Meet Brynn Seitzman of Gratiphy in Estes Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brynn Seitzman.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was in college, I studied graphic design where we experimented with logos, branding, web design and packaging. One of my assignments that I was given was to design a vodka bottle for a local distillery. I fell in love with it and thats when I knew I wanted to get into packing for liquor bottles. Once I went out into the real world, I moved to California where I worked for a couple of companies as a graphic designer, getting professional experience. I then moved back to Colorado, worked at another design firm in Boulder, then decided to go out on a limb and start my own company where I design beer labels for breweries. My fiancé and I would go to many beer festivals where I would bring a brochure filled with beer label mockup designs and hand them out to each booth, saying that I design labels for breweries if they needed any work.

My Moto was “Fake it till you make it”. I then stepped into a brand new Brewery located in Estes Park. I handed them a brochure right in front of there current designer, not knowing who he was. It just so happened that he was from out of town. The owner fell in love with my work and decided to start working with a local artist. Through that, I was starting to get noticed in town. I then started designing packing for a local whiskey company, hot sauce business and popsicle packaging out in Denver. I absolutely love what I do and I love when people notice my work in stores. I think packing design, especially in liquor stores are the main reason new products are noticed and sold. I will always buy a new beer or wine-based off a cool label!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In my opinion, there will always be rough times and great times! I struggled financially when I first went full time in my business only to prove to myself that I could make it. I had my good days and bad days. It was definitely a roller coaster. Even a couple of years in, I have some other struggles that I work with. Especially as a designer, There are jobs that I spend hours of work on and end up being really happy with the designs I came up with, and the client doesn’t end up wanting that work, or someone doesn’t want to pay me for my time or see the value in my work as a professional. There’s so many issues that I can run into as a designer. But then I have days where my work is all over towns, people find me on Instagram in other states wanting special work or people find my can design in a store and I hear tons of compliments of how thats their favorite beer design. Those are the moments I live for in my work of field.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Gratiphy – what should we know?
My company is a graphic design business where I design logos, branding, posters for events and packing design. Most of the jobs I get are packing design and my dream would eventually be to just focus on wineries, breweries and distilleries for packing. All my work is unique and hand-drawn. I put together color pallets for each brand to use so the designs are consistent and unique from other businesses. I work remotely, so I have the freedom to work at the actual client’s location to get to know the owners and vibe of the atmosphere so I can capture there brand that fits them perfectly. On workdays at home, I’ll sometimes ask for music playlists from clients and listen to it as I design for them. I believe that music and art go hand and hand, so if I can listen and pretend that I am at there location, I can design something for them that fits them well.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I give a lot of credit to my fiancé, Gavin, who has seen me challenge myself over the years with my business. He’s gone to so many beer festivals with me and pushed me to talk to more breweries than I was comfortable with. He gets me out of my comfort zone so I can achieve the goals that I want to make. Also, he’s always there to give me professional advice in certain situations where I am stuck, or any feedback on work that I am designing and needs a second pair of eyes. And he’s always there with emotional support when I am stuck.

I also give a lot of credit to my family and friends for supporting me in my decision be start my own business. My dad has owned his own company for years and has given me my space to grow and learn for myself but also, he’s always there to give me advice. Also, my mom is an amazing artist and she is always there to give me critical feedback to help me improve as an artist. She introduced me to a personal development class, where I was able to see my value as an artist and start my own business in my dream job.

Contact Info:

• Website: gratiphyco.com
• Phone: 970.317.5699
• Email: brynn@gratiphyco.com
• Instagram: Gratiphy_Agency
• Facebook: @GratiphyAgency

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