Ever heard the expression ‘get a grip?’  Well that is exactly what Stephen did when he designed one of his first logos as an independent graphic designer. The Grip is a ninja gym located in Washington, Utah. (https://thegripfitness.com/) 




​The Ninja Grip is owned by Stephen’s brother, Brian. Stephen and Brian come from a family of ten children. Brian arrived as child #6 and Stephen as #7. We will let you decide if 7 is lucky or not, Katie argues it is.  There are some definite signs of talent that flow through the Beckstrand blood. This gym isn’t called ninja for nothing. Brian, his wife Holly, son, Kai, and daughter, Bailey are all Ninja Warriors. No, we aren’t kidding. In fact, Kai was named American Ninja Warrior Junior Champion in December 2018 for the 11-12 year old bracket. How cool is that? Known for his signature mohawk, Kai battles through the everyday life associated with type I diabetes to show incredible discipline and strength. Talk about powerful lessons to be learned from one determined young man.

Kai’s backyard is literally a ninja warrior course. That’s right, the Beckstrands’ turned their backyard into a training facility and paradise for any ninja loving kid. This is something both Brian and Stephen learned from their own childhood. Having a backyard that fosters athletics, competition, sibling and even neighborhood rivalry comes naturally to both Brian and Stephen. Growing up, they had a pool, basketball court, and even a baseball field converted over their mom’s garden. Who needs vegetables when you can have fierce competition?
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That passion built Brian, ninja warrior and Stephen, graphic designer. Okay, it built eight other great kids, probably some broken bones, a few other scratches and bruises, and probably a bruised ego or two. Nonetheless, that same determination and dedication has built The Grip and Stranded Studio. Stephen was able to capture the vision Brian had for his gym, his competitive spirit, and his legacy already passed down to his own children. Holding tight to everything he holds near and dear; gripping the obstacles that stand between a competitor and his victory, gripping the reality of success that comes with hard work is behind that logo. Everyone who walks in that gym or sees that logo can appreciate what a good grip can accomplish.  And no one saw that better than Stephen.

On Monday mornings, you can find Stephen working out with a purpose-driven group of men in Wake Forest. Standing for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith, Stephen found an outlet for his workout passion as well as a brotherhood whose creed is: “Leave no man behind, but leave no man where you find him”.

Based on his skill set in design and animation as well as his large family, Stephen is fondly known as ‘Roger Rabbit’. While his physical characteristics don’t exactly match the animated bunny, he is full of life and quite witty. Maybe one day, we will see Stephen designing, directing, and starring in his own animated/human film. Until then, we will have to be content seeing Stephen out in the community and not on the silver screen.

Working out is an awesome way to live stranded. Not only does it relieve stress, make you feel good and look great; it builds friendships and healthy habits. Fitness revolves around discipline and goal setting. Moving forward requires both of those attributes. When Stephen first heard of this ex-military group based out of Charlotte, NC, he was intrigued. That curiosity led Stephen to find the local Wake Forest workout location of F3. Now he makes it part of his weekly routine. Finding friends and neighbors with similar interests is a great way to build relationships in your community. It is also a great way to share the things you enjoy.

​Stephen is passionate about fitness in just about any form. In fact, he has been known to participate in zombie runs at panic point. (https://www.raleighhauntedhouse.com/). Will he eventually get caught by a zombie or can he escape? Follow him on instagram @stay_stranded to find out. He is always up for a challenge. So challenge him with your design needs. Live Stranded. Stay Stranded. ​