We were lucky to catch up with Lavae Vason recently and have shared our conversation below.

Lavae, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

In 2012, my artistic aspirations took root, and I decided to pursue a career in art. I attended Orange High School in Pepper Pike, Ohio, a small suburban school. It wasn’t until my senior year that I discovered my passion. A friend introduced me to Ilthy, a clothing brand founded by the artist Glen Infante. Intrigued by Glen’s remarkable illustrations on graphic tees, I reached out to him on Facebook. He shared his journey of studying graphic design in college, and his experiences and opportunities resonated with me. Inspired by his story, I enrolled in graphic design at Bowling Green State University. After a few semesters, I delved into designing apparel as well.

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?

Well first I’ll like to say thank you giving me the platform to share my story. After college, I faced a stagnant role as a Jr. Graphic Designer in a printing company in Hudson, Ohio. The lack of creative freedom led me to seek a change. In 2018, I made the bold decision to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia, where my career took a positive turn. Embracing the agency field, I found joy in diverse projects and collaborated with renowned brands like Puma, BET Networks, Twitter, Red Bull, and the Atlanta Hawks. Outside of my professional pursuits, I immersed myself in the vibrant creative community through art shows and strengthened connections with fellow artists. Launching more designs for my clothing brand, Illington, allowed me to build a meaningful rapport with followers and friends—a truly enriching experience. Been a true blessing I must say.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I find great joy in projects that push me beyond my comfort zone, provoking me to navigate challenges and adopt a different mindset. Despite the inherent stress, the process of mastering new skills or refining existing ones is incredibly fulfilling. There’s nothing more exhilarating to me than continuous learning within my professional domain.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I share the belief that our journey isn’t solitary; our actions have a ripple effect on those around us—friends, family, and even the youth seeking inspiration. It feels like a responsibility to persist and not settle, knowing that my perseverance might motivate someone facing similar challenges. My strong connection to assisting young individuals in realizing their creative aspirations fuels my determination. I aim to walk this path until it’s no longer feasible, with a prayer to remain steadfast in pursuing my goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lavaestudio.com
• Instagram: @Lavae_own
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamar-vason-2b9a88168