ARTIST BIO
Benjamin Yelich is a graphic designer based out of Buffalo, New York. He currently works full-time as a Junior Designer for Apparel at New Era Cap. Benjamin graduated from Alfred University with a Bachelor's in Art and Design in May 2023.
Ben knew from an early age that he wanted to go into the art field. When asked what he wanted to be when he grew up as a kindergartener, he strayed away from the traditional firefighter and astronaut answer and instead picked up a crayon and marker to begin his journey as an artist. He could often be found destroying white tee shirts in his younger years by coloring them with permanent markers to make his own custom sports uniforms. Unfortunately, there were only so many tee shirts in a dresser. He was running out of tee shirts that were mother-approved for public wear. This was when his curiosity for sports design turned digital. He learned early graphic design skills with Microsoft Paint and, shortly after, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. He then refined his skills in high school and college.
Through his time as a designer, Benjamin has found many freelance oppoortunities and experiences. In high school, he was leaned on to design shirts for any occasion where custom shirts were needed. In college, he found himself doing gameday graphics for the football team for which he played. He was also the Social Media Director for the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, creating designs to inform the student body of special events and weekly home games! He also designed multiple logos for his friend's local polka band, Captain Tom & the Hooligans.
Benjamin is also very active in the local sports world and music world. He spent his collegiate career playing football for the Alfred University Saxons for four and a half seasons. Ben was the first football player at Alfred University to complete at least four seasons and graduate with a BFA since 2003. He now participates in many adult recreational leagues and coaches the Depew Modified Boys Lacrosse team. He has also participated in many choirs, bands, and other ensembles over his career. His learned instruments are the Piano and the Saxophone family.
Benjamin is uniquely Buffalo bread. He is driven, loyal, and enthusiastic about everything he has been a part of. His goal as an artist is to continue to create life and give people a voice through design within his local communities. He looks to create stories through material, whether it's of the design itself or a piece of clothing passed down through generations because of the memories it creates.
