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

Hi Ben, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Nothing in school ever clicked with me… I just liked to draw. I actually wanted to drop out of college when my brother suggested I should try graphic design. It was the first time it ever occurred to me that I could make money using my creative abilities.The art classes that I took in college really helped me learn to express some of the most complex feelings and thoughts that I had through my art.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My desire to create art has come from a place of personal development and the need to express feelings. I enjoy creating symbols for ideas, concepts, and emotions. Sometimes these symbols are truths I want or need to remind myself or or that I could prompt the viewer with. Other times, the symbols are a way for me to explore the relationships and interactions between different ideologies.

Art is a hobby and expression of mine that I get to do alongside brand identity design. My journey as a designer is always evolving. I currently work full time at a design firm and assist my wife with her branding design studio as well.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
There is a local hole in the wall spot called ‘The Garage’ that I would definitely take them for lunch. I would make sure they hit up ‘Punch Love’ for a good coffee.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Dan Christofferson of Young Jerks has always been a huge inspiration to me throughout my career as an artist and designer. I have always admired his evolution of style as a designer and illustrator. His client and personal art work has showed me how I can use my own personal voice for the benefit of my clients and for my own self expression.

Website: benblackburn.com

Instagram: benjamin.g.blackburn

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