to explore. My wife and I frequently take day trips. Winter Garden, Audubon Park, Clermont, Lake Buena Vista, College Park, Lakeland – you name it, we’ve probably driven through… sometimes just to get a bite to eat of something we saw on Instagram. Our list of places to visit grows the more we venture out!
We live near a major toll highway that connects us to most of our favorite places, but would love if some of those places could be a little closer to home sometimes! Traffic can be a big deterrent for us especially if it doubles the already-hour drive we have to take.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://vasekcreative.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vasekcreative
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vasekcreative
Image Credits
Feature Image: Juan Ruiz Photography
