Life brings many shapes and colors, and they all fit into some design. Clarkston High School and Michigan State University graduate Eric Ryan has made that his life’s work.
Ryan, 32, was inspired by his wife, Jen, to form his own company after he felt like he was neglecting his talent for artistry he cultivated as a child.
‘A lot of times I would always draw during class. At a young age I found it was something I really enjoyed doing,? Ryan said.
After graduating from MSU in 1998 with his degree in advertising, Ryan tested the advertising world. After seven years, he was ready to jump out on his own.
‘I took a leap of faith. I was at that job for seven years and I got the strength and courage from my wife, my best friend. She told me to just go ahead and do it.
‘Now I’m using my talents and I felt like I wasn’t before. I’m perusing something that fulfills me and makes use of those talents.?
Designing is not quite as simple as it was in his youth, but Ryan has mastered the computer-aided programs he now uses for his out-of-home business in Waterford.
Ryan spent much of his time early last year establishing a client base and he said nowadays he’s starting to get repeat business.
‘It’s starting to build, a lot of room for improvement, but it’s going good,? he said.
Despite the different type of atmosphere surrounding his new business, his proximity to the projects keeps him invigorated with his work.
‘I really get satisfaction from doing something that I’m passionate about’and I feel like I’m really hands on from stage one until completion,? he said.
‘I didn’t want to work at a job where I felt like I was just there to collect a paycheck.?
Before, he couldn’t work with people as much as he wanted to because of the nature of the business.
‘Now I feel like I’m doing what I want to do and I get to work close with the end user.?
A very memorable moment for Ryan was delivering apparel to the family of a fallen Marine in Iraq. The soldier, Raymond J. Plouhar, had written a poem before his death that Ryan included on the back of the apparel.
‘It was an honor to deliver these items to his family.?
Eric and Jen Ryan were married in 2003 after she finished graduate school. Jen is now a speech and language pathologist in the Waterford school district and the couple has an 8-month-old son, Elijah. Eric said one of the best things about his new career path is being able to spend time at home with his little one.
Eric plans to incorporate his son into his work. A mural in Eli’s room and caricature drawing of the baby are on his to-do list.
As a Clarkston Wolf in the early 1990’s, Eric played football, baseball and basketball for three years. While in high school, his father, Dale, became ‘the voice of the Wolves.? During the homecoming football game in 1991, Eric scored three touchdowns and can recall his father belting out a marching band tune over the loudspeaker after one of the scores.
‘He knew the mic was on, but he got a little excited,? he said.
He still enjoys working out and exercising when he can. He also enjoys writing poetry and listening to several different types of music in his free time.
Eric and Jen met after being set up by friends in 2000 while she was earning her master’s degree at Western Michigan University.
The Ryans enjoy traveling together. On a July 2005 trip to Alaska, Eric recalled seeing moose, sea otters, humpback whales and a glacier falling into the ocean.
‘The scenery was amazing and we saw a lot of wildlife.?
The couple also went fishing where they caught ling cod and halibut.
On their honeymoon in July 2003, the couple ventured to Aruba and in 2001 they visited Europe with stops in Ireland, England, and Paris, France.
Ryan Design L.L.C., opened in 2006, handling promotional products and graphic design. Eric Ryan can make banners and signs, wearables, as well as magnetic and writing utensil designs. Ryan Design is capable of designing logos, brochures and flyers as well.
Ryan offers screen-printing and embroidery through connections with other area businesses.
Ryan also likes to draw caricatures and portraits of friends and family members, a service available for special events too. Ryan can even paint murals to liven up buildings.
Ryan Designs can be reached at 248-683-5382 and e-mail at eryandesign@sbcglobal.net.