Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Turner.
Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Well, to walk you through my story; I I have to begin with how I started. About 12 years ago, my cousin gave me a screen printing machine. It was the complete setup. The setup included the screens, the exposure unit to burn the image into the screen a four color press, heater, emulsions and inks needed to begin screen printing. I created a few shirts and as I met people, I was often asked if I provided different services. I would always say yes; because I never wanted to turn away a potential customer. I would with learn how to provided the services requested or I would outsource the services and make some money from that. It grew from there. I also purchased a 24 in vinyl cutter to make yard signs and banners. It was a small investment with a great ROI. Fast forward two years, my mother transitioned to the other side and left an inheritance. She believed in my vision for business. With that being said, I invested all of my inheritance on printing equipment needed to begin my graphics design business and grew from there. I purchased a large format printer and a large format vinyl cutter. I was advised not to pay cash for them, but I did and I do not regret it at all. If I would have listened to people that did not share my vision, I would not have grown to where I am now. Believe in yourself and you will not fail.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was not a smooth road; simply because of my expensive learning curve with my newly purchased HP LATEX printer and 60inch Graphtec cutter. I self taught myself the skills that I possess now. I later met a guy named Larry Burnett that has taught me a lot about the graphics business and I consider him my mentor.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I have a background in IT. They somewhat go hand in hand because of the technology being used. By understanding how technology works made it somewhat easier to understand machine better. One of my proudest moments was when I had to fix my printer after the motherboard went out and it needed replacing. My same cousin that gave me the screen printer setup, reassured me that I could fix the printer myself with the IT experience that I possessed . After the reassurance from him, I replaced the motherboard. What sets me apart from others is that I am not afraid of failure. I will try until I figure things out and I am not afraid to ask for help and advice.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson learned is to not take of advice from people that are not experienced in the areas that I seek help with. I read a book named “THE RICHEST MAN IN BABYLON” and in the book a lesson was taught to never send a brick layer out I to purchase diamonds for you. The brick layer was scammed and purchased glass. One of many lessons learned. One other lesson learned was to know my value of work and not to settle for less. Everyone wants a deal from small business and hardly ever asked big name stores or businesses for deals. My prices are my prices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://IAMCONSCIOUS.Net
- Instagram: @4iamconscious
- Facebook: I AM CONSCIOUS GRAPHIC DESIGN
