Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Hamburg.
Kelly, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I got my Bachelor of Fine Arts from Illinois State University, but it didn’t start there. I was the kid daydreaming in school and doodling in my books instead of paying attention. I was originally studying to be an Architect, but tons of math turned me off and a basic drawing class my freshmen year changed my path forever. I loved and excelled in art but I knew that I had to make a living, so I focused heavily on Graphic Design (they were also referred to as a Commercial Artist at that time).
When I graduated, I quickly landed a job designing an 800-page art and craft supply catalog in my small midwestern hometown of Danville, Illinois. I saved everything I made and moved to Houston as soon as the 6-month project was over. My brother already lived there. I worked in a nightclub (Do you Houstonians remember Red Square) until I got my big break as a newspaper ad designer for Foley’s. I later went on to do 2 stints designing and art directing for Stage Stores (Palais Royal) and got to work on some large national brands (American Airlines, HEB, Central Market, HP) in an agency setting. I learned all the different hats of marketing. Print Design, Art Direction, Still Art Direction, Digital Design, Design Management, etc.
After years of long commutes and very long hours, I really wanted to focus on balancing family life and work with my wife and son. A colleague said “Get your LLC and I can start feeding you some work”. I reluctantly did after a corporate downsizing thinking it would be a stop-gap until the next corporate job. After getting myself out there and using my good reputation with my contacts and a few lucky breaks, by the grace of God, I quickly got a good and ever-evolving client list and never looked back. That was almost 5 years ago.
I give a lot of credit to my midwestern upbringing to my process and success. I work a white-collar job with a blue-collar attitude. I dedicate myself to meet deadlines and love clean, timeless design. But since I work for myself, I also just get to go for it and design things for myself. For instance, I took on a challenge for myself to redesign album covers that mean a lot to me. I’ve named the series “Rock ReImagined” and have taken on several challenges in the last few years. I believe good design should be available and affordable for everyone. I go out of my way to earn the work, trust and well-spent dollars of all my clients. I work the same for the guy with a landscaping company that needs a logo to a large corporation that needs complex branding. I’m pretty proud of that.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first started in the design field, I was asked the age old question, “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” I answered what I thought everyone would; “Have my own design agency!” But it’s not that easy. It took over 20 years to cultivate my knowledge from being in-house and in-agency and to gain the confidence to feel that I can do this on my own. But who really does anything on their own? I have a wonderful wife who supports me fully and amazing clients that allow me the honor to share my talents with the world.
But nothing is always smooth, I pride myself on doing the work myself and being a one-man shop leaves a lot on my shoulders. I don’t have much time to go on vacations and as I like to say, my boss can be kind of a jerk, keeping me at the desk all the time. But I’m blessed because I love what I do.
I hate the term “Fake it until you make it” and went the opposite direction. I spent years focusing on my craft and humbled myself to ask questions in order to learn. When you fake it, you don’t give yourself the opportunity to learn and grow.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
In short, I’m a graphic designer. But there’s more to the story.
I love to create, develop, collaborate and lead. I’m inspired by the design and functionality of everything that surrounds me. While you are at a restaurant figuring out what you are going to order, I’m staring at the menu looking at the font and design choices. I specialize in providing clean and thoughtful results-driven graphic design and art direction. I’m passionate about innovation over emulation and have a strong sense of service, diligence and purpose.
I’ve dedicated over 25 years in corporate and agency settings in Houston growing brands with graphic design, art direction and marketing insight. I diligently and creatively explore and solve marketing challenges. I founded Hamburg Solutions in 2018 to apply my knowledge, experience and passion.
Specialties include: Logo design, Illustration, Direct Mail, Annual Reports, Ad Slicks, Digital Assets, Trade Show Booth Graphics, Photography, Signage, Email Design, Powerpoint Graphics, Presentation Pieces, Design Management, Art Direction, Social Media management, and graphics and everything in between. To me, design is design, and over my lifetime, I have had the opportunity to dive head-first into almost every aspect of the design and marketing process.
I guess I’m old school. I believe in doing business with a handshake and a smile. I take great pride in my small yet prolific shop and do all the work (and take on the responsibility) myself.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I have this weird thing that supposedly makes me “middle brained”. I can write with both hands at the same time mirroring each other. It’s kinda weird. I can also write backwards, forwards and upside down without even thinking about it.
Also, I am passionate about music and my shop is also a music studio filled with guitars, drums and bass. I guess I was a failed musician, but glad I had something to fall back on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hamburgsolutions.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamburg_solutions/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hamburgsolutions/
