Spotlight on Indie New Wave Business: Element Graphics

Katy Krupp, owner of Element Graphics, shares the following.

Element Graphics Inc is a business based on creativity, customer satisfaction and hard work. Mainly, we screen print on garments, make signs and banners, and offer graphic design. We also offer vehicle lettering, embroidery and large format digital printing.

I grew up in Corvallis, left and came back. I enjoy this community and the opportunities here. While in college, I worked for Steve George (my high school swim coach), owner of Innovative Business Promotions. I was the head sign maker and graphic designer. Fast forward 10 years; Steve was looking to sell the sign making and screen printing portion of his business, keeping the promotional side. He offered me the purchase of the business and I took, what I felt, was a once in a lifetime opportunity. He gave me the key, I opened the door and thus began Element Graphics – in August of 2006. My specialty is graphic design, which I have cultivated here as well. By the way, Steve and I still swim in the mornings if anyone wants to join for a great workout!

Many local independent business owners in Corvallis have reached out to help me, answer questions and share ideas. I feel those conversations are priceless in my journey as a business owner. I am also doing my best with the beautification of Corvallis by making sure the signs we make are attractive.

The challenges I have faced as a new business owner are few within the community. It would be nice to have a lower rent payment without sacrificing location. We have also faced the challenge of gaining customers who don’t know it can be done better. People are surprised our ink doesn’t run or chip off shirts for example.

If you have events you need shirts or signs for, please come by, email or call. Our screen printer has 11 years of experience printing on garments. She is highly skilled at matching ink color. We have a large format digital printer that can print banners and signs with amazing clarity. If you need a logo or other design work, consider us, we like to create.

Contact Katy Krupp and Element Graphics at 541-752-0033; 250 NW Tyler Ave, Corvallis; www.element-graphics.com; http:elementagraphics.wordpress.com/ and katy@element-graphics.com.



Your Business could be spotlighted next!

Are you an Indie Pioneer (over 50 years in business), an Indie Mainstay (over 5 years in business) or an Indie New Wave Business (in biz for less than 5 years)? CIBA members want to know more about you and your business! What makes your independent business unique? What adventures in entrepreneurship have you had? Here are some suggestions on how to provide information for a future CIBA Indie Spotlight! For more information, contact our office at 541-752-0047;info@Corvallisiba.org.

Indie Pioneer (50+ years)
1. Tell us a little history about your business - How long has your business been in Corvallis and how did it get started? What does your business do or provide?
2. Why do you think your business has been successful for so long?
3. Do you have any “words of wisdom” to share with new business owners here in Corvallis?
4. Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5. Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.

Indie Mainstay (over 5 years in business)
1. Tell us a little about your business – what do you do or provide, how long have you been in town?
2. What do you enjoy most about being a local independent business owner here in Corvallis?
3. What do you know now that you wish you had known when you started your business?
4. Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5. Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.

Indie New Wave (less than 5 years in business)
1. Tell us a little about your business – what do you do or provide, why did you decide to start a business in Corvallis?
2. What excites you most about starting a local independent business here in Corvallis?
3. What challenges have you faced as a new business owner in town?
4. Anything else you’d like to share with other CIBA members?
5. Contact information for your business that we can include in the article.