Today we’d like to introduce you to VITO TENORIO.
Hi VITO, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out drawing and painting as a kid, in 1997 I was introduced to graphic design. I was told i could take my hand drawings and turn them into digital art, ever since then I was hooked. I started with humble beginnings, I spent countless hours learning my new craft. I eventually went onto CSU CHICO STATE to pursue my BA degree in graphic design. As I child I always dreamed of being my own boss and having a business of my own one day. Since my high school days I always operated with the mindset of business owner, I would spend many hours studying and learning how to do sales and market my services. I worked a freelancer all through my college years and eventually it would land me a few design jobs in the in the graphic design field. This is where I fell in love with the Signage and Printing. Took a job as a graphic designer as a local sign shop there is where I the gained the experience working with signage. After hours would do side jobs to build my clientele. I went from being a graphic designer to and per-production, to marketer, to sales/accounting to installer of signs and decals. Do it all from beginning to end. as of today I have been designing for over 29 years and into auto and painting for 19 years as a pinstriper. I am self-taught. I specialize in traditional pinstriping, lowrider scroll and leafing. I started my company REBEL ONE GRAPHICS in 2021 and have been going full speed ever since. My ultimate goal is to eventually turn my home business into a full functional business where I can hire an installer, graphic designer, accountant, and sales and marketing team.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been an easy road for me because I am an introvert at heart, I am quite person naturally. But once I am comfortable with an individual, I will open up. I’ve always try to position myself to make connections where I will force myself to be challenged. Because at the end of the day no one is going to do it for me. I know if i want to make it in this industry I need to come out of my shell and make those connections. That’s what I have been doing all these years, and of course going to college has helped my social skills. I remember back when I was first starting out, my confidence was low, I wasn’t known at all, I was starting from the bottom many in the industry wouldn’t give me the time of day to show me tips and tricks of the trade. I had to research everything from reading to Youtube videos. Youtube became my number source of learning and of course trial and error, learning as I go. Some struggles I faced was racial prejudice, speaking in public settings, financial struggles, gaining the trust of new customers.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a graphic designer and sign maker, I design everything from logos, business cards, flyers, banners, decals, signs, t-shirts and the list goes on. I also offer printing services for large format printing. I also specialize in auto art wildly-known as pinstriping. I specialize in traditional and lowrider scroll and silver and gold leaf. I am self-taught and been doing so for 19 years. I remember when I first started, no one wanted to show me nothing. So again, I had to rely on Yotube and of course trial and error and tons of man hours. After 19 years I am still learning the trade. after all these years, I am known for Graphics and Pinstriping I am most proud of when I run into random strangers and they recognize me, and they would say your that guy with the brush or you’re the graphics guy. “I heard about you” etc. It makes me feel like I am doing something right or I am making an impact. I think what sets me apart from others is I go above and beyond for my clients no matter how small or big the job is. Just look at my google business page and see for yourself. I will always go above what is expected because after all God give me a gift and I need to protect it.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I have always been a risk taker, if you tell I can’t do something I will prove you wrong. I accept the challenge of proving people wrong even when people say I wouldn’t make it this far. I smile and say only look at me now. I don’t say this to be cocky but if they only knew the countless hours of sacrifice I made to get where I am today. I have taken risk where I took jobs for less pay so I could get the experience I needed. I would go to trade shows and car shows to show case my work to walk away empty handed and making no sales, but that didn’t stop me it only fueled my fire to push harder. When other artist would say my work sucked and I should find another career I didn’t listen because I have passion, it’s my calling to be an artist. My art reaches people, it speaks to people. I am willing risk it all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://REBELONEGRAPHICS.COM
- Instagram: REBEL_ONE_GRAPHICS
- Other: GOOGLE BUSINESS PAGE – REBEL ONE GRAPHICS
