We recently connected with Denise Coke and have shared our conversation below.

Denise, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Along with taking care of clients, taking care of our team is one of the most important things we can do as leaders. Looking back on your journey, did you have a boss that was really great? Maybe you can tell us about that boss and what made them a wonderful person to work for?

I had the opportunity to report to some amazing bosses over the course of my professional career. Specifically, my mentor poured a lot into me when I lost my job. It was the first time I’d ever been laid off, and it was the first time I pursued my company full-time. She made it her duty to send opportunities for freelancer positions every day until I secured my biggest contracted client. She also assisted with the details of my retainer and contract. With her help, I was not only still energized to continue looking for opportunities, but I also positioned myself in the industry as a creative leader. I am forever thankful.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My artistic journey started at the tender age of 2 when I would draw in all of the books around my house. After acquiring a certificate in Fashion Design from The High School of Fashion Industries, I received my BFA in Graphic Design from the Shintaro Akatsu School of Design at the University of Bridgeport. I studied abroad at Hanyang University in South Korea. I then secured a Certificate in Women’s Entrepreneurship from Cornell University.

As an award-winning creative and art director, muralist, and business owner, I have specialized in graphic design, branding, web design and development, motion design, animation, illustration, UX/UI design, and augmented reality for over a decade.

Previously, I was a designer for The Madison Square Garden Company​, working on various properties from the New York Rockettes to the New York Knicks. I was the lead motion graphic designer for the New York Rangers. I have worked in-house and freelance for numerous agencies across the United States.

I am a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., the Graphic Artist Guild, and a past member of AIGA and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women. One of my greatest passions is travel, as I show inspiration from traveling to countries such as South Korea, Abu Dhabi, and Puerto Rico. I’m the proud mom of 2 kitties and a tattoo enthusiast.

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$NP Designs, LLC emerged in 2011 under the vision of Denise ‘deLaSNP’ Coke, a woman-owned and black-owned creative agency. Our focus lies in delivering innovative and ingenious augmented reality and graphic design solutions to companies of all sizes.

Our core competencies encompass various services, including branding, web design & development, motion graphics, illustration, augmented reality, UX/UI, and print design. Additionally, we take pride in organizing annual art shows nationwide that celebrate the fusion of technology and design, featuring local vendors and artists.

Among our esteemed clientele are renowned organizations such as The NYC Department of Transportation, Rene Furterer, The University of Bridgeport, Nike, and NYC Department of Education. Our work has garnered international recognition, with projects showcased in Puerto Rico, South Korea, and Australia.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

A book I use to help with pricing my services is the Graphic Artist Guild’s Ethical Pricing Guidelines. It helps me with industry standard pricing that makes my business competitive but also doesn’t allow me to be taken advantage of.

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

It will always be word of mouth. In my industry, people tend to stick to what they know. So, when someone is looking for creative or fine art, I have branded myself and my business so that people can comfortably refer me for an array of projects that keep me and my business afloat.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://delasnp.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/delasnp.grfx/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/delasnp
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/13011726
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@delasnp

Image Credits
Kenisha Gill Jonel Filsaime Kelli Coke