Brutally Human
// Design Studio Led by Stanley Vaganov
Hello I am Stanley
// INTRO
I am a designer and educator. For the past 19 years, I‘ve been collaborating with the world's most impactful companies to empower founding teams to deliver exceptional product designs and guide business leaders in crafting inspiring brands.
When I am not busy teaching I can be found either in the airport traveling to my next destination or obsessively working on my initiatives Sentinotes, NoShelter, or BeCurious - a closed-door innovation studio.
I am available for collaborative design projects, speaking engagements, and private workshops. I offer both independent and integrated services within your organization. For big projects, I bring my A-team.
I design under the name of Brutally Human.
001. AN INTRODUCTION
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 SUCH 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, and collaborate with folks who are racist, ageist, and sexist.
003. NON-NEGOTIABLES
004. SELECTED WORKS 2005-2024
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.
Selected Clients
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.
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.
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!
