Mark Smith
Galan Graphix is a minority, woman-owned full-service graphic design firm. We provide client-focused design solutions to clients all over the country. We focus on creating concepts tailored to each client. Our ultimate goal is to produce results, turn client ideas into reality, and build long-term relationships.
Galan Graphix is a design firm that prides ourselves on value, quality, and execution. We provide each client large design firm quality work.
CORE VALUES: Excellence. Creativity. Dependability. Fun. Integrity.
MISSION: Our mission is to provide Clients with an excellent quality graphic design service at the best price. We will work closely with the Client to improve their sales and promotions, through graphic design for print & online.
Tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Houston, we moved to San Antonio about nine years ago.
My story goes back to preschool. I remember as a child, when I would draw anything, I would always see my mother show off my work to my family. I could hear her say “no, I watched her dry it, she didn’t trace it.”
When I was in elementary school, I always love to draw. I would get in trouble for drawing instead of doing my schoolwork.
When I got to middle school I took some art classes. I did good, I always loved it. I was always one of the best artist in the class.
When I got to high school I didn’t do any more drawing, when I got to my senior year, my counselor called me into the office and said I needed one more elective credit.
At that time I thought I was going to take the cosmetology course for the last half of the day. My counselor said, that wasn’t an option.
I needed one more elective credit. I asked what were my options, they said guitar, theater or art. I thought art? I’ve always loved art and I did well. I took the art class during my senior year in high school, I did great.
As usual, I turned out to be one of the best artist in the class. My art teacher approached me and said that we should get a portfolio ready and he could introduce me to the people he knew at The Art Institute of Houston.
So for the rest of the school year, I worked on projects to include in my portfolio. After I graduated I remember going to my interview at the art institute of Houston.
When I walked in, I looked around and saw a bunch of students with green hair and mohawks and purple lipstick. I felt like I had landed on another planet! I thought, “these are my people!”
If you could go back in time a year or two, what piece of advice would you give yourself?
The advice I would give myself two years ago, would be to start working on building a team. I would like to have at least three graphic designers that I can outsource some work to.
What problem does your business solve?
We create graphics to help businesses look more professional and polished, make more sales and grow.
What is the inspiration behind your business?
I have always been inspired by my mother and father, they both have a business. My father is retired now, but he was a mechanic and would fix tires for people.
My mother is still a barber. I have always watch them work for themselves, I finally took the plunge in 2009.
I work with business owners and I create graphics to market their business, events, workshops or products.
What is your magic sauce?
My secret sauce, when you hire me, you were directly with me. No middleman from start to finish. I have almost 30 years of experience and I have a quick turnaround.
What is the plan for the next 5 years? What do you want to achieve?
In five years, I want to have a team of at least 3 graphic designers, I want to be a blessing in my community and to my family.
My goal is to work 10 months a year and to take 2 months off to be with my family or just relax and take a vacation.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced so far?
My biggest challenge so far has been that the past two years have been slower than usual. I think a lot of business owners are not investing in their marketing, so they don’t need to hire me for anything. It’s been a struggle but it has not been too bad.
I’ve pivoted to market more digital graphics, a lot of people have online courses that they can promote or an online book and I create graphics for them.
How do people get involved/buy into your vision?
I would love to work with more marketing companies and collaborate with them.
I have several that I work with now and they outsource their Graphic Design Work to me. It’s a win-win for both parties. They don’t need a full-time Graphic Designer and I still work with my own clients at the same time.
You can contact me via my website: http://www.GalanGraphix.com or email me at [email protected]
