We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Brent Thelen. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Brent below.

Brent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What sort of legacy are you hoping to build. What do you think people will say about you after you are gone, what do you hope to be remembered for?

A legacy I strive to build is one of bold, game-changing creativity. I want to be remembered for always pushing the envelope and delivering fresh, impactful work that sticks. But it’s not just about the work—it’s about the incredible, diverse people and clients I’ve had the privilege to vibe with, helping them level up and succeed. Whether it’s a big, disruptive project or a small but meaningful detail, I want people to say I always showed up with creativity and value, while staying true to myself and doing what’s right, even if it’s much harder than taking the easy route. Ultimately, I hope to be known for lifting up brands and generating ideas through the power of creative design and strategic innovation.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I launched my journey with two degrees from a public university in Michigan and immediately took a leap, moving to Denver in late 2008. The economy was tough, especially for a fresh design graduate, and I knew my skills needed refining. So, while working as a server/bartender in fine dining restaurants, I kept pushing forward and continued my education at the Art Institute of Colorado.

Armed with two certificates in web design and development from the Art Institute, I started landing opportunities. An internship at a well-regarded agency helped me sharpen my craft and finally launch my career.

Over the next six years, I honed my skills at various Denver agencies, diving deep into digital design, branding, web development, and art direction. By 2016, I was leading my first creative team—developing both my managerial expertise and understanding what it takes to drive a team that produces exceptional, results-driven work. It was at that point that I realized that I thrived in creating environments where collaboration, inclusivity, and creativity could flourish.

After leading my own team, I partnered with a strategy-driven colleague to co-found Thelen | Williams. From 2017 to 2020, TW worked with national clients across industries, tackling branding, web design, video content, and more.

In 2020, with the challenges of COVID, we evolved Thelen | Williams, merging clients into my next venture, Brent Thelen Design (BTD). Today, I run BTD, an award-winning collective that specializes in branding and custom web solutions, primarily for brands in the hospitality industry. We’ve built a talented crew that allows us to hand-pick projects aligned with our vision and values. While we know our strengths, we thrive in new and challenging situations.

At BTD, we elevate brands, drive business growth, and enhance engagement with custom creative solutions and strategic design. We’re always on the lookout for exciting opportunities to partner with brands ready to elevate their presence and push their aesthetics forward. Our diverse collective of sharp, honest problem solvers is passionate about the details and driven by empathy to inspire action.

As a digitally-led agency, we harness data and analytics to ensure our clients see real, measurable results. We approach every project with purpose and intent. Our mission is clear: to create a deep, lasting connection between your brand and its audience, motivating action and building long-term loyalty.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

The best source of new clients for us has been almost entirely through referrals. We’re fortunate that the work we do speaks for itself, and the clients we partner with tend to refer us to others who are a great fit. It’s been on-brand for us and aligned with the type of creative projects we love doing, which is exactly how we like it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is selling ideas that passionate people can really get behind. There’s something powerful about seeing those ideas come to life and knowing they resonate with the right audiences. Real satisfaction comes when ideas and design stands the test of time—when something I’ve helped create continues to make an impact long after the client’s project has been completed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://brentthelendesign.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btdesign_co/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brentthelendesign/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-thelen/
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/brentthelen/ – personal photo account

Image Credits

Nicholas Williams, Brittany Thelen, Courtney Cassidy, Kevin Galaba