Today we’d like to introduce you to Greg Holdsworth.
Hi Greg, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been the “art kid” who gravitated toward drawing, drafting, and anything visual. I actually started in college as an architecture major, but halfway through I realized it wasn’t the right fit. I switched over to Graphic Communication, literally the next building over, and it clicked immediately.
After graduating, I landed my first advertising agency job that fall. I learned fast that this was a computer-driven career, and if I didn’t get fluent in desktop publishing software quickly, I wouldn’t last long enough to learn it. That pressure was a gift. It forced me to build real production skills early, not just design taste.
Over the next few decades I worked across advertising agencies, in-house departments, and service bureaus. Along the way I discovered my strongest value wasn’t just “making something look good,” it was making sure it actually worked in the real world, especially in print. Preflight, file setup, troubleshooting, and fixing the issues that cause expensive reprints became my lane.
In 2005 I made the life-changing decision to go out on my own, and Greg’s Graphics was born. For a long time I did a lot of subcontract work behind the scenes, so the clients weren’t always “mine.” Now I’m focused on building my own client base and serving small businesses and nonprofits who want clean, consistent results, online and in print. Whether it’s graphic design, print production support, photo restoration, or a WordPress site, the common thread is the same… I help people get it done right, with less stress and fewer costly surprises.
I’m based in Gresham and serve the greater Portland metro area.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not a smooth road. The biggest challenge has been that “being good at the work” doesn’t automatically translate into a steady flow of clients. For a long time I was doing subcontract and behind-the-scenes production work, which builds skills and experience, but it doesn’t build public visibility or ownership of the client relationship.
Another struggle has been the constant change in the industry. Software, standards, and expectations evolve fast, so staying sharp means continuous learning, not just relying on what worked years ago. And print is unforgiving… a small technical mistake can turn into an expensive reprint, so the pressure to be precise is always there.
On the business side, the hardest part is wearing every hat… creative, production, project management, communication, scheduling, pricing, marketing, and follow-up. When you work for yourself, you don’t get to do only the parts you enjoy. You have to build systems, stay consistent, and keep showing up even when things are slow.
That said, those struggles shaped what Greg’s Graphics is today. I’ve learned to focus on what I’m strongest at… clean, consistent design and production-thinking that helps clients avoid costly mistakes and get results they’re proud of.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I help small businesses and nonprofits look professional in print and online, and I specialize in the part that most people underestimate… making sure it’s built correctly so it prints the way it’s supposed to.
My core work is graphic design and print production support: menus, flyers, business cards, signage, and other marketing pieces, plus the “behind the scenes” setup that prevents costly mistakes… correct sizing, bleed, safe areas, resolution, color setup, and clean, press-ready files. I also do selective WordPress websites and photo restoration/retouching, but the common thread is always the same: quality, consistency, and getting it right the first time.
What I’m most proud of is being the person clients trust when something is on the line… when they’re on a deadline, when a printer is asking questions they don’t understand, or when a job has already gone wrong and needs to be rescued. I’ve spent decades in agencies, in-house departments, and service bureaus, so I’m comfortable speaking “printer” and translating it into plain English for clients.
What sets me apart is production thinking. A lot of designers can make something look good on a screen. My focus is making it work in the real world… readable, consistent, and print-ready, without surprises. That means fewer reprints, fewer delays, and a cleaner final result that clients are proud to put their name on.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was always the “art kid” in class… the one who gravitated toward drawing, drafting, and anything visual. I paid attention to details that other people didn’t notice, and I liked making things look clean, organized, and intentional. I was also pretty introverted, so I enjoyed doing things on my own and I really valued quiet time.
My father was in the Air Force, so we moved around a lot growing up. That kind of lifestyle teaches you to adapt quickly, observe your surroundings, and figure things out fast… which honestly fits my personality and the way I work.
In recent years, I’ve outgrown my shell. I’ve become more outgoing and more of a go-getter, especially as a business owner. When you run your own business, you can’t stay behind the scenes forever… you have to show up, talk to people, and be willing to put your work and your story out there.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://gregsgraphics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gregsgraphicspdx
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregsgraphicspdx
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregsgraphics
- Other: https://nextdoor.com/page/gregs-graphics-portland-or
