Meet Travis Farley, a native to Greenbrier County and graphic designer specializing in branding, logo, and print design. His business is Travis Farley Design and his goal is to work with local businesses to brainstorm and develop ideas and products to help them grow. He works with start-ups, established businesses, and individuals looking for a passionate designer. Travis received an Associates Degree in Electronic Media from Ohio University and a BA in Digital Arts and Design from Full Sail University. Get to know Travis with our Q&A:

How do you describe your palette?

My palette is clean, modern and easy to understand. Whether I am designing a logo, print piece or an entire brand package, I want it to be understood at first glance. I start with ideas from my client and create marketing materials for them. If the client doesn’t have an idea for what they are wanting or needing, I use my graphic design and marketing knowledge to present ideas to them. The end result is something that represents the business or individual and conveys their message to the viewer.

What’s your greatest accomplishment?

My greatest accomplishment was deciding to go for my dreams at the age of 30 and become a graphic designer. I was at a place in my life where I was either going to work in a field that wasn’t my dream, but a good career or step back, examine my life, acknowledge that I wasn’t totally happy and decide to go in the direction that would be the most fulfilling and give me a sense of purpose. Growing up as a part of a family in ministry, I knew I wanted my job to be something that helped other people. As a designer, I still have the ability to encourage people in their own lives, whether it be to start their own business or take their business to the next level. My work creates branding and advertisement that brings their business to the forefront for the service and/or products they provide.

What obstacles do you need to overcome to find your creative space/muse?

One of my greatest obstacles as a designer is that I’m color blind. I don’t see all colors as their true color, I do see a color it’s just incorrect. When I go to create a color palette or theme for my clients, I have to work closely with them to help me create the palette they have in mind. If you have something that may hinder you from doing something you enjoy, look for other ways to do it or ask for help. Don’t ever let a disability or shortcoming hold you back from your dreams.

How do you find your inspiration?

I find inspiration for my design work from architectural features on a building to beautiful, natural landscapes to traveling to other cities and seeing other designers work and ideas. I find inspiration for my passion as an artist in the people and clients I work with. Their love for their dream and vision, sparks the creativity inside of me.

What advice do you have for other artists?

I would encourage artists to find their own style and way of doing things and to appreciate it and to own it! I remember in college, I felt like my work was maybe too simple. I compared myself to the other artists in my class and we all know that we can see our own shortcomings when we are comparing ourselves to others. I quickly realized though that my design style was just that, mine. I decided to like how I did things and very quickly realized that other people and now clients do as well. I often get new clients who want to work with me because they have seen my style and want that look to represent them as well. You are the only one who can do what you do and in your own unique way!!

In 2017, Travis Farley Design participated in National Apprentice Day hosting 2 youth apprentices at his Lewisburg office. He has also worked with the State Fair of West Virginia for three years, designing their posters and branding themes for each year.

If you have a question(s) for Travis or are thinking about developing a business idea(s), call him at 304-638-4055. You can also see his portfolio at travisfarley.com and @TravTheDesigner on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

– HashtagWV #92. August 2017.