Stephen Wanek’s Career Portfolio

Welcome — I’m Stephen Wanek, a creative professional working at the intersection of graphic design, studio art, and photography. My work spans both traditional and digital media, combining a strong design foundation with a deep appreciation for artistic expression. I value clean, effective visual communication and strive to create work that is both refined and impactful.

Alongside growing in my own craft, I’m passionate about supporting emerging artists and fostering creativity in others. I’m especially invested in mentorship, youth development, and encouraging artistic growth within community settings.

As a Christian, I view creativity as a gift with the potential to serve and inspire others. My experience working in ministry has informed my commitment to creating meaningful, value-driven work — both in the church and in broader creative spaces. I’m especially passionate about mentoring youth and young adults, helping them grow creatively and personally, encouraging them to develop both their artistic skills and their sense of identity.

This site features a selection of my recent work and offers a deeper look into the creative and professional values that guide my practice.

Current Career

Snapshot

Oregonian by birth, I now live in Norfolk Virginia, after having worked in Northern California for 7 years. I am currently seeking further education and vocational training to transition into the education field, with the intent to teach art at the secondary level. Prior to this move, I had been serving at Pathway Church in Redding California at a local church as a Pastor.

It has been exciting to be able to utilize my graphic design skills in my ministry contexts as I work with teens and young adults as well contribute my time and ability to other local ministries and businesses over these pasts years in Redding, but I am excited for a new chapter in life and change in careers. I look forward to being able to begin to practice art more regularly for myself as an artist, while entering the education field to be able to grow the passion of young artists, and be able to build up young minds in their academics, and in themselves as they grow in who they are.

Experience & Perspective

Studio Art & Graphic Design

  • Work across studio art, graphic design, and photography blends traditional techniques with modern visual communication. From hand-drawn illustration and digital design to photographic composition, each piece is shaped by a commitment to strong aesthetics, intentional design, and visual clarity.


    Click the picture above to view my portfolio.

Christian Ministry Experience

  • Serving in the church provides a unique opportunity to lead with purpose, grow through community, and invest deeply in the lives of others. I have been privileged to serve in pastoral leadership, youth and young adult ministries—including middle school, high school, and young careers—as well as guest services, hospitality, and facilities. These experiences have shaped how I mentor, lead, and create with intention, and they inform a purpose-driven, people-focused approach to creative work and community engagement.


    Click the picture above to read more about my ministry work experience.

About Me

  • Relationships with both immediate and chosen loved ones play a central role in shaping values, identity, and creative expression. The connections I share with family and close friends are a vital source of support and inspiration, helping to guide both my personal growth and professional work. These experiences foster integrity, compassion, and resilience.


    Click the picture above to read more about my life and family.

Let’s Get in Touch!

If you’d like to get in touch, I’d be happy to hear from you. I'm available to answer questions about my creative work, ministry experience, or anything else you’ve come across on this site. Clear and respectful communication is important to me, and I do my best to respond in a timely and thoughtful manner. Feel free to use the contact form on this page to reach out — I appreciate you taking the time to visit my site and would love the chance to connect with you.

-Stephen Wanek