Rising Stars: Meet Mark West of Tucson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark West.

Hi Mark, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I have lived at least several different lives—doing various things, such as adventuring/traveling and teaching, and being an artist, writer, musician, and performer. Currently, I live in Tucson, AZ, and work and live in my home studio as a graphic designer, illustrator, fine artist, writer, and recording artist. I came to this place via a childhood in upstate New York and eventually traveled to Colorado, Washington state, California, and now Tucson. In addition to a graphic designer and college graphic design teacher career, I have also been a facilitator and training developer (AKA instructional design). I have found the home I always dreamed of in the beautiful southwest. I run with the lizards regularly here.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have been many struggles, and they have all made me who I am today. I came to live in Tucson after a challenging divorce. While originally part-time and traveling between our other property in Seattle, I was, in the end, meant to be in Tucson full-time and augment my life here with travel. I am so grateful for the desert and all its unique properties. The skies alone would entice anyone! I had also struggled as a consultant for approximately ten years. The only struggle was the “transitory” nature of business relationships, as I have always preferred to have the opportunity to nurture longer-term relationships (both personal and professional), as the depth makes life richer. Depth can be challenging for someone who likes variety and enjoys many things. So, my biggest challenge? Like many people, it is finding “balance” or at least a “flow” to life that feels natural and energizing. I finally feel like I am “coming into my own” that way!

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am most proud of how I work with people, meeting them “where they are” and establishing a relationship where they feel heard and their creative needs are met—and hopefully exceeded! Sometimes, it’s hard for me to say I “specialize” in anything, as I bring a unique perspective to the table that incorporates experiences in many areas. Perhaps this is why I enjoy graphic design so much. It has allowed me to bring my illustration, photography, writing, and even sound skills to my design work. I especially have enjoyed a focus on form and line, creating logos and typography through dynamic and engaging movement. So, above all, my unique experiences and perspectives make me unique. I leverage graphic design skills in magazine publishing, game design, textile design, web design, interactive design, presentation design, and infographics design. In addition to that, I have worked with a huge range of organizations that have allowed me to focus and fine-tune my systemic, creative, and problem-solving consulting abilities to achieve the results clients and organizations are looking for. I have practiced with many organizations, large and small, including Microsoft, The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Boeing, Lockheed Martin Space, and more recently, World at Work. But really, it’s the one-on-one interactions that I enjoy the most.

What matters most to you?
While results matter the most to me, it’s more about discovering what makes clients tick and potentially even unearthing needs they may not realize they have until we have a good conversation. In addition, I want to bring more value to what people do in their lives, amplifying their intentions and purpose. When I bring value to the work of others, I value my abilities as well. The service component means so much to me—and the discoveries while working together. But of course, I always want to do my very best for clients—I have become a bit of a perfectionist over the years!

Pricing:

• I offer both art and sound products and services. My art is available in different sizes on my website, and my design services will vary based on the project. Call or email for a consultation!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.markwestart.com
• Instagram: mark_west_art
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mark.d.west.9/
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/markwestdesignpro

Image Credits
All photography is copyrighted by Mark D. West