Meet Alex Lazaris | Creative Director & Brand Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alex Lazaris and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alex, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I believe the best businesses and brands need to take calculated risks in order to gain market share and stay ahead of their competition. My experiences as a professional downhill skateboard racer, amateur motorcycle and car racer have taught me how to assess and manage risk effectively and toe the line between success and failure. As an athlete, I learned that pushing the limits and stepping outside of my comfort zone was essential for growth and improvement. This mindset translated into my career, where I approach building creative solutions for my clients with the same audacity and willingness to experiment and push boundaries.

In downhill skateboarding, every race presented unique challenges. The courses were often unpredictable, with obstacles like uneven terrain, tight corners, and sudden drops. To succeed, I had to take risks and trust my instincts. I learned to identify potential hazards and develop strategies to mitigate them. This process taught me how to assess risks and make quick decisions under pressure.

In motorcycle and car racing, the stakes are even higher. Controlling a powerful machine at high speeds required laser-sharp focus and a deep understanding of the risks involved. I learned the importance of thorough preparation, studying the track layout and practicing extensively to minimize the chances of accidents. These experiences taught me the value of risk management and the importance of taking calculated risks.

Applying these lessons to my work as a creative professional, I strive to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation for my clients. I believe that taking calculated risks is excruciatingly important for brands looking to take market share or stand out in their fields. I guide my clients through this process by studying their industry/market and laying out paths forward that evaluate potential pitfalls, rewards, and outcomes. Once we start down the course we agreed upon, we are constantly listening to the industry, feedback and data to adapt and pivot the strategies if necessary. I am able to bring a unique perspective to my work, because I believe that great ideas can always be tuned down to fit budgets/ constraints, but bad ideas with big budgets will sink your business quickly. At the end of the day, I want to help my clients to stand out and achieve their goals, and if we can do that with a bit of flair along the way, that’s even better.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
As a branding studio, most of our clients come to us looking to transform their business, which means they have either set substantial goals for their business or have recognized a blocker/ hurdle that they need our help to navigate. Our studio stands out in the branding and design industry due to our ability to deep dive into a business and industry and provide unique solutions that separate the business from their competition and stand out in a crowded market. We believe that pushing boundaries and experimenting with novel solutions is essential for brands to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

The journey to where we are today has been a blend of hard work, perseverance, and a genuine love for what we do. Earning the reputation of being able to transform businesses and deliver unconventional creative solutions with a high level of craft has taken years of hard work, trust from clients, and showing up every day wanting to push things further than the day before. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of building strong relationships with clients. By fostering open communication and a genuine understanding of their goals, we have been able to create truly impactful branding and design solutions.

My hope is that I leave a legacy of positive impact on the lives of my clients, their businesses, my colleagues and anyone who experiences our work.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to build tailored experiences to each person that’s coming to town, but I think there are a couple staples that will consistently happen during a friends visit:

Food:
Pastries/dessert from Bottega Louie (The Napoleon usually blows guests minds. The Tiramisu, Beignets, Limoncello Tart and Sweet Monkey breads are all incredible as well.)
Nachos from HiTops- ABSOLUTELY HANDS DOWN THE BEST NACHOS EVER.
Tacos or burritos from Tacos Tu Madre
The Naughty Pie from Prince Street Pizza

Art/ culture:
Control Gallery has a great rotation of exhibits
Griffith Observatory
Comedy shows

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out and recognize my amazing colleagues and teammates (Ethan, Dave, Tee, and Alex) who have collaborated with me on countless projects. Their dedication, creativity, and camaraderie have made working together an enjoyable and fulfilling experience. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from and grow alongside such talented individuals.

Lastly, I want to express my appreciation to our clients and partners who have entrusted us with their business. Their confidence in our abilities and their willingness to take risks have allowed us to push the boundaries of creativity and innovation. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their success and to be a part of their growth journeys.

Without the support, encouragement, and collaboration of these remarkable people and organizations, my achievements would not have been possible. I am eternally grateful for their presence in my life and I am committed to paying it forward by supporting and mentoring others in my own capacity.

Website: https://www.wearelazaris.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wearelazaris/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderlazaris/