We recently connected with Denzel Starks and have shared our conversation below.
Denzel, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
Feeling like life’s got you down? Trust me, I’ve been there. I’ve spent most of my life in survival mode, but I’ve learned that there’s no benefit in overthinking things. Why waste time crying over spilled milk? Instead, get up and try again.
Every challenge we face has a purpose – it’s either a valuable lesson or a hidden blessing. Keep moving forward with confidence, and you’ll discover where your strength truly comes from. It’s all about perseverance and a positive mindset.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Lionz Den is not just a graphic design and branding powerhouse; it’s a brand that has made its mark alongside some of the most recognizable names in the industry. Our work has been proudly associated with major figures like Tabitha Brown, Beyoncé, K. Michelle, and Anthony Anderson. We’ve also collaborated with leading brands such as Ampro Gel, Cadillac, Xfinity, UPS, and many more.
What makes Lionz Den truly special is our ability to blend creativity with strategy, bringing the same level of passion and dedication to each project, whether it’s for a global superstar or a local business. Our 17 years of experience have equipped us with the skills to create designs that not only stand out but also connect deeply with audiences.
At Lionz Den, we believe in crafting experiences, not just visuals. Our work with these top-tier clients is a testament to our commitment to excellence, innovation, and the power of bold, authentic branding. When you choose Lionz Den, you’re choosing a brand that has been trusted by some of the best in the business—and we’re ready to make your brand roar just as loud.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I will say; Creative Vision, Strategic Thinking, and Client Collaboration.
One of the most impactful qualities in Lionz Den’s journey has been our creative vision. Having a clear and bold vision allows you to consistently deliver innovative and standout designs. To develop this, immerse yourself in diverse creative environments—explore different cultures, art forms, and design trends. Don’t be afraid to push boundaries and experiment. The more you expose yourself to various influences, the more you’ll hone your unique creative style.
Early in your journey, dedicate time to building a portfolio that reflects your creative identity. Take on projects, even personal ones, that challenge you to think outside the box. Also, seek feedback from peers and mentors to refine your approach and ensure that your vision resonates with others.
Strategic thinking is essential to ensure that creativity aligns with business goals. At Lionz Den, understanding how design impacts brand identity and audience perception has been key to our success. It’s not just about making something look good—it’s about making sure it works for the brand.
Start by educating yourself on the business side of branding and marketing. Read up on case studies, attend workshops, and stay informed about industry trends. Practice by setting objectives for each project you work on, and evaluate how well your designs meet those goals. Over time, this will help you develop the ability to create designs that are not only visually appealing but also strategically effective.
Building strong relationships with clients through collaboration has been another cornerstone of Lionz Den’s journey. Understanding client needs, communicating effectively, and being open to feedback have allowed us to deliver designs that exceed expectations.
Early on, focus on developing your communication and interpersonal skills. Learn to listen actively and ask the right questions to fully understand client expectations. Be transparent about your process, and establish a collaborative environment where clients feel comfortable sharing their ideas and feedback. This will not only improve the quality of your work but also help you build lasting relationships with clients.
By nurturing these qualities—creative vision, strategic thinking, and client collaboration—you can set yourself up for long-term success in the world of graphic design and branding.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
When it comes to choosing between going all in on your strengths or working to be more well-rounded, I believe the smartest move is to lean into what you do best while improving the areas that truly matter.
Why Focus on Strengths?
Your strengths are your superpowers—the things that set you apart and make you exceptional. By focusing on them, you can reach levels of mastery that not only differentiate you but also bring you the most satisfaction. At Lionz Den, our strength is creating bold, standout designs. By doubling down on this, we’ve been able to make a name for ourselves, attracting big names like Beyoncé and Cadillac. We didn’t try to be everything to everyone; we honed what we’re best at, and it paid off in a big way.
Why Improve Weaknesses?
Now, that doesn’t mean you should ignore your weaknesses. If there’s something that could hold you back from reaching your full potential, it’s worth putting in the effort to improve it. For us, that meant enhancing our strategic thinking. We knew that if our designs were going to make an impact, we needed to understand our client’s business goals better. So, we invested time in learning and refining that skill, which in turn made our strengths even stronger.
Finding the Balance
It’s all about balance. Play to your strengths and let them shine, but don’t let weaknesses trip you up. Focus on what makes you great, and fine-tune the areas that could be holding you back. It’s this combination that will set you up for long-term success.
Think of it like Michael Jordan. He was already an incredible scorer, but he knew his defense needed work. Instead of just sticking to what he was good at, he put in the effort to improve his defense, becoming one of the most complete players in history. He played to his strengths while making sure his weaknesses didn’t hold him back.
So, go ahead and bet on yourself. Master what you’re great at, but don’t ignore the areas that could slow you down. That’s how you win the game—confidently and completely.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lionzden.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lionzden.co/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lionzden.co
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lionzdenco
Image Credits
Erica Dunlap Photography (ericadunlap.com)
