Anastasiia Glekel
Art Director / Founder of The Branding Agency / Artist
Los Angeles, CA
www.glekel.com
instagram @a.glekel / @glekel.design
Q What do you do?
“I’m an art director and founder of a branding agency.”
We create strong and timeless brand identities for small businesses and startups that will help them succeed in the long run.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I dreamt, worked and studied hard. And I continue doing the same right now
I have two degrees in my area of expertise - Bachelor degree in Advertising at the Moscow University and Graphic Design at the British Higher School of Art and Design.
By the time I was studying in the Universities, I already had a few jobs in the creative industry. I worked in Ad Agencies, PR companies, design studios, and startups. After trying out different fields, I finally found my perfect and most inspiring field – brand identity.
When I moved to the USA in 2018, the first thing I did was find a job as an Art Director intern in a well-known international creative agency Fred Farid. This experience was a great confirmation of my skills and talents as a designer and creative thinker. The people I met and the projects I worked on during my time there inspired me to pursue my own creative practice and eventually I founded a branding studio in the USA.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
My choice of being a brand designer and artist wasn’t random or just because it is trendy or well-paid.
It is a part of me, like breathing. And I am proud to say that I have been in the creative professional field since my student period. I never felt like it was my job. It is a kind of hobby that has grown into a business.
Q What are you working on right now?
Brand identity for the cybersecurity company based in New York. Branding and packaging for Vitamins for Gen Z, Los Angeles. Branding and Social media for shapewear brand, Miami.
Q What’s your style?
When it comes to creating a brand identity, I prefer a modern, timeless, clean, and catchy look. Rather than following the trends, I believe in creating something that will last and look unique for a long time. Trends are constantly changing and often become cliche.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Delegation of most of the routine tasks. Overall, delegation is an invaluable tool for any leader to master.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
I want all my plans, aims and wishes to happen immediately. Tomorrow, please!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Running all our social media platforms :)
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Nothing that I'd like to change in the past. Just keep doing what you're doing, you are right.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Super successful entrepreneurship in creative industry.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Hmmm...I'd like to collaborate with large brands and teams, to have brainstorms with fresh minds and creative freedom
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Most of our clients are already ideal clients with amazing projects! I love when we have projects from scratch to the whole brand identity system, packaging and web design.
Today, I have the privilege of working as a brand designer in a wide range of industries. From food and fashion to AI, medical, and non-profit organizations, I have had the opportunity to gain a wealth of experience and knowledge. I often feel like an encyclopedia, as I have tons of information about different businesses, projects, and people.
Q What is your rate?
Feel free to reach out for our agency rates at anastasiia@glekel.com
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Email anastasiia@glekel.com
Website www.glekel.com
Instagram @a.glekel
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I organize exclusive Art Events , practice meditations, get inspired by the award winning agencies and creatives. And I'm surrounded by talented, smart and kind people everyday!
This member profile was originally published in January 2023.