Today we’d like to introduce you to Alfredo Gurrola.
Hi Alfredo, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
It all started back in high school. I was never really into sports, and I gravitated more toward creative outlets. Through some friends, I was introduced to graffiti and was instantly hooked by the culture—the colorful expression, the rush of climbing structures, and the thrill of painting murals.
I wasn’t exactly a pro with a spray can. My attempts at tagging the name “Slick” weren’t masterpieces by any means. Eventually, I found my way into street art. I loved the idea of creating something and putting it out into the world for everyone to see. That led me to making stickers, oddly enough, of my own face. I know, not the smartest idea, but they weren’t obviously me. I handed them out to friends and stuck them around school. I never got caught, but there were definitely a few close calls. Eventually, I started putting pieces up around downtown L.A.
That sparked a desire to see my art on clothing. A few friends and I tried launching a brand, but it didn’t take off the way we hoped. Still, it inspired me to create shirts with my own designs. That’s when I got into graphic design and screen printing, and I haven’t looked back since.
Today, I run a small screen printing shop out of my garage. What started as teenage curiosity has become a real creative journey. I enjoy working with small businesses and people starting new ventures. I find genuine satisfaction in helping others bring their ideas to life, even if my work goes uncredited. Being part of someone’s beginning is rewarding in itself.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I believe every business goes through a bumpy road, but that’s what shapes the journey. Every challenge brings lessons learned and experience earned. Even operating at a small scale has its difficulties, there’s always competition and the constant pressure of inflation.
I understand there are businesses larger than mine that can outrun me, but one thing I’ve learned in this industry is that people truly value genuine human interaction. In a world where technology is taking over, people still want to feel seen and heard.
Inflation continues to affect the cost of supplies, and in this industry, we use a lot of them to print t-shirts. Part of my journey has been learning the ins and outs of the entire screen printing process. I started as a shop assistant doing the dirty work, and eventually learned how to run a shop with 10 employees. Along the way, I’ve picked up tips and tricks that help me cut back on certain costs while maintaining quality.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business is a small, independent screen printing shop built from the ground up, starting in a garage with a passion for design and a drive to create. We specialize in high-quality, custom screen printed apparel for small businesses, startups, artists, and anyone looking to bring their ideas to life through wearable art. From t-shirts and hoodies to tote bags and limited-run drops, we take pride in bringing every detail to life with care and craftsmanship.
What sets us apart is our focus on genuine relationships. We work closely with clients, offering personal attention, honest feedback, and creative collaboration every step of the way. In an age of automation, we bring a human touch to every project. We’re also known for our consistency and willingness to work with clients of all sizes even those just starting out.
What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built with our community. Whether it’s a first-time artist or a growing brand, I love being part of someone’s creative journey and helping them get their vision out into the world.
At the end of the day, this isn’t just about printing shirts, it’s about empowering ideas, celebrating creativity, and helping others build something of their own. That’s the heart of our brand.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
People can work with me by reaching out directly through my email ([email protected]) or social media (@offbeat.supply) to discuss their custom printing needs. Whether you’re a small business, artist, event organizer, or just someone with a creative idea, I’m open to collaborating on projects big or small. I love brainstorming design ideas, offering guidance on materials and print methods, and helping clients bring their vision to life with quality and care.
Collaboration is always welcome, whether that means partnering on limited edition drops, co-creating designs, or supporting local events and creative communities. I’m passionate about building relationships that go beyond just printing shirts. I’m also big on mental health and would love to partner up with any organizations to print some shirts. I look forward to growing my brand and being able to also do outreach work
If you want to support my work, sharing my business with your network or even giving me a follow would mean the world to me. Every little bit counts, and I’m grateful for every connection and opportunity to grow together.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Jaqueline Gurrola
Isaac Leveron
