Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Hart.
Todd, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’ve always had an interest in art, and a desire to learn new things. As a very young child—before I attended school—I would spend hours tracing entire pages of book text, feeling as if I could I write books. This was my first memory of my fascination for typography.
I studied art through high school, then in college at Texas State, and North Texas State, graduating with a major in communication arts, and a minor in journalism. After graduation in 1985, I started my first graphic design position for Pannel St. George & Jim Jacobs design firms, while pursuing painting, and furniture design as creative outlets. Eventually, graphic design became my main focus. From 1985-1990 I learned a great deal about the business of graphic design from my mentors Cap, and Jim, and also worked briefly for Eisenberg & Associates.
In 1990 I founded design firm Focus2 with partner Shawn Freeman, and in 1995 a web division called Big Theory. In eight short years, we built Focus2/Big Theory into 40 employees digital agency with major brand clients such as Herman Miller, Neiman Marcus, Nambé, Northrop Grumman, and many more. We garnered recognition and awards such as the New York Art Directors Club, American Center for Design One Show, Dallas Society of Visual Communications, Houston Art Directors, Communication Arts, Graphis, How Magazine, Print Magazine, and many others.
In 1998 we sold Big Theory to a public company, and I acquired 100% ownership of Focus2. For the next 13 years, I owned and managed Focus2, and taught as an adjunct professor at UNT for senior portfolio review class for approximately 3 years.
In 2011 I closed Focus2, and in 2012 launched Todd Hart Design in Deep Ellum, creating a multi-disciplinary design service offering brand identity, print materials, packaging, web, e-commerce, email marketing, product design, photography, video, and general problem solving for companies marketing communications.
In 2008 I designed my first product collection for Royal Selangor and in 2017 launched e-commerce store Ox & Dove, featuring my first collection of barware design.
Outside of design, I can be found caring for my bonsai, cooking, gardening, backpacking, camping, kayaking, but most likely racing dirt bikes.
Has it been a smooth road?
There are always challenges in running a business. My most memorable one was the .com meltdown, then 911. The combined events nearly forced us to close the doors. But, with persistence and open-mindedness, we evolved and sustained.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I sell ideas for a living. Businesses hire me to solve marketing problems in many forms. Identity, email marketing, e-commerce us, packaging, photography, videos, etc.
What separates me from other firms is my vast skill sets and many years experience as a graphic designer.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas is an excellent place to start a career or business. One of the best in the world!
Contact Info:
- Address: 3111 Canton St Suite 160 Dallas, TX
- Website: www.toddhartdesign.com
- Phone: 214-741-4007
- Email: todd@toddhartdesign.com
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