Hidden Gems: Meet Warren Ellison of Studio Misfits

Today we’d like to introduce you to Warren Ellison.

Hi Warren, 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 grew up in South Africa, and right after I graduated high school in 1996, I went to work at an Internet Service Provider while studying business at university. The company was a startup that didn’t have enough capital to buy computers for everyone working there… so I spent half of my time looking over more senior guys’ shoulders. A lot of them were designing web banners, websites, and more. So I’d watch them, ask questions, and when they went home, I’d have a couple of hours to myself – that’s how I learned graphic and web design.

After that, I struck out on my own and had a little web design business in South Africa until I eventually moved to California in 2003. When I moved here, I mentored under my cousin Michael Tomson. He had co-founded Gotcha – a surf brand that blew up in the 80s and was well-known for its design and out-of-the-box thinking and advertising. Gotcha was an early disruptor and a huge success. Michael taught me a ton.

Through him, I got more into branding and design. I worked with all manner of apparel and lifestyle brands, eventually finding my way into working with more luxury brands – brands you’d find in places like Barneys and Bloomingdales back then.

I always kept one foot in web design, but I was fascinated by a lot of different aspects of design and marketing. In 2008, I formed Studio Misfits, but I had a lot of other projects on the go at the time as well. I was involved in a couple of apparel startups, and I was playing music seriously, too. It wasn’t until 2015 that I decided to focus 100% of my energy on the studio.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m sure everyone who has ever owned a business – and especially an agency – if they are being honest, would tell you that it is not an easy road. When I think about the challenges we have faced and had to overcome, there are far too many to mention.

I do remember early on one period in particular. It was my second year of really taking things seriously with the studio. Our largest account at the time was late in paying us – over 90 days late, if I recall. My wife was about to give birth to our second daughter, and I had bills I couldn’t pay at the studio or at home until he paid us.

I eventually discovered he had been borrowing from Peter to pay Paul, and there was now a much bigger and longer list of people in front of me waiting to get paid. Not only was I not going to get the money I was owed, I was also losing our largest client. It was a heavy blow. I ended up having to let go of a great employee, which was heartbreaking as well.

It was tough, but every struggle makes for a massive learning experience. You dig deep, and you figure shit out. If you can’t, you’re toast. And you won’t make it past a year or two. I’ve never had much to fall back on, so I’ve had no choice but to figure it out.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a creative-first digital marketing, web & branding agency. We are a boutique firm of around 30 specialists. We’re known for our modern aesthetics, immersive web design, scroll-stopping campaigns, and for generally being nice people who are easy to work with.

We have figured out over the years that we’re often chosen over other agencies because we have a unique combination of skills that overlap tech, marketing, and branding.

In other words, we won’t sell the brand’s soul just to get sales – we know how to make sales happen while elevating the brands we work with. Usually, with agencies, you have to choose: Do you want great design and content that honors the brand, do you want to make sales, or do you want everything built on solid tech? At best, you’ll get 2 out of three. If you want three out of three, you can find it, but you’ll pay through the nose. That’s our sweet spot – we can deliver three out of three at a price that makes business sense.

We are an efficient option for brands looking for a plug-and-play marketing team, especially if they are vested in growing their e-commerce business.

We have built an insane team who are experts at their craft. If I had to list one thing, I’d say that is what I’m most proud of because that has been the most challenging part of growing an agency. Great people are EVERYTHING.

That is what has enabled us to achieve over 30% growth year over year for the last few years.

How do you think about luck?
Luck has played a part for sure.

I’ve been blessed with a great family. We never had loads of money, but I was born into a family filled with love.
Everything I have ever had, I attribute to my family, from my Mom and Dad and siblings to my amazing wife and kids.

In that category, I think I am the luckiest person alive. And because of that, I’ve had the strength and support to weather every kind of storm imaginable.

At the same time, I do think that we all vibrate energy. And good energy will continue to attract good luck. I am for sure blessed and grateful for all that has come my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.studiomisfits.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/studiomisfits
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/studio-misfits-inc