We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Craig Powell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Craig, appreciate you joining us today. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.
Our Story: Built from Experience, Driven by Purpose
Our business was structured out of years of firsthand experience trying to establish myself as a brand—on a budget. In the beginning, it was challenging to find local businesses willing to help me get started with minimal revenue. I reached out to many of them, not just for services, but to understand why there weren’t more simplified, affordable options for entrepreneurs who only needed a few apparel pieces to promote their brand.
After spending years working with various print shops, I began to build genuine relationships with these companies. Over time, those connections grew stronger, and I realized I had developed a reliable network of resources.
Today, I use that network to help other small businesses brand themselves—without breaking the bank. We’re here to provide high-quality apparel and promotional items at minimal cost, making it easier for startups and entrepreneurs to look professional, feel confident, and grow their visibility from day one.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Meet Craig Powell – Founder of Epic Prints ATL
My name is Craig Powell, also known as Cole Patterson Art—but most people just call me CP. I’m originally from Tucson, Arizona, where I grew up in the historic 4th Avenue District—an area known for its vibrant, artistic culture. My creative journey began with customizing classic cars, where I discovered my natural talent for color matching and design. That early exposure to visual artistry sparked what would become a lifelong passion for creative development.
After relocating to Atlanta, I began building a new customization team to continue the work I started back home. Although I initially found success assembling a solid crew, an unfortunate business partnership ultimately led to a major setback. Despite the challenges, I chose to take that experience as a lesson—not a loss.
That was the seed that sparked my next venture: branding through apparel. As I began searching for reliable partners to help build my new brand identity, I quickly realized how difficult and costly the process could be—especially for small business owners. Over the course of 10 years, I dedicated myself to researching the industry, cultivating meaningful relationships, and building a new path forward.
That path led to the launch of Epic Apparel ATL, which has since evolved into Epic Prints ATL, reflecting the broad range of services we now provide.
About Epic Prints ATL
Epic Prints ATL is a one-stop solution for businesses looking to brand—or re brand—with ease and impact. Whether you’re starting from scratch or already have a logo, we offer end-to-end visual branding services designed to help you stand out.
We specialize in:
Custom Logo Design
Business Signage
Banners, Wall & Floor Decals
Custom Neon Signs
Business Cards & Flyers
Embroidery, DTF & Screen Printing
Trade Show Display Setups
Clothing Line Start-Ups
With all services managed under one roof, we make it simple for entrepreneurs, creators, and brands to bring their vision to life—professionally and affordably.
Can you share one of your favorite marketing or sales stories?
My Favorite Marketing Story: Pressure Creates Diamonds
While I was on my journey working with different vendors and gaining hands-on industry experience, I landed a paid internship at a local print shop in Atlanta. By that time, I was already well-versed in apparel production, so on my very first day, they assigned me a project to complete 20 youth basketball jerseys for the Jr. Hawks—an official partner of the Atlanta Hawks NBA organization.
The organization had already taken care of the season’s full uniform order with another vendor; I was simply producing some extras. I finished all 20 jerseys that same day. The next morning, they came to pick them up—and by that Friday, they returned with a major proposal.
Although I wasn’t told the full story, it seemed like they were having issues with their current vendor. They were so impressed with the quality of the jerseys I produced, they asked if we could take on a much larger order: 1,300 reversible jerseys with four print locations on the front and three on the back—totaling 5,200 prints—all to be completed in just three weeks… during the Christmas holiday season.
The owner of the print shop was ready to decline. But I saw the opportunity. I stepped in and said, “We can do this.” I took over production and handled the entire job myself, believing that if we delivered, bigger doors could open.
And they did.
I successfully printed and completed all 1,300 jerseys on time. It was a $20,000 job, and although I played a key role in its success, I was never paid for my work. Still, I kept my focus on the bigger picture. I had told the owner from the start: “We don’t know what kind of opportunity this could bring.”
Sure enough, six months later, I received a personal email from someone at the Atlanta Hawks corporate office. Because I had been the primary contact during the previous project, they reached out to offer a contract to handle uniforms for their entire Jr. Hawks League—over 100 teams. The deal was valued at approximately $150,000.
But when I brought the opportunity to the print shop, their excitement faded once they saw that the email had been addressed directly to me. They ultimately declined the deal. It was another hard lesson in business, but a critical turning point.
This experience taught me the power of execution, relationship-building, and knowing your worth. It also helped fuel the vision for what is now Epic Prints ATL—a business built to empower others through quality, integrity, and consistency.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
A Pivotal Moment That Redefined My Purpose
What most people don’t know is that throughout this entire journey of building my brand, I was also raising my son as a single father. He was with me every step of the way—literally. Wherever I went, he went. He became my first model, helping capture some of our earliest promotional photos. He had the look, the confidence, and the heart. He was truly built for it.
On May 2, 2020, shortly after the pandemic began, my son passed away.
That loss crushed me in ways I can’t fully express. I came close to giving everything up. The weight of the pain was unimaginable, and for a time, I lost my direction.
But after a long period of soul-searching, I realized something important: we started this journey together—and I had to finish it for him. My son is my eternal motivation and inspiration. Every shirt, every print, every brand I help build is part of the legacy we created side by side.
This moment—this heartbreak—wasn’t the end of the story. It became the reason I push harder. It was a pivotal moment that reshaped not only my business but the meaning behind everything I do.
Epic Prints ATL isn’t just a print company—it’s a tribute to perseverance, legacy, and love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://epicprintsatl.com
- Instagram: @colepattersoncollection
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/colepattersonart
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cole-patterson-54504b23
