Life & Work with Lavae Vason

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lavae Vason.

Hi Lavae, 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.
Hey, my name is Lavae Vason, and I am an artist hailing from Cleveland, Ohio. I am the proud founder of the Illington clothing brand and Lavae Studio LLC. Art has always been a passion of mine, starting from a young age when I would draw characters from my favorite TV shows like Dragonball Z, Pokémon, Naruto, and WWF. However, it wasn’t until my senior year of high school that I truly began to consider pursuing art as a lifelong career. I was unsure of my plans after high school, but a friend introduced me to the work of Artist Glen, the founder of ILTHY, and it sparked my interest in graphic design. I reached out to him, and he shared his journey, which inspired me to study graphic design at Bowling Green State University. 

Illustration came naturally to me, and I drew inspiration from vintage advertising posters of movies like James Bond 007, Black Dynamite, and Frankenstein, as well as 90s graphic tees. 

In 2018, feeling stagnant and uninspired, I made the decision to move to Atlanta, and it turned out to be a transformative experience. I found a sense of home in Atlanta and began gaining more clients for creative projects. My career as a graphic designer led me to the agency industry, where I had the opportunity to work on a wide range of exciting projects. I have been fortunate to collaborate with notable companies such as Red Bull, Puma, Coca-Cola, Twitter, Balmain, LVMH, Nike, and Chase Bank, among others. 

Working in agencies not only pushed me to new levels of thinking but also helped me become more social and outgoing. I learned the importance of networking and marketing oneself in order to succeed in this industry. It’s crucial to put yourself out there and make connections because you never know who may be watching or who can open doors for you. By consistently marketing myself, you can reached a point where clients now come to you, eliminating the need for you to chase after them. 

Overall, my journey has been a fulfilling one, and I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to showcase my artistic skills and connect with like-minded individuals. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all. Despite having some recognition in Cleveland, I lacked the knowledge and skills to effectively network and promote myself. I would attend art events and pop-up shows, only to be asked why I wasn’t participating as a vendor. This constant feeling of being overlooked still persists today. When I first relocated to Atlanta, I faced numerous distractions and unresolved emotions that hindered my progress. I remained unemployed for the first two years, relying on sporadic short-term contracts to sustain myself financially. I firmly believe in trusting God’s timing and being open to the bigger picture. Although my journey was uncomfortable and filled with setbacks, it ultimately shaped me into a better version of myself. I learned valuable lessons from my mistakes and the doors that remained closed. God has a way of removing what is not meant to move forward. Even now, I catch myself rushing and questioning the purpose of the chapters I enter, seeking to understand the messages and lessons He is trying to convey. 

” Everything happens for a reason. So, no matter what, always keep moving. ” – Coodie 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have a diverse range of skills and interests in the art world. I am well-known for my Illustration artwork and my clothing brand, Illington. After moving to Atlanta in 2018, I ventured into the marketing industry, utilizing my graphic design skills. Working in the agency field has brought me joy, as I enjoy the variety of projects and the opportunity for growth. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of connecting with insightful, creative, and supportive individuals, which has helped me establish my own clientele outside of my regular job. I have had the opportunity to collaborate with notable companies such as Red Bull, Puma, X (Twitter), NBA, Men’s NCAA Basketball, and more, which has been incredibly fulfilling. Seeing my work come to life and creating art that leaves a lasting impact brings me immense joy. The idea for Illington originated during my time in college at BGSU. I have always had a passion for fashion and drew inspiration from artists such as Pharrell Williams, Nigo, A$AP Rocky, Jerry Lorenzo, and Kanye West. Creating a clothing brand has always been a part of my plan, as I wanted to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for creativity. I believe that apparel can serve as a conversation starter, and that is what I aim to achieve with Illington. 

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I have had the privilege of working with talented students at Centennial Academy Charter School, where I have been assisting them in expressing their creative ideas and cultivating an entrepreneurial mindset. In our classes, we focus on teaching them the process of creating, marketing, and strategizing their own clothing brand. It is incredibly rewarding to guide them through the entire journey, from sketching their logos and designs to digitizing them and printing them onto apparel. This is a passion of mine, as there is nothing quite like witnessing the potential of the next generation of creators and being able to share knowledge and information to help them achieve their goals. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lavaestudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavae_own/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lvason1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lamar-vason-2b9a88168/
• Other: www.lifeofillington.com