Today we’d like to introduce you to Brooke DeLong
Hi Brooke, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My Journey: From Small Town Roots to Creative Ventures
As a kid, I spent most of my time playing sports like soccer, volleyball, basketball, and surfing in a small town in South Jersey, not far from Philadelphia. Creativity was my constant companion, and whenever I had free time, I’d make things—painted seashells, duct tape wallets, rainbow loom bracelets, you name it.
I relocated to San Diego ten years ago for my father’s job. After moving to the volleyball mecca, I decided to pursue my ambition of playing Division I college volleyball. After four years of playing, I resigned from the recruitment process due to coaching and mental health concerns. I needed to reestablish myself as more than just an athlete.
It wasn’t until I went to the University of Arizona that I regained my creative side. In October 2020, I created Club Lucky from my undergraduate apartment, using a leap of faith and some savings to get started. I formally debuted on St. Patrick’s Day 2021, and this enterprise allowed me to not only build but also learn about business—revenue growth, website views, profile clicks, and more.
That summer, I took a break and returned to San Diego to recharge before spending the summer on the East Coast.I did not carry any merchandise or machinery to New Jersey.
During my junior year (’22–’23), I took a break from Club Lucky to concentrate on my studies and friendships. I returned to athletics, where I worked for our football team in recruitment and media for our ACHA D1 hockey program.
My involvement with the hockey team rekindled my creative spirit. I created graphics, Instagram postings, in-game videos, post-period interviews, and walk-in photographs. I quickly switched my major from family studies and human development to sports marketing. This creative activity, especially during my senior year (’23–24), made me realize that I preferred visual design to creating tangible items.
In October ’23, following a big setback with OCD and anxiety, I took a brief leave of absence to reestablish my equilibrium. Picking up Club Lucky again, I relaunched and produced new logos, which lead me to discover my actual passion: graphic design.
During my senior year, I continued to work with our hockey team and used my newfound passion to market them in ways that the University of Arizona had never seen before. Now I assist brands with their graphics and logos, combining my creative abilities with my athletic background to create fresh, innovative ideas.
I graduated from the University of Arizona in May 2024. I’m still running Club Lucky, but I’ve shifted my focus to more graphic design and brand work to demonstrate my abilities. I’m now looking for a career in sports marketing, brand marketing, social media, or graphic design.
A New Chapter:
As I reflect on my journey from a small town in South Jersey to the vibrant city of San Diego, I realize that every step—every difficulty and triumph—has led me here. Rediscovering my creative love through graphic design has been really fulfilling. Club Lucky started as a small undergraduate project and has since grown into a true reflection of my development and resilience. With each new design and collaboration, I am reminded of the importance of adaptability and the power of following one’s passion. The future is bright, and I’m excited to see where this artistic journey will lead me next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Navigating the Bumps: My Journey’s Challenges
My path has been anything but smooth, with numerous bumps along the way. Moving to San Diego was a huge transition, requiring me to acclimate to a new culture and lifestyle. I initially interrupted my artistic efforts to focus on Division 1 college volleyball, only to lose interest in the game, forcing me to re-identify myself as more than just an athlete.
Finding my creative path again in college was a watershed moment, but it also presented new problems. Launching Club Lucky from my undergraduate apartment required a leap of faith, financial risks, and understanding the intricacies of running a business. Balancing studies, friendships, and creative pursuits was an ongoing juggling act.
A substantial setback occurred when I had a severe case of OCD and anxiety. This era was extremely difficult, and I took a brief leave of absence to address my mental health. During this period, I understood how important it was to have a creative outlet to help me clear my mind and maintain my well-being. I am a strong supporter of mental health, but that is a subject for another time.
Despite my hardships, each difficulty has taught me significant lessons about resilience and flexibility. They’ve shaped my journey and lead me to uncover my genuine passion for graphic design, changing challenges into possibilities for advancement.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Embracing Creativity: My Work and Passion
My job is around graphic design, and I specialize in developing visually appealing images that capture the soul of brands and projects. Through my company, Club Lucky, I create logos, graphics, and promotional materials that stand out in a competitive market. I’m most known for my unique ability to combine creativity and smart thinking, ensuring that each design not only looks good but also serves a purpose.
What distinguishes me is my path and the various encounters that have influenced my perspective. From growing up playing multiple sports to rediscovering my artistic path in college, each experience has given me a distinct viewpoint that inspires my work. Working with the University of Arizona’s hockey team gave me the opportunity to explore the convergence of sports and design, improving my talents in creating dynamic, engaging material for a dedicated audience.
I am most proud with Club Lucky’s rebranding. After a period of personal problems, including a severe bout of OCD and anxiety, I took a break and returned with a new perspective. This rebranding not only rejuvenated my business, but also reinforced my dedication to my trade. It displayed my tenacity and adaptability, demonstrating how setbacks may lead to even greater success.
What genuinely differentiates me is my ability to incorporate personal experiences and passions into my work. Whether I’m drawing inspiration from my sports background or my experience with mental health issues, I bring a depth of understanding and honesty to every project. My designs are not only physically stunning, but also emotionally engaging, connecting with viewers in significant ways.
In essence, my work demonstrates the power of creativity, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of growth. Through my creations, I hope to inspire people, demonstrating that with passion and effort, we can achieve absolutely extraordinary results.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
My Love-Hate Relationship with San Diego:
Even though I will always be an East Coast girl at heart, living in San Diego has been a transforming experience, full of memories that have formed who I am now. What I enjoy most about this city is its bright energy and rich culture. San Diego is a city where the sun appears to shine indefinitely, and the beaches provide an ideal respite from the daily grind. The combination of outdoor activities, ranging from surfing to hiking, as well as a lively arts scene and delicious food, produces an exciting and invigorating environment.
I also really love the sense of community here. San Diegans are friendly, hospitable, and always willing to support local activities and businesses. Even though I was new to the city a decade ago, this culture of collaboration and inclusivity made it easy for me to create a network and feel a feeling of belonging.
San Diego, like any other location, has its faults. What I dislike the most is the exorbitant expense of living. This city’s beauty and amenities come at a high cost, making it difficult to locate reasonable home and manage expenses, especially when beginning a new business. Furthermore, due to the city’s fame, it may become rather busy, especially in tourist-heavy areas, making it harder to enjoy the more serene features of San Diego.
Despite these obstacles, San Diego is a city I am happy to call home. The benefits far exceed the drawbacks, and the prospects for personal and professional development are limitless. The city’s dynamic climate continues to drive my creativity and passion, turning every day into an adventure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bdlportfolio.my.canva.site/portfolio
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clublucky777/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@lifesplaybookpodcast/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/brookedelongg/
