September 2010 – September 2020

MVM Designs is a business that I started in 2010 as a graphic designer and self-taught vinyl plotter operator. I purchased my vinyl plotter and materials from a local supplier and began experimenting with clothing and decals to master the settings, process and techniques for properly making, weeding, installing and pressing the vinyl. As I gained proficiency in the production of vinyl designs and creations I ventured on to create a website and social media pages for the business. Using solely social media and minimal paid advertising on facebook and instagram I was able to create a following and get business from referrals and repeat orders.

My Key Responsibilities

Using my vector expertise I became well known for designing custom shirts and signage with custom cut portraits and vibrant graphics/typography designs.

1. Account Management:
   • Client communication from start to finish. Handling consultation, client requests, seeking input and feedback from clients during the creative process and ensuring project details and costs are clear.
   • Drafting contracts and agreements for work to be completed. Quoting jobs, providing invoices, communicating with clients for past due renumeration and providing receipts for payment.
2. Source Materials and Equipment:
   • Researching and sourcing new material vendors and negotiating pricing and supply for projects and general stock.
   • Finding new equipment to streamline business, increase productivity and maximize profit.
   • Seeking alternative vendors who sub-contract print or production of various products that are not made in house.
3. Design:
   • From concept to final product, drafting concepts and options for each project based on specific order details
   • Ensuring the client’s vision and needs are met using a variety of methods to vectorize prints or increase quality of images and assets to properly print designs
   • Creating designs utilizing a mastery of typography, composition, color theory and accessibility
   • Illustrating original designs and using assets provided by client to create mock up designs and final products
4. Production of Signage & Transfers:
   • Creating cut outs, print transfers and signage using Illustrator and vinyl plotter/laser cutter software to setup files and create physical products and assets
   • Weeding, assorting, heat pressing vinyl designs utilizing equipment specifically for heat transfer vinyl print
   • Sorting, sanding, priming and painting or staining wooden signage, assembling and glueing multi-layered signage and prepping for mounting
   • Weeding and masking signage vinyl and decals. Installing signage to a variety of mediums including vehicles, glass, windows, whiteboard, painted walls, sign lightboxes, wood, floors and metallic surfaces using wet-application and dry application installation with equipment specifically designed for vinyl decal installation.
5. Project Management:
   • Manage project timelines and ensure deadlines are met, plan meetings and maintain communication between clients, vendors and delivery providers
   • Oversee revisions and incorporate feedback for projects and ensure all supplies are in stock to provide timely service
   • Coordinate with printers, developers, or other collaborators when necessary
6. Advertising & Marketing:
   • Market personal services through a portfolio, social media, or networking
   • Advertising services using paid and natural marketing options on digital platforms
   • Creating and disseminating physical marketing products to local businesses and institutions

Highlights

As an independent entrepreneur I learned a lot about business and about my own talents and skills. It was a lifelong dream to make money using my creativity and passion for art. I found that this was an outlet for me to develop creative ways to make money in a world where many artist struggle to monetize their artwork. I knew that making physical products would be the easiest way to sell my work and that’s why I chose to make signage and clothing with my designs.

In addition to making art for money, I found that being an entrepreneur allowed me to learn the ins and outs of owning a business, writing contracts, accounting, administrative organization, marketing, sourcing, collaborating and communicating on a level I never had done before. I enjoyed delivering products that I could be proud of and creating things that people truly enjoyed. I saw things come from my mind and impact people’s work, experiences and lives. It gave me true joy to make things for expecting families and children because I know custom gifts often make core memories for a lifetime.

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