Today we’d like to introduce you to Blake Carpenter.
Hi Blake, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always been drawn to animals, nature, and the outdoors. I was constantly sketching random animals and anything that caught my eye. Going into college, I honestly didn’t know exactly what career path I wanted to take — I just knew I loved art and drawing. Because of that, I decided to explore the world of graphic design and creative arts. During my time at Augsburg University, where I earned my B.A. in Fine Arts with a focus in Graphic Design, I discovered a deeper passion for branding, murals, illustration, and visual storytelling. I began creating posters, logos, illustrations, and other forms of digital and physical artwork, while also learning how design can communicate emotion, movement, and human connection. One of the biggest turning points in my creative journey was working as a graphic design intern for Augsburg Galleries alongside creative director Jenny Wheatley from 2023–2024. During that time, I was given the opportunity to design a large wall mural and exhibition graphics for the 2023 exhibition In Rotation. The exhibition centered around movement and personal observation during the COVID-19 era, featuring sketchbooks from twenty-one different artists that evolved week by week throughout the show. That experience changed the way I view art and design. Working closely with artists, students, and visitors showed me how creative work can bring people together. It also shifted the direction of my work creatively. Since then, my work has evolved toward themes of human connection, understanding ourselves, and exploring the relationship between people, the world around us, and the energy and frequency we all share. I’ve become increasingly interested in understanding the mind, emotion, and shared experience, while using gratitude as a central part of my creative process. Through art and design, I want to create work that not only communicates visually, but also makes people feel connected and understood. Because of that, I like to describe myself as a creative rather than only a graphic designer. I enjoy exploring many forms of art instead of limiting myself to one category. Whether it’s branding, murals, illustration, painting, or learning a completely new skill, I’m always interested in growing and challenging myself creatively. Today, I focus on creating branding concepts with strong stories behind them while continuing to illustrate, paint, and experiment with different creative mediums. I’ve also had the opportunity to help clients develop brand identities and refine logos. Right now, I’m looking for new creative projects, design opportunities, and internships where I can continue learning, growing, and evolving as an artist and designer.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My journey has had both open roads and unexpected roadblocks, like any person navigating their own path through life. I think everyone experiences moments where they feel lost, uncertain, or delayed, but those moments often become the biggest lessons. One of my biggest struggles has been understanding myself, understanding the world around me, and learning how to slow down enough to appreciate gratitude and the smaller moments in life. Professionally, breaking into the creative industry and getting my foot in the door has also been a challenge. But I’ve learned that every roadblock carries purpose. Sometimes life redirects you so you can grow, adapt, and become a better version of yourself. Those experiences have influenced both my mindset and my creative work, pushing me toward creating art that feels more human, connected, and meaningful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The work I primarily focus on is brand identity design and illustration, while also exploring murals, mixed media, drawing, and other creative forms. I enjoy creating work that tells a story and connects visually and emotionally with people. A lot of my creative interests revolve around human connection, movement, psychology, and understanding the different perspectives people carry through life. One of the projects I’m most proud of is the In Rotation exhibition mural that I designed and painted for Augsburg Galleries. The mural was approximately 46 feet wide by 11 feet tall and was the first mural I had ever created on that scale. Working on that project opened a new creative outlet for me and showed me how powerful large-scale art can be in creating interaction, emotion, and connection within a shared space. It also taught me the importance of collaboration, since the mural came together with the help of others around me. What sets me apart most is my perspective and the way I approach creativity. I’ve always connected with the idea of “as above, so below,” which to me represents the connection between ourselves, others, and the world around us. At the same time, I don’t see myself as above or below anyone else. I see creativity more through unity and shared human experience. Everyone has their own story, perspective, struggles, and way of seeing the world, and I try to understand those different lenses through both my work and everyday life. I think what makes my work different is the intention behind it. I try to create work that feels human, meaningful, and emotionally connected rather than simply visually appealing. Whether I’m developing a brand identity, painting a mural, illustrating, or experimenting with mixed media, I enjoy taking ideas, emotions, and experiences and transforming them into something people can connect with and reflect themselves in.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is probably the sense of freedom I had growing up. One of the memories I look back on the most is spending summer days skateboarding around with my friends, exploring random places, and just goofing off without worrying about time. Those moments felt simple and genuine, and I think they shaped a lot of the creativity and curiosity I still carry with me today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bhumanful.squarespace.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/b.humanful/
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/blake-carpenter-work
