Meet Janice Walters: Branding, Graphic Design and Production

We had the good fortune of connecting with Janice Walters and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Janice, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up, I had two divergent role models: my mom was ever-practical and strategic; my dad was successful in a creative business. As I embarked on my studies and initial career in sales and marketing, I chose to pursue a field with a strong corporate structure and the solid promise of growth and stability. Interestingly, all the companies I worked for existed in creative types of products, but their operations were decidedly corporate. As my life evolved, I realized that the possibility of creative entrepreneurship was of great interest to me, combined with a fascination with the power of visual communication. As I look back over the arc of my entire life, I recognize that this interest has been a persistent focal point, but I had wanted to experience the mainstream functioning of the business world as a proving ground for my organizational and relationship skills. I founded Gallardo Graphics simply with the idea that I could provide unique and inspired graphic design for many purposes: social and business. In the pursuit of that purpose I’ve come to recognize that my gift is in bringing creative life to primarily business situations, thus marrying my two role models.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I was raised in Berkeley, California, a city that expresses itself in offbeat and traditional ways, often simultaneously. From that upbringing I have learned how to integrate unique and colorful concepts into my designs while still maintaining a sense of timelessness. I greatly value research and learning as a way to keep my work fresh, both from an artistic and technological standpoint. I want my clients to trust that I understand trends as well as the best platforms on which to express them. Being a gregarious person, it has been relatively easy for me to meet people and build their trust. Having said that, the difficulty for me is taking the business to a higher level with more discerning clients. Like many entrepreneurs, I’ve had to coach myself to reach out to strangers. What I’ve learned along the way is to avoid the practice of “getting ready for ready”. One doesn’t really need all the pieces in place to make things happen – like the perfect website or dazzling social media. We just need to show up and be consistent, to really believe in the business.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in the South Bay area, which is a wonderful place to relax, walk on the beach and grab a bite at The Green Temple in the Hollywood Riviera. But I would take my buddy on quite the tour of LA both to sightsee and to eat! First we would head into Downtown and enjoy the Beaux Arts area with its unique murals and creative businesses. Lunch would be at Bottega Louie with a big to-go box of their macarons. Next we’d head to Griffith Park to the Observatory and a walk to the Hollywood Sign. I’d love to take my buddy to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl. No trip to LA is complete without a drive up the coast to Malibu, and perhaps lunch at Paradise Cove – it’s kitschy but wonderful. We would also venture into Beverly Hills and hopefully get a coffee at Alfred after wandering the avenues. I’d like to visit Koreatown and enjoy a Monty’s Goodburger, and wander the area. If we can pretend that COVID is over, I would want to visit LACMA, The Getty Center and the Broad. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My success stems from the encouragement and inspiration of my father, James F. Gallardo, who consistently brought unique and creative ideas to my design puzzles. Thank you also to the women who have listened and counseled: Cathy Alessandra, Caroline Leach and Katie Vernoy.

Website: gallardographics.com

Instagram: instagram.com/gallardographics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janicegwalters/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/janicegwalters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gallardographics

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=gallardo+graphics

Image Credits
Cynthia Olkie, Fleur de Lis Photography McKenna Leigh Photography