BÄKKEN uses creative alchemy to help world-class brands find their quintessence and communicate their values through thoughtful visual identities, experiences and marketing.
Blake’s expertise lies in translating a brand’s core values, strategy and voice into striking visual executions. For this, he’s equally comfortable building and leading a team designing complex, dynamic brand systems or cultural campaigns as he is for individual, hands-on problem solving.
As a creative team leader in large design agencies and as the principal of his own brand consultancy, he’s overseen extended projects for major clients in multiple sectors. This includes: Google, Apple, Samsung, Netflix, NBC, HBO, Audi, Reebok, Target, Stanford Health and Wells Fargo.
He has been honored by Graphis, the Art Directors Club, the Type Directors Club, Transform, the One Show, the EFFIEs and at the Cannes Lions. His work has been featured by Creative Review, Communication Arts, Brand New, Fubiz, It’s Nice That as well as in Claudia Goetzelmann’s "Applied" and in multiple Graphis Annuals.
As a dedicated member of the creative community, Blake shares his experience, insights, skills and passion not only within his immediate organizations, but also as a frequent portfolio advisor, collaborator and judge. Finally, a creative omnivore, he remains insatiably curious as a student of art, design, branding and visual culture.
Q&A
WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DO YOU LIVE NOW?
Minnesota / California
A DESIGN HERO?
Paul Rand. A groundbreaking modernist, he introduced the ideas of European avant-garde art to design. He saw designers as problem solvers striving to create work that both adds value and is a pleasure to view. The result is a marriage of image and language that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA?
A walk by the ocean.
FAVORITE TELEVISION BINGE WATCH?
Six Feet Under. And – The OC, of course.
FAVORITE PODCAST?
Meditative Story
FAVORITE BOOK?
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
FAVORITE MOVIE?
The Last Picture Show by Peter Bogdanovich
FAVORITE FINE ARTIST?
Donald Judd
FAVORITE BEVERAGE?
Coffee – brewed by Aeropress, with a dash of cream.
FAVORITE FREE TIME ACTIVITY?
Reading, cooking, road trips, massages and sipping a De Soi.
IF YOU WERE NOT A DESIGNER?
Architect
TWO GOOD THINGS?
1. It's your job to be yourself.
2. Hold onto the good.
Interested in working together? Click the button below to connect. I'll bet we're a good fit. I can just feel it.
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