A Creative Hybrid
Born in Flint, Michigan U.S.A. in 1981 – Brock Willsey is a Product Designer, Creative Director, Photographer and Artist.
Past
Born into unusual circumstances, I was brought up in a small cult-like church in the blue collar city of Flint, Michigan. At 16 years of age I was formally kicked out of the church - in hindsight a critical and pivotal turning point in my life.
At the age of 21 I started a design and studio label known as Vividbraille, building it to considerable prominence. This gave me the chance to work with some amazing brands like Y-3, Adidas, Public School NYC, Vans, Saucony Elite, Duluth Bags, and Opening Ceremony.
Today
Today I design and consult with companies and startups helping solve business problems with various creative solutions. Sectors I have worked in include Technology, Architecture, Fashion, Automotive, Cyber Security, and Finance. I take a very goal oriented approach to my work. I have worked with clients from all over the world and have mastered the art of working remotely – providing exceptional work and immediate response. I continue to gain a great sense of inspiration and understanding through my environment, the people I meet and the places I visit. I’m currently splitting my time between Chicago, Mexico City and Milan. I have worked with corporate and startup clients like Cyberhedge, AT Kearney, 5thColumn, Lincoln Motor Company, Alvarez & Marsal and Mount Gay Rum.
Design Philosophy
I don’t believe there are any magical ingredients to good design, I believe it comes from persistent hard work and a continual effort to make products that users find easy and enjoyable to use. Good design is not limited to the final product but the entire process from start to finish, to get to the final solution. User testing and feedback is one of the most important ingredients to good design and should always be the central focus. I take a relentless approach to my work willing to explore every option possible to find the proper solution for the project, constantly tearing down and building projects back up in order to explore and understand every aspect of the required venture. Good design takes into consideration financial resources, time restraints, human resource restraints and other variables and delivers a solution that meets or exceeds client expectations.
Product Designer
A large portion of my focus today is spent on product design. I enjoy designing and consulting with companies and startups, helping them launch amazing new products. My work includes full scope UX design, UI design, User Testing, and Prototyping. I’m interested in working with companies that are driven by understanding how design can impact the success of their business.
Consultant
Every project I take on presents its own set of unique challenges - the proper solution for one company or project might be different for another. I’ve provided my expertise to numerous companies and clients as a consultant to help them minimize mistakes and to keep a project on track. I’ve filled in for companies as a fractional creative executive overseeing a creative team while they are getting through a round of funding or a phase in their startup’s growth cycle. I’m passionate about finding and developing those spaces within my work with clients where design and strategy meet, offering bespoke solutions for each project.
Architectural Photographer
I’m passionate about architecture, interior design and the spaces we inhabit in general and have been able to channel that passion into a variety of projects. I shoot both commercial and residential and my lens of choice when photographing architecture is the Canon Tilt Shift 17mm. I take my equipment with me no matter where I am working in the world, whether it is for research, capturing inspiration or shooting projects.