DANA MATHIS

I studied at San Diego State University and majored Fine Art with an emphasis in Graphic Design.  I didn't start my professional career directly in design. I worked in the lending industry after college as an Outside Account Executive. I was on the wholesale side of the business and my clients were mortgage brokers looking to place their loans with my company. As a rep I needed sales materials that easily conveyed the features of our products. Here is where I was able to us my design skills and created flyers and brochures that my whole team would use. 

I left the lending industry and worked for an advertising agency as a marketing coordinator. Here I worked with the agency's clients to manage their advertising programs with the agency. I relayed to our graphic designer what the client was looking for design wise in their ads and oversaw the final output. Unfortunately the agency was hit by the recession and closed shop. I then went to work for a beauty products distributor as a Brand Manager. Here I was more involved in the marketing of the brands I managed. I also designed our team’s sales materials including flyers, brochures and invites.

In 2010 I had the opportunity to start an upscale photo booth rental company with my husband. Photo booths at the time were just gaining popularity and it was an exciting time to be in the industry. I felt that all my prior work experience and knowledge helped create our company to be a success. During this time I also attended UCLA, Cal State Fullerton and Orange Coast College. At UCLA I took marketing and public relations courses, completed a Certificate in Event Management from CSUF, and at Orange Coast college I competed professional photography classes.

My responsibilities as Creative Director and Co-Owner are branding, design, sales, customer service, event management and management of our staff.  However my main focus is working with our clients to create a custom print design that matches the look and feel of their specific event. Most of our clients will book with us versus another company because they see the quality in my designs and they want that for their event.

My process entails speaking with the client to find out what design elements they are planning to use at the event. Examples are centerpieces, flowers, colors, any printed materials like an invite and any other specific design pieces. From there I gain my inspiration and create their custom print design. I have pleased over 1500 clients with usually little to no changes to the original design and most of the time with overwhelming gratitude to my work.

I also do freelance graphic design, photography and am just getting into video editing. I enjoy my work  not only for the final outcome of creating something great, but the actual journey that comes with it to get to my final destination.  When I work on a project I find enjoyment in every step. It's almost as time flies when I am designing...guess I am having fun and doing what I love!