Today were doing something a little different, don’t worry different is never a bad thing! We decided to do some articles that focuses on specific designers and their work just to put a face to all the amazing stuff we post here on our blog.
Our first award winning designer is… (drum roll please)… Sam J Soulek aka SOULSEVEN.
Sam started off by studying 3D Design & Animation at the Art Institute of Minneapolis and then went on to study at the College of Visual Arts where he got a Magna Cum Laude for his BFA in Communication Design. After that he has worked at several studios amongst others Catalyst Studios and since 2005 has been FAME’s Senior Designer/Art Director. His work has been published in top design magazines like Esquire Magazine, Gestalten Books, Graphis, HOW, PRINT, STEP, LogoLounge, The Creativity Annual and Victionary Books. When asked in an interview what sparked his passion for design, he answered:
“I was an illustrator at a young age, drawing everything from Transformer’s battle scenes and hot pink lamborghini’s to original character faces. Art was something that my Mother instilled in me. Instead of letting me sit and watch cartoons she would encourage me to create. She provided illustrated story books and art supplies to me and that’s just what I thought you did as a kid. That and building forts in the woods. We also had a nanny that watched us often who was an artist. Whenever our folks would go away on vacation she would keep us busy by having us craft elaborate «Welcome Home Mom & Dad!» signs. It got us really excited and took us all week to complete. I just realized how brilliant that was recently.This early seed planting wouldn’t bloom until after High School when I felt uninspired by University life. I couldn’t see myself at a big college, studying for umpteen years to be a Biologist or Physical therapist. (Other interests of mine) Thankfully I was directed to a great little school called The College of Visual Arts (CVA) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. I was taught by some great designers that were working for brands like Coca-Cola and Target, and our Dean was once the National President of AIGA. This is were I learned about Design and fell in love.” – Sam Soulek
SOULSEVEN SHOWCASE:
One of Sam’s biggest trademarks is his clean & crisp vector work. His coloring is always fresh and bold and his concepts are always clear and in many cases quite quirky. He also has a fantastic feel for typography, not just using the same boring font’s and styles over and over again. He really does create a brand unique to the specific project and it’s needs and not just something that will be trendy.
When asked what advice he would give to aspiring creatives he said the following:
“You have to put in your dues. Find a good school that is serious about training designers and creative people, and immerse yourself completely. If you aren’t getting punished with an overwhelming number of projects, sleepless nights and crushing critiques, look elsewhere. And 2 years is not enough. There is too much history to be learned and basic skills to be honed. I originally thought an associates degree would be fine. I ended up going back for 4 more years after that. There is a huge difference.Also, don’t underestimate community and networking. Every person you meet is important. Treat them with respect and form freindships when possible. You never know where someone else may end up on their journey, and how you might help each other succeed in your careers or life.Finally, make sure to keep your other interests and passions well fed. These will give you a break from the creative process and refuel your soul. For me it’s fly-fishing, backpacking, camping, snowboarding and Faith that keep me going.”
