Meet Michael Khamo | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Michael, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Throughout the years, from my time studying design in school to working for the profit and non-profit world, I noticed that “church graphics” as a whole were either of poor quality due to the lack of design emphasis, non-profit marketing dynamics, etc, or just completely non-existent. And I wanted to be a part of that shift to design excellence. I believe churches, like major secular companies and organizations, should also have the opportunity to portray what they’re about through quality graphic design elements and that’s where my passion truly began. While working for a mega church for over 4 years, my love for church focused design continued to grow and I realized that I didn’t just want my skill sets to be used in one arena. With that discovery, I began to explore the idea of expanding my own reach by providing more churches with designs that would fit their specific needs. I decided that I wanted to be in control of my own creative flow, have the freedom to work from home, and have the opportunity to spend more time with my family. And taking on this entrepreneurial venture, although risky, was the means to achieve those desires. It started with networking with other church centered designers, perfecting my craft through collaborations and constant practice, meeting with church clients to talk through design needs, taking on one project, then eventually multiple projects, and then ultimately partnering with various churches through monthly design packages. Which is where I am now. And although I am in the early stages, Michael Khamo Design is beginning to take root & grow.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
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!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area and I wanted to show them the best time ever, I would definitely take them to Disneyland. You can’t go wrong with the “Happiest Place on Earth”, right?. We would start in San Diego, my hometown, and make a road trip out of it. We would start the day by eating breakfast at “The Mission” in East Village, drive up the 5 freeway, and once we arrived at Disney, we would get on all of the best rides and eat all of the goodies Disney has to offer. From Space Mountain to Pirates of the Caribbean, to corn dogs and pineapple dole whipped ice cream. To complete the trip, we would eat dinner at “Cali Tacos” for some delicious authentic Mexican food and then enjoy our stay at the Disneyland Resort. There is so much to see and explore in Anaheim, so it would definitely be a fun time.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to first recognize my wife for always pushing me to believe in myself and that without her, I wouldn’t be in the position I am in where I get to do my freelance business full-time.

Also, to my uncle Mario who was a graphic designer and because of him, I first discovered Corel Draw on an old windows computer he had. As a result, my first interaction with a digital design program happened.

Website: https://www.michaelkhamodesign.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelkhamodesign/

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

Image Credits
Michael Khamo Design