Today we’d like to introduce you to Brent Thelen.
Hi Brent, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I embarked on my journey by graduating from a public university in Michigan. Soon after receiving my diploma, I relocated to Denver in late 2008. The economy was challenging, especially for a new design graduate, and I recognized that my skills needed further refinement. To support myself, I worked as a server and bartender in fine-dining restaurants while continuing my education at the Art Institute of Colorado.
With two continuing education certificates in web design and development, as well as advanced web design, doors began to open. A reputable agency offered me an internship, and I quickly started honing my applicable skills.
Over the next six years, I bounced around various Denver-based agencies, holding different design positions. My skills grew in digital design, branding, web development, and art direction. By 2016, I had the opportunity to lead my first creative team at an agency, which allowed me to sharpen my managerial skills and understand what it takes to lead a department that produces results-based, visually stunning client work. I also learned how to ensure my teams thrived in an inclusive, collaborative, inspiring, and fun environment.
After managing and directing my own team for a year and a half, I partnered with a brilliant, strategy-minded colleague to start an agency of our own: Thelen | Williams. From 2017 to 2020, Thelen | Williams served clients ranging from nonprofits to the hospitality industry. We tackled projects involving branding, web design and development, video and photo content creation, and marketing and social media.
In 2020, faced with challenges brought on by COVID, we transitioned Thelen | Williams clients under my new venture, Brent Thelen Design (BTD). Today, I own and operate BTD, which specializes in branding and custom web design and development solutions, primarily for the hospitality industry. We have a talented team for any given project and have thankfully reached a point where we can choose projects that align with our vision and values.
BTD is now an award-winning agency, always on the lookout for great project opportunities to partner with brands aiming to elevate their presence and aesthetics.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been an incredible journey, but nothing worth having comes easy. If you want something—like becoming a top design leader—you’ve got to hustle for it. I spent countless nights and weekends (and sometimes still do), grinding to ensure I could bring my A-game for clients and employers. Along the way, I discovered that with enough coffee, a positive attitude and a solid music playlist, almost anything is possible.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Brent Thelen Design?
At BTD, we elevate brands, grow businesses, and enhance engagement through custom, creative solutions and thoughtful design.
Our diverse team of smart, honest problem solvers is dedicated to meticulous detail and driven by empathy to inspire action. As a digitally-led agency, we leverage analytics and data-driven decision-making to maximize client results.
Every project we undertake is approached with intent and purpose. Our unwavering goal is to leave audiences with a profound connection to your brand, motivating them to take desired actions and fostering lifelong customer loyalty.
Our brand services include logo identity, strategy & positioning, brand book & style guides, voice & tone, art direction, illustration, and typography.
Our website and interactive services encompass wireframing, prototyping, UX design, UI design, WordPress development, Shopify development, and mobile development.
Our marketing services cover content creation & strategy, print & publication design, digital & traditional advertising, photography & videography, copywriting, SEO, and brand activations.
BTD website: https://brentthelendesign.com/
BTD IG: https://www.instagram.com/btdesign_co/
Brent Thelen Photography IG: https://www.instagram.com/brentthelen/
What does success mean to you?
Success with BTD means maintaining a strong and diverse long-term client roster, with brands consistently entrusting us with projects of all sizes. It means working with incredible people and obsessing over data to ensure project success. On a personal level, success involves a commitment to continuous learning—staying updated on industry advancements and technology—and striving for constant self-improvement both individually and as a manager.
Pricing:
- Reach out for more info!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brentthelendesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/btdesign_co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brentthelendesign/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-thelen/
Image Credits
Michael Hughes, Courtney Cassidy, Felix Sanchez, Brittany Thelen
