ABOUT US
Welcome… Now You Have Your Own Art Department.
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Graphic Art and Illustration
J. Thow Designs began as a commercial art, illustration, and custom automotive graphics studio. In the early days, I was hand-painting murals, lettering race cars, creating car club windows, and adding pinstriping and artwork to hot rods, show cars, trucks, and motorcycles. I was lucky enough to help others bring their dream vehicles to life, and I had a great time doing it.
Alongside the automotive work, I also created art for business cards, t-shirts, posters, and magazine ads.
At the time, digital design was still a new and developing idea. All my artwork was created using traditional tools. Pens, brushes, paints, and illustration boards filled my workspace. Once a piece was finished, it had to be photographed, and film was made from those photos to create printing plates for reproduction.
Today, I still enjoy using traditional media, but most of my work is now created digitally. I use a drawing tablet and stylus to draw and paint freehand directly on the computer. This combination of traditional technique and modern tools allows me to produce original, professional artwork that reproduces clearly and consistently across print and digital formats.
- Learn More About Our Graphic Design Services
- Learn More about John’s Illustration Commissions
Photography
Photography has also seen major changes. These days, it’s easy to take a quick photo with your phone, but when quality matters, there is no substitute for professional images. I am often asked whether a smartphone photo is good enough for websites, ads, or printed materials. Sometimes it is, but in most cases, a professionally lit and photographed image from a high-quality camera delivers far better results.
Professional photos provide higher resolution and better clarity. They are optimized for use in a wide range of formats, including websites, brochures, banners, and even HD video.
“When created properly, the same images can be used on your website, in catalogs, brochures, posters, and videos, all while maintaining the sharp, polished look that helps you stand out.”
Using your own original images also gives your business a unique identity. It avoids the overused look of stock photography and adds authenticity to your brand. If your ad or website doesn’t stand out and capture attention, it simply won’t deliver the results you need.
- Learn More About Our Photography and Photographic Services
- Interested in becoming a better photographer? Check out some of our Pro-Tips and Gear Recommendations.
Web Design and Development
I built my first professional website in 1995. At the time, many people didn’t understand why they would ever need one. I remember hearing things like, “I already have a fax machine,” or “Websites are just a trend that will disappear soon.” A few years later, many of those same people came back asking for help building their own site. They had come to realize just how powerful the web could be.
Today, your website is one of the most important ways to reach new customers and maintain relationships with current ones. Unlike traditional advertising, digital marketing lets us track exactly how your site is performing. We can see how many people visit, what they look at, how long they stay, and what actions they take.
This kind of feedback allows us to make improvements based on real results. By focusing on what your audience responds to, we help you get more out of your marketing investment.
- Learn More About Building Your Ideal Web Site.
The Bottom Line
Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
At J. Thow Designs, we offer a wide range of creative services to help your business grow. Whether you need custom illustration, professional design, photography, or a fully built website, we can help take your business to the next level.
Have questions or want to get started? I’m happy to talk through your project and explore your options.