Blake H.

Blake has been around Islands of Brilliance pretty much from the beginning.  He is one of the original seven mentors that were recruited to work with the first class of students. Like many of our mentors, he found IOB through his connections with agency friends, in this case, Erica Conway at C2 Graphics. “I have nephews and a niece that are on the spectrum so it was a program that I was interested in volunteering for because it was more than just volunteering to network. 

Blake is an illustrator at heart. “I probably grabbed a crayon shortly after a bottle as a kid and have always had an interest in drawing, cartoons, and comics. Throughout the years I have learned digital programs here and there to pay bills, but will always be more at home with my hands.” That said, Blake’s quiet, thoughtful manner and clear command of digital skills have benefited over 20+ students in the 10+ years he has been with IOB.

10+ Years of Meaningful Mentoring

Why is he so successful as a mentor? He understands that “Autism isn't a cookie-cutter thing. As a mentor, you have to be patient and learn how to reach the student at their level. Every student I have worked with has a unique thing.” His patience and understanding often pay off in what we at IOB call “juice.”

This is what juice looks like: “This last session I worked with a student who mainly communicates with a device and gets help from his mother. Each week at the end of the day he would get up and say something that he had written down about what he had learned. The last day of the session he said he was happy to have gotten to meet me. That was pretty heartwarming.”

Beyond that heartwarming moment, Blake explains, “It has been fun to see kids get older and how they have grown working with mentors. I feel like each student has made me a better communicator and more confident as a creative. I think people who are interested in mentoring shouldn't hesitate, volunteering with IOB is more than worth it. It is among the things I am most proud of doing as a creative. It gives my ability to push pixels meaning and purpose beyond selling stuff.”

In the 10 years he has been mentoring at IOB, Blake has also made friends that he cherishes. “Mark and Margaret Fairbanks (IOB’s co-founders) are really good friends and mentors. We had a mutual friend in Minneapolis and some other things in common, so we hit it off right away. Getting a hug from Matt is always great.” (Matt is IOB’s DIrector of Strategic Operations and also one of the original seven mentors.)

It is an understatement to say that Blake has made a difference! 

Samples of Blake’s Creative Work