Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Khamo.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My Uncle was a graphic designer, and Corel Draw was the first creative software that I interacted with when I was a kid. Years later, I volunteered at my church under the in-house graphic designer and was amazed by Photoshop and illustrator and wanted to do that. I really liked his desk setup, too, with the double monitors. I loved it so much that this made me switch my major from engineering to multimedia design when I was attending university at San Diego State and received my bachelor’s degree in 2012.
In 2013, I landed my first internship designing e-commerce websites. Fast forward to 2016, I became the Art Director at the Rock Church in San Diego, CA, where I managed the graphic design team and oversaw all of the different graphic design projects for the church.
In 2021, I left my full-time job and started Michael Khamo Design, where I offer services in graphic design, web design, cover art, social media marketing, digital media, and art direction, ultimately helping others bring their design needs to life. My passion for graphic design and my desire to see people, churches, and businesses convey their vision in the most excellent way fueled me to launch my own design business, taking all of my wisdom, experience, and sheer love for art and walk out the creative journey God had designed me to live.
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?
The biggest struggle was leaving my full-time job and making that jump into being my own boss. At the time when I left my job at the church, my wife and I just had a baby, and we had a mortgage to pay. The questions of “will I make enough every month to support my family and pay bills?” “Will I get more or lose clients when I make the jump?” “Do I have what it takes to do this?” All of these questions ran through my head every time I was thinking of officially going full-time freelance, and this humbled me for over a year. I was holding myself back by allowing fear to creep in and not allowing God to work through my life and my career.
Shoutout to my beautiful wife Desiree for always encouraging me and reminding me that I had what it takes to do this. And she was 100% right! She is my biggest fan and my rock. I love you babe!
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
The majority of my clients are churches, and I am known for this type of work. The graphic design services I offer include sermon series designs, social media, album cover art, print, and web design.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For inspiration: “Pretty Much Everything – Draplin Design Co.” (Book)
“Logo Modernism” (Book)
“Trade Marks and Symbols” (Book)
Dribbble.com
Behance.net
@ProChurchMedia
@crtvchurch
@worshipandcreative
@SundaySocial.tv
Educational:
YouTube
Skillshare
TheFutur (Podcast)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelkhamodesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelkhamodesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelkhamodesign
- Other: https://dribbble.com/michaelkhamodesign
