Davis McElwee
Graphic Artist, Production Artist, Video Editor, Musician · Davis McElwee
Santa Rosa, CAIn My Own Words
A creative and multi-faceted Graphic Artist, Creative Art Director, Production Manager and Musician with extensive experience in fashion apparel and print design.
Having been in the printing, apparel and graphic arts industry since 2001 I’ve gained extensive knowledge in the manufacturing, decorating, design and marketing of graphic apparel and promotional items. I have been production manager at two industry leading apparel companies. While strategically guiding employee's toward company objectives I manage to increase workflow and production output through efficiency and effectively increasing overall profits.
Work Experience
Graphic Artist
Davis McElwee2010 – Present
Freelance Graphic Design for business, breweries and musicians. Specializing in logo, poster and label design.
Art Director • Production Manager
Farm Fresh Clothing Co.2015 – 2020
As production manager at Farm Fresh I took what was an inert boutique t-shirt manufacturer and turned it into a profitable, scalable full production print and embroidery shop. I led a team of 10, artists, printers and production staff and developed a workflow strategy based on efficiency, effective training and leadership. I was able to triple production output and profits within 2 years. I helped re-develop the overall directive and mission of the company with a sustainable growth plan.
Production Manager • Art Director
Sonoma Design Apparel2004 – 2015
At Sonoma Design I was hired as a press operator. I quickly worked my way up to lead printer. On my own time I took courses, lessons and tutoring in graphic arts/design and through sheer tenacity and a personal motivation I applied and achieved the job as art director and graphic artist. As the company grew I grew with it. Seeing a need for management in the print shop I developed an outline for an effective, efficient production model and took on the role as production manager.
