Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Hansen
Hi Brad, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been passionate about creating for as long as I can remember. Growing up in the St. Louis Metro area, I was always drawn to making something out of nothing, which I now see as a reflection of my faith in God, the ultimate Creator. My journey into design began in high school when an English teacher’s classroom filled with lighthouse pictures sparked my love for drawing. That moment led me to pursue art classes, study design in college, and eventually build a career that I absolutely love.
Every time I see a lighthouse, I’m reminded of how one moment can change your life’s direction—much like how God has guided me through challenges, including a tough season of depression. Today, I strive to create more than I consume because I believe sharing our stories and creativity makes the world a better place. My career has been a blend of agency and in-house roles, working with clients like Target and Danger Jones, and now serving as Creative Director at Lindenwood University. Alongside my professional work, I pursue personal projects that explore the intersection of design, illustration, and faith.
Through it all, my journey has been about growth—embracing mistakes, learning from mentors, and staying curious. I believe that stories connect us, and my goal is to inspire others by sharing mine while continuing to create with purpose and passion.
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 road to where I am today has been anything but smooth, and one of the most defining challenges was a season of severe depression I experienced in 2022–2023. At that time, I was juggling a full-time job as Creative Director at Lindenwood University, working nights on client projects, and trying to pursue personal creative endeavors. The constant grind led to burnout, which spiraled into a year-long battle with depression.
Looking back, that season taught me more about life and myself than any other experience. It forced me to confront the imbalance in my life and recognize the importance of rest—something our culture often undervalues. Through my faith in Jesus, I found healing and learned to lean on God as my strength. A verse that carried me through was Psalm 40:1-2, which reminded me of hope even in the darkest moments.
This experience reshaped how I approach work and creativity. I’ve learned to prioritize balance by setting boundaries, spending quality time with my family, and focusing on personal projects that bring joy rather than overloading myself with client work. It’s also deepened my empathy for others who may be silently struggling. Depression is often hidden in plain sight, and I now make it a point to check in on those around me.
Ultimately, that difficult season gave me a renewed sense of purpose. It taught me that it’s okay to take breaks, to ask for help, and to trust that challenges are temporary. My journey through depression has become a cornerstone of my story, shaping not only how I create but also how I connect with others through my work and storytelling.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in both design and illustration, running my own company, Brad Hansen Design LLC, while also serving as Creative Director at Lindenwood University. My work spans a variety of creative fields, but what sets me apart is my ability to combine design and illustration—two disciplines that are often treated as separate. I’m passionate about exploring the overlap between them, using both to create meaningful work that communicates visually while also capturing beauty through form and composition. My personal projects, like my geometric landscape series and bento-inspired illustrations, reflect this intersection and allow me to experiment with grids, color palettes, and storytelling.
In my role at Lindenwood University, I’ve developed a deep love for marketing and mentoring the next generation of creatives. Teaching design fundamentals and helping students discover their potential has become one of the most fulfilling parts of my career.
What I’m most proud of, however, is my family—my wife Melissa and our two daughters, Brynley (5) and Hayley (3). They’ve supported me through some of the toughest times in my life, including a season of depression that taught me the importance of balance. Family always comes first for me; it’s a lesson I learned the hard way while pursuing bigger clients and projects early in my career. Now, I’ve found a middle ground where I can create impactful work without sacrificing time with those I love.
My faith is also central to everything I do. As a Christian, I strive to integrate my beliefs into my creative process, guided by the principle of working “with all your heart” (Colossians 3:23). This mindset not only fuels my passion for art and design but also reminds me that success isn’t about pleasing everyone—it’s about creating with purpose.
Ultimately, what drives me is the belief that stories connect us. Whether through design or illustration, I aim to inspire others by sharing mine while encouraging them to create more than they consume.
Lastly, I am proud to have done some things that pushed me in 2024. I spoke at a Marketing conference WOWCON 2024 in St. Louis, created my own procreate brushset, launched a new brand identity for myself, and created my first digital product on Etsy (LOTR Print Series).
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible people who have supported and guided me throughout my journey. First and foremost, my wife Melissa and our two daughters, Brynley and Hayley, are my greatest cheerleaders. They’ve been my rock through both successes and challenges, including a tough season of depression. Their love and support remind me daily of what truly matters.
Professionally, I’ve been fortunate to have amazing mentors who shaped my career. Peter Colombatto, my former AVP of Marketing at Lindenwood University, has been instrumental in helping me grow as a Creative Director and leader. Eric Hungerford taught me the invaluable lesson of “shipping at 90%,” emphasizing progress over perfection. Uriah Fracassi helped refine my processes and strategic thinking as a creative leader. Their mentorship has been pivotal in honing my skills and mindset.
I also owe a lot to my first art director, Dave Lewis, who taught me lessons about design that no classroom could replicate. My college professors laid the foundation for my understanding of design fundamentals, which continue to guide me today.
My creative team at Lindenwood University deserves immense credit as well. Their collaboration and dedication make everything we do possible. I’m also grateful for the students and interns I’ve had the privilege of mentoring—they inspire me just as much as I hope to inspire them.
Lastly, I’ve been blessed with supportive clients like Target and Danger Jones, along with the team at ArtSpeak Creative. Collaborating with them has allowed me to grow creatively while contributing to meaningful projects.
These relationships—personal and professional—have been the cornerstone of my success. They’ve taught me that community, teamwork, and shared passion are where the best outcomes are born.
Pricing:
- Services I am currently offering https://dribbble.com/bradhansen/services
- Brand Identity Work (can be summarized). 1. LOGO ONLY PACKAGE — $1,500 THIS PACKAGE FOCUSES ON DELIVERING A SINGLE, HIGH-QUALITY LOGO DESIGN. IT INCLUDES: • Primary Logo: A custom-designed logo tailored to your brand. • File Formats: AI, EPS, PDF, PNG (transparent), and JPEG. • Color Variations: Full-color, black-and-white, and inverse options. Ideal for businesses needing only a core logo design. 2. LOGO + VARIATIONS PACKAGE — $2,500 THIS PACKAGE ENSURES VERSATILITY WITH ADDITIONAL LOGO VARIATIONS. IT INCLUDES: • Primary Logo + Variations: Main logo, alternate layout (e.g., horizontal/stacked), and submark/brandmark. • Favicon/Icon: Simplified version for browser tabs or app icons. • File Formats & Color Options: Vector and digital formats with full-color, black-and-white, inverse, and monochrome versions. Perfect for businesses that require flexibility across platforms. 3. LOGO + VARIATIONS + ONE-PAGE BRAND GUIDELINE — $3,500 THIS PACKAGE FOCUSES ON DELIVERING A SINGLE, HIGH-QUALITY LOGO DESIGN. IT INCLUDES: • Logo usage rules (spacing, scaling, placement). • Color palette (HEX, RGB, CMYK, Pantone values). • Typography recommendations (fonts used in branding). Best for businesses seeking a cohesive brand identity with clear usage instructions. Also, best for companies where a variety of stakeholders/vendors will be working with the brand identity created.
- Mascot Logos (can be summarized) MASCOT LOGO THIS PACKAGE INCLUDES A CUSTOM 1-COLOR AND FULL COLOR VECTOR LION LOGO • Custom 1-color and full color lion mascot logo • 2 Sketch Directions to choose from • 3 round of revisions (Each extra revision will be $50) • Mascot Logo variations exported in all formats requested, including .ai, .eps, .png, .jpeg • Project will begin when 50% is paid upfront (50% paid after you are happy with the final) Payments options: Check by mail (Make payable to Brad Hansen Design, LLC), Venmo, Paypal, or Cash App
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bhansendesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhansendesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-hansen-558bbb53/
- Other: https://dribbble.com/bradhansen
