Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Susi.
Frank, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
In 1999, immediately after graduating college, I worked part time at a picture framing and art supply store and started freelancing as a graphic designer and fine art painter. I named my freelance company Susi Art because my focus at the time was purely graphic art and fine art. After a couple years of freelancing, I had enough work to focus full time on Susi Art. In 2002, I met an apparel screen printer which inspired me to dip into the custom apparel business. In 2009, I decided to expand the company and bought our current store building located at 78 Quincy Ave in Braintree. We currently have a staff of six and our primary business is custom apparel, graphic design and promotion merchandise. We are a full service company that provides top-of-the-line screen printing, embroidery, digital garment printing and design for all your custom apparel and print needs. We supply and print everything from basic tees to high end clothing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I would have to say the biggest struggle for me personally was putting my passion for fine art to the side to focus on the graphics and apparel portion of the business. This was purely a financial decision. Although I enjoy graphic design and designing apparel, painting is far more rewarding and fulfilling for me. As far as company struggles, I would say there have been many struggles along the way, but overall the company is running pretty smoothly now. Early on, there were financial struggles and overall business struggles due to being self-taught and learning as I went.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Susi Art – what should we know?
Susi Art creates distinctive, memorable, creative identities for any type of business or organization. Logos, identity branding, apparel design, promotional merchandise and more. We pride ourselves on an artistic and professional discipline that focuses on visual communication and presentation.
We are also full service company that provides top-of-the-line screen printing, embroidery, digital garment printing and design for all your custom apparel and printing needs. We supply and print everything from basic tees to high end clothing. Whether your company has an existing logo or you need Susi Art to create a custom design on your behalf.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First off, I must give credit to my mom, dad and step dad for their work ethic as well as for their support. They are all extremely hard working people and by watching them work tirelessly, I was able see what it took to run a successful business. I would say my biggest influence artistically would come from one of college professors Myron Barnstone who passed away in 2016. He was a teacher and a mentor to many artists and forever changed the lives of those who studied under him. Although he’s no longer here, his legacy of teaching lives on. Myron’s teachings focused on applying the golden section to art, design and training in foundation drawing and painting, pictorial composition, color theory and advanced figure drawing systems. His no-nonsense approach was refreshing to me and I still use his teachings regularly today.
Contact Info:
- Address: 78 QUINCY AVE
Braintree, MA 02184 - Website: susiart.com
- Phone: 7818176561
- Email: fsusi@susiart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealsusiart/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/therealsusiart/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SusiArt1
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/susi-art-braintree
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