Stanley Vaganov is a creative director working at the intersection of brand, product, and emotion. For over two decades, he’s helped visionary teams build identities and experiences that move people.

001. AN INTRODUCTION

I’ve spent the last 20 years helping founders and teams build brands and products that actually mean something, not just look good or function well.

What drives me is simple: clarity, emotion, and work that holds up over time. I care about the feeling behind what we’re making, and the impact it leaves when we’re done.

I go by Brutally Human because I aim for design that’s honest, intentional, and built with people in mind.

Black and white portrait of a man wearing glasses and a dark turtleneck.

The name Brutally Human reflects my direct, no-nonsense approach to creativity. I believe brutal honesty sparks progress. Yet, I also recognize the human element in all creations—full of flaws, inspirations, and egos. At all times, we must remember that our work impacts other humans.

002. WHY THE WEIRD NAME?

As I evolve I attune more and more to my inner voice. Through the years this compass has guided me to the top of my game and helped pull me out of the depths of mental hell. I’ve learned to trust it. Some of the things it tells me not to do, so I won’t:

Sacrifice personal health, allow negativity into my space, listen to bystanders who have no skin in the game, jeopardize my artistic integrity for profit, work with companies that only care about cashflow, or collaborate with folks who are racist, ageist, and sexist.

003. NON-NEGOTIABLES

004. SELECTED WORKS 2005-2025

Nearly two decades of creative work with companies such as Microsoft, Lincoln, Rio 2016 Olympics, Medscape, TedMed, McGill University, Telus, The Harris Poll, Bloomberg LP, Rachael Ray, Adobe, Yelp, PGA Partners, Engel & Völkers, FIFA and Geico. Specializing in web and app design, branding, product design, and user experience.

20250401_1108_Concrete-Adorned Porsche 911_simple_compose_01jqryadz4fbqbm83pev5b3fg1.png
Large outdoor advertisement on a building in an urban area, featuring a smiling person and the text "It’s good to feel with friends." The ad is for a brand called Sentinotes. Several cars are on the street in front of the building.
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Three smartphones displaying a minimalist app interface with text and graphs related to life progress and the "Department of Time." The screens include titles and detailed lists, with one screen showing a circular dots progress chart indicating 54% c
Laptop displaying a fitness coaching platform interface with profiles of coaches on the screen, placed on a textured surface.
Two open laptops with white keyboards on a white surface, one displaying an image of a person wearing gold bracelets.
Five smartphones displaying Bloomberg app interface with news articles, stock market data, and navigation menus.
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Person holding smartphone displaying a social app interface with profiles and events.
Two white smartphones displaying TEDMED content on a red background.
Person applying a sugar scrub to their shoulder.
Building with a billboard featuring a person exercising on a stationary bike and the text 'Platforme 6610 Ensemble, Plus Fort.'
Hand interacting with a laptop touchscreen displaying a close-up image of a parrot with colorful feathers.
Person wearing a smartwatch displaying a "Happy" message with a small profile picture.
Person wearing a blue satin shirt and gold bracelets on their wrists.
Two people holding and displaying a bottle of "Harmony Hydrating Oil." The focus is on their faces and the skincare product.
Person holding a tablet displaying a mood tracking app with percentages indicating 25% happy and 75% stressed
Soccer goalpost at night in a stadium with a digital overlay of a Medscape article about doping in sports.
Two smartphones displaying a meeting scheduling app interface, showing calendar dates and meeting details with options for setting meeting times.
Gray luxury sedan with modern design, prominent grille, and stylish headlights.
Two smartphones displaying financial data and charts on white geometric surfaces.
Two smartphones displaying a car dealership app with a yellow sports car at the top. The screen shows options for selecting local dealers to provide quotes, with a search bar for address or zip code and a list of dealership names and addresses in New
Open laptop displaying a health-related website, with teal and green capsules scattered beside it on a white surface.
Close-up of a golf club and yellow Pinnacle golf ball on grass, with the text 'Big Game' and logo.
Person holding smartphone displaying an app interface with workout classes featuring categories like Recommended, Cardio, and Strength.
ChatGPT Image Apr 12, 2025, 07_14_15 AM.png
Collage of law firm website pages featuring news articles, firm information, and legal services.
Floating open laptop displaying a real estate investment website interface.
Two white smartphones displaying an investment app interface with real estate listings on a light background.
Person holding a laptop displaying a webpage about bankruptcy and creditors' rights, including articles and images, with a coffee cup on the table.
Woman performing yoga seated twist pose on television screen, with a tablet and smartphone displaying MyVictory workout platform advertisement in the foreground.
Logos of Microsoft, TELUS Health, Medscape, McGill University, Marina B, The Harris Poll, and TEDMED.

Selected Clients

Latest News

C2 CONFERENCE TALK

MONTREAL, CANADA

MAY 20, 2024

A hand holding a smartphone displaying a mood tracking app screen on a purple background. The app shows an icon of a person and the word 'Happy' with a circular highlight and text indicating a positive status update.
Urban street scene with beige banner reading 'The Human Experience' and brick building, overcast sky.
Logos for HXOUSE, Artscape Daniels Launchpad, Hotsauce, The Futur, large stylized W, NYU torch symbol, blank rectangle, and Capital Factory gear with star.

Favorite Talks

006. TALKS & APPEARANCES

Engaging in deep, thought-provoking conversations is one of my greatest passions. I love learning and sharing knowledge. If you have an event, conference, or workshop where I can contribute, please reach out. I’m eager to support meaningful discussions.

BOOK ME


TECHBBQ, COPENHAGEN DENMARK SEPT 11 2024: One Giant Leap - GET TICKETS


SLUSH, HELSINKI FINLAND 2023: Connecting over Sentinotes

HOTSAUCE CONFERENCE, NYC 2023: Leading teams with empathy workshop

CAPITOL FACTORY, AUSTIN 2023: How to pitch your ideas

THE BRAND SHIFT, MONTREAL 2023: How to turn your business into a brand

REVTHINK PODCAST ROUNDTABLE 2022: Roundtable discussion as to how we can overcome injustice with creativity

THE FUTUR PRO NETWORK 2022: Sharing success stories with Stanley Vaganov, founder of BeCurious studio and NoShetler.

DESIGN FOR PEACE 2022/CANCELLED: Fundraiser conversation with Stanley & Dot Lung

CREATIVE AGENCY SUMMIT 2021: Talk with design experts in the field of Design, Marketing and Advertisement.

LAUNCHPAD, TORONTO 2021: How to setup portfolio that gets you noticed. Workshop for creatives.

LAUNCHPAD, TORONTO 2021: How to build an app workshop for creatives and entrepreneurs.

NYU TANDON, NYC 2021: School of Engineering presents: A conversation with Stanley Vaganov - How to run a successful agency.

My Process

007. MOVE FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE

Inspired by design sprints, my creative process breaks big goals into small, achievable tasks. By testing quick solutions with the intended audience, we swiftly tackle any challenge. This method has become so popular that I created a master course on it. Join thousands of people worldwide and discover the secrets of my process for successful idea launches.

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008. IN PERSON OR OFFSITE

I thrive in the comfort of my cozy studio, but I go bonkers for travel adventures and connecting with fascinating people and organizations. Whether on-site or off-site, I'm always game! Plus, I'm an excellent host, so come meet me and my team at my NYC studio for some high-energy experience!

BOOK ME

Person sitting in a sunlit room by a window with potted plants, wearing a cap, looking out towards the cityscape.
Interior view of a room featuring a wooden table and chairs with large windows revealing an urban building exterior with fire escapes.
Facade of a historic building with arched windows and classical architectural details.
Sunlit room with large windows, featuring wooden floors, a rustic table with chairs, a comfortable armchair, a side table with potted plants, and a ladder with a blanket draped over it.
Man in white shirt writing in a notebook at desk with laptop and book."