Behind the intriguing company name Maniake is none other than Björn Svensson, (by some) also known as AKE. An art director and designer brimming with experience, I have carved a lengthy career in visual/motion design and to some degree, also made it as a mural artist.
I confess, my journey started a bit later than usual. Post high school, I aspired to step into the advertising world. My plan was to secure an internship at an agency in my hometown, Helsingborg, while independently learning crucial software.
Regrettably, despite the abundance of agencies—both big and small—in Helsingborg, I struggled to land an internship. I reached out to as many agencies as I could find in the Yellow Pages—yes, this was before the internet era. My scope was much more limited than what it eventually became for all of us.
In the fall of the early 21st century, I embarked on my journey studying art and design in England. This initial "foundation year" was followed by a three-year Bachelor of Art program in Graphic Communication in the delightful city of Cardiff, Wales. After earning my degree, I made the strategic move to London to chase my dreams and career prospects. Subsequently, I worked my way up in TV for a number of years, both in London and later Stockholm.
Throughout my early years and professional journey, I have been continually drawn to graffiti. Leveraging spray paint as my primary medium, I have pursued this art form for nearly three decades, honing my artistic and technical skills along the way.
Having returned to Helsingborg after fifteen years, I've struggled (and failed) to build a career out of my passion for mural art. This website serves as a platform to connect with potential clients, offering my expertise in various creative areas, notably visual design, motion design as well as spraycan art.