Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Lukas.
Hi Shane, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My creative journey has always been inseparable from my commitment to advocacy and social change. From an early age, I was captivated by the power of stories—how the right message, shared with empathy and honesty, can spark real transformation. Early in my career, I was fortunate to work with both national brands and as an activist within grassroots organizations. Those experiences taught me the art of balancing bold ideas with a deep respect for people’s lived realities.
After more than two decades in creative strategy, I recognized a gap in the industry: there were few agencies truly prioritizing empathy, equity, and inclusion alongside exceptional design. That realization inspired me to found A Great Idea. I envisioned a studio where creativity and advocacy wouldn’t be at odds, but would fuel each other. As a queer creative strategist, it was crucial to build a space that reflected my values and amplified underrepresented voices.
Over the past ten years, we’ve grown from a passionate North Carolina team into a trusted partner for mission-driven organizations nationwide. We’ve helped nonprofits, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups clarify their message, elevate their visual identity, and forge deeper connections with the communities they serve. Through it all, we remain anchored in our belief that design—when led by empathy and purpose—can be a catalyst for meaningful change. Our story is one of resilience, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference, one project at a time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey of building A Great Idea has been equal parts triumph and challenge. As a queer-owned, values-driven agency, we’ve navigated an industry that hasn’t always centered equity or inclusion. One of our biggest hurdles has been educating clients and partners about the value of empathy-led design—sometimes requiring tough but necessary conversations about authentic representation and the deeper purpose behind creative work.
Resource limitations have also been a constant challenge. As a small agency, we don’t always have the same access to funding, talent, or networks as larger firms. Recruiting top-notch designers—especially those skilled in complex tools like InDesign or multi-page layout—has pushed us to be inventive and resourceful.
We’ve also had to advocate for our approach in spaces where traditional, transactional business models still dominate. Still, each struggle has strengthened us. We’ve learned to lean into our values, to be resilient and adaptive, and to build partnerships with clients who genuinely share our mission. The road hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been deeply rewarding, shaping us into a more innovative, compassionate, and purpose-driven agency. Every challenge has been a reminder of why we do this work—and why it matters.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about A Great Idea?
A Great Idea specializes in content-driven, empathy-led creative solutions for mission-driven organizations. Our services range from brand identity and web design to annual reports, digital campaigns, and high-caliber website development. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity and equity. We don’t just create for our clients—we create with them, ensuring their voices, values, and lived experiences are at the heart of every project. Our process is highly collaborative and transparent, focused on building long-term relationships over transactional engagements.
We’re recognized for our clean, minimal aesthetic and our ability to distill complex ideas into clear, compelling visuals and messaging. Our clients—nonprofit, healthcare, and education leaders—come to us when they need to inspire action and build lasting connections. I’m especially proud of the measurable impact our work has had: from helping grassroots organizations expand their base of supporters to launching campaigns that advance social justice. Our team’s foundation in activism and advocacy, combined with award-winning creative expertise, allows us to deliver solutions that are not only beautiful, but truly impactful. That’s what makes A Great Idea unique in the creative landscape.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about our city is its vibrant sense of community and the resilience of its people. There’s a spirit of collaboration here—across business, the arts, and advocacy—that’s genuinely rare. The diversity of perspectives and backgrounds fuels creativity and helps us tackle challenges in innovative ways. I’m energized by how the city embraces new ideas and is always evolving, creating space for growth and meaningful connection.
I also find deep fulfillment serving on the Orange County Human Relations Commission, where I help celebrate local activists through the annual Rev. Dr. Pauli Murray Awards. It’s especially meaningful to honor a queer changemaker like them through this legacy event—work that echoes what we do each week as co-hosts of A Great Idea’s Power Beyond Pride podcast which can be found on all the streaming platforms.
On the flip side, I wish we could do more to break down the persistent barriers that marginalized voices still face in the creative industry. While we’ve made progress, there’s more to be done to ensure everyone—regardless of background, identity, or experience—has equal access to opportunities and resources. Systemic obstacles sometimes make it tough for smaller, values-driven agencies to compete with larger, established firms. Still, I’m optimistic. By continuing to advocate for inclusion and equity, we can help make our city an even better place for creative professionals and changemakers alike.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://agreatidea.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/weareagi
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/agreatideaco
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/agreatideacom
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@weareagi
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/a-great-idea-greensboro-3
- Other: https://powerbeyondpride.com
