November 19, 2016

Meet Smyrna Graphic Designer: T.J. Harley

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to T.J. Harley.

T.J., please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Got my degree in Graphic Communications from Clemson University. While at Clemson I worked at a t-shirt shop and basically learned on the job. Out of college, I went to work for the Collegiate Licensing company in Atlanta. I was at CLC for nearly 11 years where I became the Creative Director. In 2012 I decided to venture out on my own and have been there ever since.

Has it been a smooth road?
It’s always a learning process and I’m always trying to learn new things. Obviously starting your own business is a challenge but luckily I met a lot of great people during my tenure at CLC and was able to build my business around those relationships I had nurtured through my 11 years at CLC.

When you look back, can you point to a period when you wanted to quit or a period that was really frustrating?
I think just like everybody else you go through periods where you get frustrated and angry. I certainly did during my tenure at my old job and I certainly do now. However, I think that as a designer you can’t get too discouraged and have to always remember that at the end of the day you’ve got a pretty sweet gig. There are far less desirable jobs one could have, and I try not to lose that perspective. I’m essentially drawing pictures for a living, so I really can’t complain too much. I really try and remember that every time I get a little vexed.

What would you tell someone who is just starting out?
From a freelance perspective, I’d say meet as many people as you can. This business (at least from my experience) is all about who you know, not necessarily what you know. You still need to have talent and do good work, but people are so connected in this city that if you do good work, word travels fast and others want to work with you.

Get out and attend creative events and conferences. You never know where your next job will come from. It’s also a really great way to connect and to realize that we all face the same problems on a daily basis.

What are you most excited about these days?
For me, I love collaborating with other designers. I love getting a chance to contribute, whether it’s a lot or a little. I’ve gotten the opportunity to work with some of the best people in the business and it’s always extremely rewarding when you get an opportunity like that. I have some collaborative projects coming up soon that I’m really looking forward to working on.

Personally, I’m just enjoying watching my son grow up and trying to be the best father I can be for him.

Contact Info: