We recently connected with Tony Ortiz and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tony thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?
So back in the late 1990’s I was an intern for a guy who had a graphic design business. One day I came in and he said he needed me to draw a character for a logo design, I said sure. He said it was for a band called the KUMBIA KINGS. So I drew up the character and I think he gave me like $50 lol.
So fast forward about 6 months later I ran into A.B. Quintanilla the owner/leader of the KUMBIA KINGS. I told him “Hey I drew your logo”, He said “No you didn’t, I had it done by someone else”. I showed him my business card and on it had the same looking character style that the KUMBIA KINGS was in. He was in shock! After that day he fired that guy and paid me $1,600 for that logo. He was my first real client and I have been doing work for him ever since.
Tony, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a Creative Visionary from a small town called Sinton, TX. I was born an artist lol. I have always drawn since I was a little boy. Back in Jr. High I used to airbrush and paint jackets and jeans for $$ and thought to myself Art is the path I want to take. I remember when I printed my first set of business cards and my dad laughed at me and said “What did you get those for, Your not gonna have a graphics business, You need to go find a real job!” That only made me stronger and more determined to succeed.
Over 20 years later I am still creating and bringing clients visions to life. I now specialize in professional logo development and motion design. I help clients with their image and brand presence across all platforms. Creating hand crafted logos specific to their needs as well as adding motion and brand assets to help them stand out in this digital world. The most rewarding part of my carieer is when a client says I brought their vision to life and gave them exactly what they needed.
Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.
So I have always worked as a graphic designer or pre-press person for other companies, while also designing on the side. Back then I was mainly doing flyer design and album cover work. When I finally turned the side hustle into my main business I was working at DUPLIUM (a CD manufacturing company). While I was working there, I had a few clients on the side. My wife told me as soon as I can get enough clients to cover what I was making at my job then I could quit and do what I love full time. I was a DJ at that time as well so I built my clientele up with the connections I made in the entertainment industry. It took me about a year to do so but I did it, and I still work with most of those clients today.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I am a BIG introvert lol… So the most rewarding aspect of being a creative for me is, being able to create something that resonates with people. Making people feel the emotion or certain mood. Art is the way I get to express myself and my reward is the connection it makes.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.louddesignfirm.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/butchaboie
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/louddesignfirm/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/louddesignfirm
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@LoudDesignFirm
- Other: https://louddesignfirm.myportfolio.com