Utah Stories

Smug Labs – Laser Creations

Brett Blaisdell combines science and imagination to create works of art.

|


Smug-Labs-Blaisdell-7652
Brett Blaisdell at Smug Labs Photo by Dung Hoang

“I snuck into an art show in Long Beach, and just started selling some boards there. You know, handing out my cards and just trying to get my name out.”  -Brett Blaisdell.

If Brett hadn’t bent the rules a little, we wouldn’t be able to admire all the work that’s resulted in that day’s success.

Brett Blaisdell 31, owns “Smug Labs”,  and calls himself a “Scientist with a laser.” The 31-year old blends his incredible talent and passion for design with the versatility of laser technology. Brett unscientifically refers to his equipment as “a big ass laser”

And what does this scientist create? Intricate graphics that he’s discovered he can apply to almost any material and surface.  “I’d never turn down an idea. I’m always up for it,” says Brett. He transforms intricate vectorized drawings into flat-out phenomenal works of art.  His canvases range from soap bars to motorcycle seats.

Smug-Labs-Blaisdell-7664
Photo by Dung Hoang

Brett started this business about four years ago as Smug Tape. “I was designing grip tape for skateboards. ‘Smug’ just came from being smug about your board – being proud of the personalization.”  When Brett invested in a giant 36 x 24-foot laser, he realized he could expand his talents. In addition to skateboard decks Brett engraves business cards, axe handles and tools, flasks and wallets. Moving forward, he is offering Smug-designed t-shirts and other readymade merchandise.

Brett’s favorite projects, though, are those that require collaboration and creativity. Brett works on projects with both locals and clients as far away as Australia. “They [clients] just bring me the general idea of what they want, and then I pull the idea together. 

About two years ago Brett decided to join Instagram. Amy Luther discovered his work there, and instantly knew his designs were a good investment. Now she and Brett run the company at 1010 N 500 E in Bountiful, with Brett handling the designs and Amy managing the marketing. Business has been good for this duo – and the future looks bright with the potential to do amazing things.Smug-Labs-Blaisdell-7666

Check out Smug Lab’s Instragram and Facebook pages. You won’t regret it.

@smuglabs

www.facebook.com/pages/Smug-Labs/172113019516550

Join our newsletter.
Stay informed.

Related Articles


  • Utah Farmers Markets You May Not Know About

    Support your local farmers & artisans The Wasatch Front and beyond is home to many and varied farmers markets. There is the old and venerable Downtown Farmers Market at Pioneer Park, Wheeler Sunday Market, and Liberty Park Farmers Market. Not to mention all the markets popping up in cities from Brigham City to Moab. Here…


  • The Story of Rosa’s Cafe from Ogden, Utah

    Faced with a devastating loss, one Ogden Restaurant owner persisted.


  • Kizik Makes Waves in Utah with a “Hands Free” Shoe

    Kizik is one of Utah’s fastest-growing companies. Kizik is one of Utah’s fastest-growing companies. Choosing to enter the extremely competitive shoe market didn’t intimidate Mike Pratt, an experienced investor. Pratt’s challenge to his team of engineers was to invent a “hands-free” shoe — no tying required.


  • The Legacy of Johnson Farms

    “Progress” threatens the 100 year legacy of Johnson Farms in Cache Valley. But the family is determined, switching from a dairy farm to more profitable produce farming.