ABOUT ME

I'm Cliff Shelton, a seasoned graphic designer with a passion for creating visually compelling experiences. With over 16 years of experience in the industry, I've honed my craft and developed a unique perspective on design.

My journey in graphic design started during high school leadership activities, where I discovered my passion for turning ideas into tangible creations. This initial spark led me to venture into freelance work. My business partner and I went on to build a successful print company, where we produced thousands of products for various clients.

My education is a blend of formal college courses and a wealth of self-taught knowledge, acquired through resources like Google and YouTube, as well as hands-on experience meeting client needs.

I've had the privilege of collaborating with several notable clients, celebrities, and brands on various projects. This includes working on LMFAO's clothing line and appearing in one of their music videos. I've also been involved with Master P's P Miller Clothing and College Boyys Clothing, helping manage large inventories and facilitating nationwide sales through major retailers like Citi Trends, Nordstrom, and Walmart. Additionally, I've assisted Master P in designing and producing samples for various investment opportunities, including the Snoop Dogg-partnered Snoop Cereal.

I've had the opportunity to collaborate with an array of other celebrities, including Steve Carell, Howie Mandel, Cedric The Entertainer, Travis Barker, The Temptations (Otis Williams & Ron Tyson), Roy Anderson, Brandi, Ray J, Nick Cannon, Vivica Fox, Ela Pasion, and Amber Rose. I've also designed and printed for the Fox Sports halftime show "Riggles Picks", with Rob Riggle, for over three seasons.

What drives me in the design process is the detective-like approach to solving challenges and understanding clients' preferences. While I may come across as blunt in social interactions, I'm passionate about discussing shared interests and exploring the world of design.

As a graphic designer, my goal is not just to create visually stunning pieces but also to convey messages effectively, inspire action, and continually evolve in this ever-changing field.

My Design Philosophy

Confidence: I firmly believe that confidence in your work is key. I approach every project with pride and present my work as such.
Trust: Trusting the viewer is essential in design. I embrace the philosophy of "less is more" and the K.I.S.S. principle (Keep it stupidly simple). I understand that the viewer's imagination can enhance a design when given the right cues.
Ego: I focus on what is right, not on pleasing others. While healthy competition can be motivating, I don't let it overshadow the essence of my creativity.
Rules: Mastery of design principles is the foundation. I break them only when it adds unique value to a project.
Function: Design serves a purpose – it inspires people to take action. My work in advertising and marketing is dedicated to clarifying messages, leaving art to raise questions.
Expertise: I build on my experience, continuously learning, and merging different design styles to create something uniquely my own.
Staying Current: I keep up with industry trends but implement only what works for me.
Growth and Improvement: Reflecting on past work helps me gauge my growth and motivates me to get better with every project.