Introducing ImageWorks' New Designer

Posted by ImageWorks Creative Team April 20, 2020
Graphic design by Michael Wayne Stevenson of his dog, Chief

You may have heard of Autumn as the Season of Change, what with all the changing leaves and dropping temperatures. However, Spring also brings changes - ones that evoke excitement over something new. The Spring of 2020 has already been packed with more than a few changes, but we have one more and we promise it’s a good one.

Imageworks Creative has brought on a new Lead Web and Graphic Designer!

Readers, Meet Michael Wayne Stevenson

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Portrait photo of Michael Wayne Stevenson, Imageworks Creative Web & Graphic Designer

How did you get into graphic design?

I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. When I was about 14 years old, a local streetwear clothing company opened in my hometown of Temecula, California. Upon my first time visiting their shop, I was immediately infatuated with the brand they had created and the artwork that lined the walls of their store. They regularly hosted music performances and car shows that often featured live painting from both local and internationally known graffiti artists. I eventually worked up the courage to ask if I could work for them. I was too young at the time to hold a job, but their lead designer brought me on as an intern or “shop kid” as they liked to say. I spent the majority of my weekends hanging out around the store, doodling ideas for apparel graphics and immersing myself in the brand. I fell in love with designing and knew at that young age that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

Why did you decide to pursue a career as a graphic designer?

I was born and raised in Southern California. I was surrounded by skateboarders, surfers, and regularly saw murals and street art littered around the beaches and cities that I frequented. I became obsessed with aesthetics and visuals from a very young age and wanted to display my own artwork to the world. As I was leaving high school, I was actually headed off to play football with a scholarship to a small school a few hours north of where I grew up. These plans quickly changed as I sustained an injury that would prevent me from moving forward with an athletic career. Once that idea fizzled out, I decided to go to school for what I truly loved. I researched the Art Institute of California San Diego and gave them a call. Within a few months, I was enrolled in their graphic design program.

What are your favorite types of things to design?

I like a little bit of everything. From drawing my favorite Marvel Comics Characters to creating vector graphics for apparel companies to working with custom typography and web design. I just get a kick out of making things look pretty!

How would you describe your personal style?

Bold, although my style can vary drastically depending on the project I’m working on. I love smooth and heavy line weights, solid colors, and clear graphics that can be seen from a distance. While I appreciate abstract art, sketchy lines, and wacky concepts, I enjoy producing crisp and precise pieces of art the most.

What do you think of people who say “the computer does all the work”?

I completely understand where they are coming from. I know many people and even artists - that I would say are much more talented than myself - that consider the computer a “crutch” and think that it takes a lot of the coordination and effort away from designing. It isn’t until these individuals get their hands on an Adobe program or attempt to create digital art themselves that they realize it doesn’t matter what medium or vessel you use, a good designer is a good designer. Plain and simple.

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Photo of Imageworks Designer, Michael Wayne Stevenson, and his wife on their wedding day.

How did you find out about Imageworks Creative?

My wife was recently offered a great job in Virginia that was too good for us to pass up, and because we are expecting our first two children (yay, twins!) we decided that moving there could be a more cost-effective place to start our family. I began to research jobs in the area and Imageworks Creative struck me as a unique opportunity. In my past, I’ve worked for several companies that required me to focus all of my energy and talents into one single brand or style. Working for a company like this, that assists a wide and varied array of different clients felt like a sure-fire way to keep my designs fresh and avoid feeling stuck in one particular lane.

What do you like to do when you’re not designing?

I’m a simple guy. I enjoy spending time with family and friends. I like to try to stay fit to counteract the long hours I regularly spend on the computer. I read quite a lot (mostly comic books) and I’ve been an avid Sneakerhead for about fifteen years now. I’m constantly researching, buying, and trading my favorite Nikes and Vans with other collectors like myself.

What's something about you that would surprise people that don’t know you?

I’m a huge dog lover! I have two small lap dogs that I absolutely adore. I’ve even created logos and stickers of them.

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Imageworks designer, Michael Wayne Stevenson's dogs

See? We told you it was a good one. Welcome to Imageworks Creative, Michael! We can’t wait to see what you do (and to meet your dogs)!

By Jordan Latham

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We hope everyone stays safe during this crisis. We are happy to offer consultations to review your digital brand and suggest solutions at no-charge to you during this time. Our goal is to see all businesses thrive, and we especially would like to help those that are suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can contact us here or call 703 378-0000.

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