Blangk—the pronounced sound of “blank”—refers to something unmarked, pure, and untouched by words or images. It draws inspiration from the words of sculptor Michelangelo: “The job of the sculptor was to free the forms that were already inside the stone.” At Blangk, our mission is to free daily objects from clutter and excess, returning them to their essential form. Every idea at Blangk begins with a truly blank canvas—a blank piece of paper.
Formerly known as Downstairs Studio, Blangk is a design firm based in Canada. We are dedicated to helping businesses create inspiring branding that elevates their presence. Our expertise spans startup branding, established brand identity, strategic marketing, product and packaging design, spatial design, and interactive experiences.
Our approach is grounded in innovation, thriving on the challenge of solving complex design problems. With a deep passion for industrial design, packaging, and brand identity, we are committed to delivering high-quality service and customized design solutions. From startups to established corporations, we craft strategies that cater to each client’s unique needs.
Whether your project is small or large-scale, Blangk is here to bring your vision to life.
Director
Lenny Ming Lo attended the University of Alberta, where he earned his Bachelor of Design, majoring in Industrial Design, in 2005. He founded Blangk, a design and marketing firm, shortly after. His designs have been recognized by numerous magazines around the world and won several international awards. He helped Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta win their first Innovation Award in 2013.
Designer / Illustrator
Sae Shigeto received her Bachelor of Design, majoring in Industrial Design, from the University of Alberta in 2008. She and Lenny Ming Lo designed the Pilo-Pilo ring together, which won first place in the IDA 2009 design competition in Los Angeles. Sae’s design work has been published and is recognized by the international design community.
Designer / Illustrator
Kazuko graduated from the Tokyo Woman’s Christian University and has had years of advertising experience. She has a strong passion for design and loves spending her spare time exploring the historic architecture, signage, and font designs around the city.
Designer
Ricardo received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Alberta. He has a unique approach and enjoys experimenting with different media in his work. His passion for art/design has enabled him to constantly challenge himself and create something creative for our clients.
Designer / Illustrator
Shizuka graduated from Musashino Art University in Japan. She is an illustrator and her works have been exhibited across Japan. She enjoys music and loves to find inspiration for her art from around the city.
Account Executive
Hailing from the University of Alberta, Neil is an account executive with a demonstrated history of meeting clients’ expectations. He loves food and likes to spend his time experimenting with different varieties of ingredients to make unique dishes for his family and friends. His other hobbies include playing guitar and karaoke.
Social Media Strategist
Sanie was born and raised in Hong Kong, later moving to Canada to receive her degree at Simon Fraser University. She specializes in creative content development, social media, advertising, analytics reporting, and communications. She is a food lover and constantly explores great restaurants around the world.
Programmer
Renato Teodosio has been a computer programmer since the age of 11, motivated to learn by his passion for Mega Man. In his spare time, he enjoys reading manga and watch animation.
Designer / Copywriter
Gordon Wong is a technical-creative copywriter, copy-editor, and account manager. He is also an interaction designer, creating innovative interfaces for software and websites.