Meet Evan Sumlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Evan Sumlin.

Hi Evan, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began truly branding and marketing when I was 12, which means I have been doing it for 13 years now. I started out designing pictures and doing MySpace layouts for my friends (and their friends) back in 2009, and this truly sparked my interest.

When I got to college in 2014, I knew I had to figure out what I wanted to do to make some sort of change on campus. I began reaching out to different organizations and slowly became the Public Relations Director of multiple organizations, including The Black Student Union. I recreated flyers, did marketing campaigns for events, and ran the organizations’ social media outlets. This kind of began my journey into marketing and branding. I was set to graduate from college in December of 2019 and worked as a social media manager for a local OBGYN who eventually fired me because I did not perform to her standards. So here I was, about to graduate, without a job at all

Fast forward to 2020, I had just graduated from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio with my bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication, with a focus in Public Relations, and began looking for jobs within this field. I knew I wanted to utilize my degree while also doing something I loved. But then COVID hit, and I ended up not being able to get hired for any jobs. Due to this and the influx of new businesses, I decided to pursue graphics full time. Within the first two months, I tripled any sales goal I had ever set, and within a few months, I started gaining more clients from outside of my hometown.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I would like to think it has been a smooth road, but when I reflect, it really has not been. There have been times I have wanted to give up and truly change my life’s course but somehow I’ve always ended up coming back to my true passion of changing lives through graphics and branding.

Another struggle I’ve faced during this time was losing my dad. I lost my dad to COVID complications on February 5, 2022. During this time, we had both had COVID, however, he was the one who ended up experiencing worse symptoms than me. I think currently, although fresh, I am handling it the best way I can. In the beginning, it was really hard to go back to doing what I loved because my dad was no longer here to continue to push me, however, I knew that he would not want me to stop doing what I loved under any circumstances.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a self-proclaimed branding guru and consultant. I specialize in marketing, social media management, graphic design + web design. I’m really known for my graphics; both flyers and logos. I’m most proud of my ability to create something and knowing it will be timeless for my client and their client’s experiences.

I think I’m most proud of the fact that I had a billboard that I designed published in Times Square back in January. It was so huge to me because I had never imagined that my work would be displayed for thousands of people to see at one time. This also meant a lot because it was the last piece of work that my dad knew about before he passed away. I’m also extremely proud of my growth within my field. I started out just doing this for fun, and it turned into something

I think what sets me apart from others is that I strive to build a true relationship with my clients. I look for how they present themselves to not only me but to their social media audiences. This allows me to create and develop the perfect designs for them and their businesses!

Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I want people to continue to follow their dreams, no matter what life throws their way. It’s important to always set boundaries for yourself, even when it comes to your passion. I’ve learned throughout the years that is okay to step out of your comfort zone because you’ll never grow where you are comfortable. People and things will try to distract you but remember to stay focused!

Contact Info:

• Email: info@evanmonet.com
• Website: www.evanmonet.com/shop
• Instagram: theevanmonet

Image Credits
Personal photo: Lamar Pacley, Shutter Eye Photo