BFA Alumnus Lee Chakov Shows How Good Design Communicates a Brand Experience

Lee Chakov is passionate about design. According to the cover of his self-published Designer’s Journal, he has a lot to say about it.

Lee received his BFA from the Academy of Art University in Web Design + New Media in 2008 after getting his undergraduate degree in Graphic Design from California State University in his home town of Fresno. As a student, Lee placed every year at AAU’s annual Spring Show and in 2008, was a semi-finalist at the Adobe Design Achievement Awards in two categories: Video: Live Action and Print Communications. Lee’s inspiration comes from everywhere – shop windows, bits of interesting type, signage, old books, and textile patterns.

His campaign work as a student shows us why he racked up so much recognition. Whether it’s designing for a worldwide volunteer organization, a local restaurant, the cult movie – Fight Club — or Trader Joe’s grocery chain, Lee understands that it’s all about compelling, consistent communications that clearly speaks to its target market.

His WNM experience showed him how to extend his graphic design expertise in print, and use it to engage interactive, motion, web and sound components into campaigns. It has served him well. Since graduating last year, he’s done freelance design for the likes of Venables Bell & Partners for clients such as Intel and the HBO original series, True Blood.

And he’s also done some great work on his own, such as BananaToys.com where he designed and built this online retail store on a highly customized version of the Miva Merchant e-commerce platform.

See more of Lee’s great work on his impressive website.