Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Marc Hedges, Founder of Marc Hedges Creative, located in Spring Valley, CA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

I'm an independent graphic designer and the owner of Marc Hedges [Creative], a San Diego-based 'Brand Communications and Identity Design Studio.' Collaboratively, I execute and lead design and development teams dedicated to delivering effective and compelling brand identities and results-oriented marketing campaigns for product manufacturers and service providers. Markets we serve include: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Institutional, Agriculture, Hospitality, Consumables, and Non-profit, and we provide contact creative and web development support to a few marketing agencies.

Primarily we help businesses [B2B and B2C] develop their brand communications and ongoing marketing – visualizing, producing, and directing creative efforts that deliver deliberately executed solutions where success is measured through brand awareness and sustainable growth.

Tell us about yourself

I'm personable, easygoing, and for those who know me, a constant connector who's always ready to open doors, bring people together and share resources. My personality traits and my love for design comes naturally, influenced by my parents, both independently successful commercial artists. My Mom (Ann Palma), Illustrator and Fine Artist, and my Dad (David Hedges), Graphic Designer and Illustrator. They met in college while attending Ringling College of Art & Design (Class of '59). Fun fact: I graduated from Ringling's Graphic Design program (Class of '91). As they say, the rest is history!

Doing the work is my motivator. It allows me to work collaboratively with teams from different disciplines within a shared environment, ensuring the best possible outcome for our clients. We take great pride in our work and the ability to deliver exceptional creative services, project management, and leadership guided by a collective decision-making processes. Everyone brings something special to the table.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

While always striving to do good work and knowing there is a fine line, often burred, between living and working, a monumental accomplishment is having accumulated two decades' worth of creative development and business-building experience. Crazy to think that I've had a hand in helping 'hundreds' of companies reach their goals with measurable results.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

I've created brand identities for startups and have taken established companies to the next level in their brand evolution. Managing client expectations is a hard-earned skill, one that evolves from individual to individual. Those that gain the greatest level of success, beyond the initial goals, invest in the discovery process and use common sense rather than relying on personal taste; even when it's not absolutely clear to them, they put trust in me, knowing we'll get there together. Here's a quote that resinates...

"To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others." ~ Tony Robbins

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Being a successful creative professional involves seeking out development opportunities and keeping your skills current. A large part of your growth is finding the right connections and building relationships that will be there when you need help getting to that next level. Expose yourself to new people by doing things that you probably already enjoy. Look into your local community for activities that make the most sense for your own personal growth and for your business. Build, nurture, step, and repeat...

  • Join an organization (or 3)
  • Attend events (industry related and non-related)
  • Volunteer and become a mentor (always give back)
  • Stay active in your community (keep connected)

Follow through with these, mix in some business development, tools, and tactics training, and participate in design education programming; you'll be glad you did.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://marchedgescreative.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marchedgescreative/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/marchedges_mhc
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marchedges/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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