Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Ellison.
Darren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Nearly fifteen years ago, I began as a freelance graphics designer that built websites and developed logos for family and friends. For 13 years, I designed proposal covers and presentations for an Atlanta-based accounting firm. These eye-catching presentations drew the attention of the Fortune 500 companies, large non-profits, and government officials that were clients of this firm. These affirmative responses became so frequent that in 2007 my wife encouraged me to create TwoPiece Graphic Design.
Two-Piece Graphic Design (TPGD) is a cutting edge graphics design and apparel printing firm that specializes in creating products that fuse corporate class with urban appeal. Since its inception, TPGD has designed logos for large corporate clients and local businesses. Additionally, TPGD has built custom websites, crafted marketing packages, produced book covers for acclaimed authors, and developed PowerPoint presentations delivered before Fortune 500 executives and political officials.
Ten years after founding the graphic design Company, I expanded the company and began printing custom apparel using Direct-to-Garment printing technology. Changing our name to TwoPiece Graphic Design & Printing, LLC (TPGDP). Direct-to-Garment printers apply water-based ink directly to multiple types of fabrics and create multi-colored custom designs or logos. TPGDP has printed custom designs on thousands of shirts for non-profits, corporate firms, athletic teams, small businesses, and private customers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
In 2018, I lost my father, who served as my business partner and confidante. While creativity and design came second nature to me, without my father’s guidance I have been challenged to learn business strategy. While grieving, I was forced to move beyond my comfort zone and learn the art and science of ordering supplies, managing clients and invoicing. This effort makes me appreciate the growth of my business even more.
Please tell us about TwoPiece Graphic Design & Printing.
We’re a full-service graphic design firm and apparel printing company. We design logos, websites, business cards, flyers and all types of marketing materials. We specialize in Direct-to-Garment printing, which allows us to print full-color garments in high resolution with no minimums, unlimited colors, and no setup fees. However, we also provide all the standard/traditional forms of apparel printing and embroidery. This essentially means we can take a brand from its inception and provide you with all the necessary marketing materials to grow exponentially. The fact that many printers don’t design and most designers don’t print gives us a niche to be able to offer multiple services in house that ease the mind of our clientele.
Most importantly, as a boutique firm we provide top-flight service, personal attention to each client, and high-quality designs and products.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
Born and raised in Southwest Atlanta and as an original Atlien, many milestones come to mind. In 1996, I sat in the Olympic stadium when the gold-shoed sprinter Michael Johnson broke record-after-record. Neither will I ever forget how Outkast put Southern hip hop on the map. However, my fondest Atlanta memories were working alongside my father as he served on the finance teams of several Atlanta mayors, including Shirley Franklin, numerous civil rights icons, and Atlanta University Center presidents.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.twopiecegraphicdesign.com
- Email: info@twopiecegraphicdesign.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/tpgdp
- Facebook: facebook.com/TwoPieceGraphicDesign
- Twitter: twitter.com/tpgdp99
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