Daily Inspiration: Meet Steven Winkelstein

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steven Winkelstein.

Hi Steven, 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?
I am a user experience designer and storyteller based out of Denver, Colorado. I’m originally from Margate City, New Jersey, where I developed a deep passion for creating. I began writing and world-building at a very young age, while my interest in technology and design took form in early experimentation with CAAD (computer-aided architectural drawing) and flash animation. I followed my passions to the Art Institute of Philadelphia, where I studied Digital Filmmaking and Video Production. Soon after, I founded Mystic Waters Publishing and began publishing original books, including an award-winning children’s book, an Amazon best-selling, Kirkus Review Recommended non-fiction book about the Holocaust, Brisko: A True Tale of Holocaust Survival.

After moving to Colorado in January of 2012, I took a job as a barista at Alfalfa’s Market but soon found myself leading the marketing operations of the entire company as Alfalfa’s Marketing Director. With my love for storytelling growing, and my desire to help people along their own journeys, I discovered the emerging field of user experience design, and found a great home for my range of skills and interests. In 2017, I immersed myself in the details of the iterative design process as a UX Designer at General Assembly. There, I fell in love with human-centered design and began the most electrifying stage yet of my journey, with a vision to build magical products for the entire world to enjoy. I currently employ these skills working for Wishlist Rewards, a Denver start-up that helps companies reward and recognize their employees.

Aside from my work in software design, I maintain my publishing business. My latest project, The Sneakrets, is a purpose-driven children’s brand. It’s a brand dedicated to helping young dreamers feel confident and empowered while pursuing their life ambitions. I believe that everyone – no matter where you come from, your skin color, your gender, or the economical status of the household you grew up in – everyone deserves the opportunity to chase their biggest dreams. Sneakrets bring the joy of pursuing a passion onto the magical pages of children’s books, via the interaction of games, and very soon into the world of augmented reality.

It is our mission to help others chase their big dream and as grow, we plan to do this through charitable partnerships with organizations that conduct educational programs and provide concrete resources for young seekers. So far, through our efforts, we’ve raised nearly $2,000 for our partner Pencil’s of Promise, a for-purpose organization that works to increase access to quality education for children in Ghana, Guatemala, and Laos.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The fruits of pursuing labors of love and purpose-driven work are plentiful, but they do not come without obstacles and challenges. My greatest issues over the years have come from within and without. My ability to focus on a single project and see it through to completion is a massive challenge for me. This is because I’m constantly coming up with ideas for business and projects. More recently, clarity has been presented in the form of service. Once I was able to figure out how to combine my talents and my passions with an ability to serve the greater community and world, I was able to overcome this challenge. The Sneakrets has provided me with a creative outlet where I feel like I can truly make an impact.

External struggles have included accessing distribution channels for an unknown business with an unknown brand. But, hey, even Walt Disney started somewhere. While most of our business is done through our website, www.thesneakrets.com, I continue to search for local novelty, gift, and book shops that want to support and carry The Sneakrets products.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a designer, illustrator, and writer. I have multiple specializations including writing, illustrating, publishing children’s books, graphic design, book layout, and user experience/user interface design.

My unique array of skills sets me apart from others in the fields of publishing and design. I’m most proud of my latest project, The Sneakrets, but there’s also an art piece that I completed recently entitled “Fire on the Mountain” or “Denver 2020” which is a political piece. (You can see it here: https://fineartamerica.com/featured/fire-on-the-mountain-steven-paul-winkelstein.html) It portrays the turmoil of 2020 from the pandemic to BLM protests, police brutality issues, and the political landscape.

My process for creating art is to use Copic Markers on paper, scan the images and then stitch them together on a digital canvas in Adobe Creative Suite.

What matters most to you? Why?
Compassion matters most to me. There is so much suffering in the world. As individuals, we have the power to transform suffering into happiness through the power of compassion. Every day I see people from every walk of life behaving in ways that cause themselves and others pain. I also see beautiful moments of genuine care and compassion. We can always do better. I strive to be a better person every day. It’s not an easy practice, but it makes life worth living.

Contact Info:

• Email: STEVENWINKELSTEIN@GMAIL.COM
• Website: www.thesneakrets.com
• Instagram: @thesneakrets
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesneakrets
• Twitter: @thesneakrets
• Other: www.stevenpaulwinkelstein.com