Meet Stephanie Lask

 

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Lask. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Stephanie, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.

My generosity comes from always seeing the good in people. Always wanting to help people. Always wanting to be a resource, a friend, someone who is kind, and known as such.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a spoken word artist, graphic designer and web designer currently residing in Norfolk, VA.

I have 15 years of performing spoken word and it has taken me places I never imagined, such as large concert stages, big theaters, national slam competitions, and so much more. I host local poetry slams and open mics. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Southern Fried Poetry Slam, Inc.

I have over 20 years of graphic design experience, and close to 15 years of web design experience. With this, I have built websites for small businesses, non-profits, churches, consulting firms, and so much more. I manage numerous websites ranging from e-commerce to informational. I primarily do promotional graphics for events all across Hampton Roads and more.

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?

For poetry, I would have to say that I’m always a student learning something or strengthening my skills. I am always taking a workshop, or sitting in on an info-session to further my skills as it relates to spoken word poetry. I listen to my peers who give advice or feedback on my poems. I had to learn to leave my ego to the side.

For graphics and web design, I learn something almost daily, and I push myself even when the task seems a bit too hard. I don’t give up and if I feel myself giving up, I ask for help. But I always try first!

My advice to anyone who is approaching stage poetry, write and say what’s on your heart. Don’t be afraid to take feedback from others. Continue to learn and you’ll grow in this craft!

My advice to anyone who is considering graphic design/web design, understand that this is a very competitive field, but there is a place for you in it. Your creativity and talent will speak for itself!

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

I struggle with imposter syndrome and I compare myself to my peers a lot. I know they say you shouldn’t do that, but sometimes in the world of art, you can’t help but to do so. Imposter syndrome is definitely a liar, but the voice can be so loud at times it’s crippling.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kit Rose, Marie Whitley

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