Ken Stanek
Hi! Tell us about yourself
For 20+ years, I worked as a graphic designer and in 2023 finally decided to leave that all behind and become a full time artist.
The longer story is that I had been laying the groundwork for this shift for 7 years, and it was finally time to take the risk and plunge
into entrepreneurship. I live in Maplewood with my 3rd grade daughter Sadie and my girlfriend Melanie, and her cat Matil. Every day is a new experience of building a business, a career and a brand. It’s terrifyingly unknown, but exhilaratingly inventive!
Tell us about your business!
My business runs out of my home studio in the Hilton section of Maplewood. We may be upgrading to a renovated garage soon. And by “we” I mean “me” but that’s just all part of the mythology. I’ve been able to produce artwork for books of illustrations, children’s books, and personal clients who want heartfelt gifts of their loved ones for their loved ones. You can find me doing pop-up portraits at public & private events, teaching classes, or capturing the vibes of the latest cafes & restaurants.
How long have you lived in SOMa?
Just about 9 years - shortly before my daughter was born.
Where did you grow up?
Easton Pennsylvania, right on the border of New Jersey.
How many years have you been in business?
Either 47 or 1. Technically, legally, one. But in my heart, 47.
How long have you been doing the work you do?
7 years is the best answer here. That’s when I painted & sold my first pet portrait, which led to everything else you’re seeing today.
What inspired you to start your own business?
It’s one of two times in my life that it feels like the universe called me to do this. I’m not a particularly “woo” person, but deep in my soul, I knew this was the right thing to do, despite all the risks & uncertainty.
What is it about you that makes you so good at what you do?
I’ve been able to draw on 20 years of design experience to create my brand assets, and a predilection for event planning & extroversion to put myself out there.
What are you working on right now?
Launching a book of illustrations of local merchants (including many BigWigs)
What are 5 things that contribute to a successful work day?
Sleep, Exercise, Coffee, Adderall, Focus.
And just for fun…
What's the weirdest thing on your desk right now?
A little plastic dish dedicated to white gouache (very helpful for cat whiskers)
If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?
Beastie Boys Sabotage, because they mention me by name in it and it’s kinda like just barging in and making it happen.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your business?
A sketchbook watercolor documentation of dozens of local small businesses at this place & time.
Share a memorable encounter with a fellow entrepreneur or industry figure
I ran into Madeline Shaw (Shapes for the People) at the General Store after Jon McKesten mentioned both of us in his newsletter. We hadn’t met before that, but had a great conversation about creative entrepreneurship, and it directly led to me joining BigWig.
3 fave instagram follows and why
https://www.instagram.com/maltrycreative/
Just beautiful technique & content from all three of these current artists. A lot of birds too. I love painting birds.