BY JEFF BACON
Whether it’s for a sign on a tattoo parlor in San Francisco or a full wrap on a local work van, Andy Hawley is blending new technology with old-school techniques to create some eye-catching signage and it’s all happening in his new studio on Airport Way in Hailey.
Started in 1989, Hawley Graphics is definitely one of the go-to companies when it comes to signage and graphic design in the Wood River Valley.
“Growing up in Alaska, I took a design class and the teacher told me right away that I should consider becoming a graphic artist,” Andy explained during a recent interview. “I didn’t even know what a graphic designer did, but once I started researching, I really felt I could excel in this industry.”
And excel he has. Andy and his Hawley Graphics team have recently been involved in several high-profile projects in and around the Valley.
“I submitted a design for the Welcome to Hailey sign on highway 75 several years ago,” Andy explains. “After a process to determine the winner, my design was chosen and we also won the contract to build it. Being able to design and build the welcome sign to the city that I love has truly been a great experience.”
Andy is quick to note that it’s his background and schooling in design that has helped him become one of the top creators of signage in the Valley.
“Each project we work on is unique,” Andy notes. “It’s important to make sure you fully understand what the project is intended to do before you start designing. Too often we see graphic design that overdoes it and then it’s just design for design sake. Good design is all about keeping it as simple or complex as the need it is fulfilling.”
Andy recently moved his office and work space to a new location on Airport Way in Hailey.
“Our old location on Bullion Street was fine space but we outgrew it fairly quickly,” Andy notes. “In our new location, we have a roll-up door and plenty of room to bring cars and trucks inside. Wrapping cars and work vehicles has become a significant part of our business and the technology that makes that possible is only going to make it more popular in the future.”
Another project that Andy recently completed is the new signage at Friedman Memorial Airport.
“We were lucky enough to get the contract to build the main sign on the administration building and the welcome signage on the main terminal that the passengers see when they get off their plane,” Andy explains. “Being able to help put the finishing touches on such a significant project for our Valley was truly special.”
Any new projects in the works?
“I can tell you that I have always wanted to do something for the mountain,” Andy notes. “Maybe this is the year we get to do that as well.”
Jeff Bacon is The Chamber of The Wood River Valley’s membership director. For more information, visit www.haileyidaho.com or call The Chamber at (208) 788-3484.