From the confines of his multi-faceted one-man shop, Tom Erdmann Jr. brings many things to life with his artistry.
Like fully wrapping an exotic Lamborghini in custom graphics with matte vinyl and black carbon fiber, or completely changing a silver Scion into a sweet, two-toned Seahawks tailgating rig.
No job is too daunting for the Auburn man, owner and creative director of SKC Industries, a newly-established graphic design, screen printing, vehicle wrap and signage business.
“I’ve always loved to draw, even when just a kid,” Erdmann said during a break from work in his spacious south Auburn shop. “I’ve always enjoyed (drawing) and over time it grew into applying it to graphic design, and now into the production end of everything as well.”
Such a medium took root while Erdmann was growing up in Auburn.
“I had Mr. Carson at Auburn High School, who taught a commercial art class. That was kind of my jumping-off point to get into all of this,” he explained. “I saw more value in it, as actually creating a product for people.”
Good with people and skilled with his hands, Erdmann eventually went to work for himself, but not until he’d worked for years plying his trade as a freelance graphic designer through college, as well as working as an art director in fine designs and as a graphic designer at SmithWalker Design & Photography. He also enhanced his artistic foundation and broadened his perspective as a Cornish College of the Arts graduate.
SKC Industries is Erdmann’s first foray into entrepreneurship, and he welcomes the challenge. He considers himself not only an artist, but also a technician and facilitator who vows to do the job right.
Vehicle wraps are among his many services. He also specializes in graphic design, screen printing, signage, banners, fleet work, exhibit design and whatever else he can apply his trade to.
Erdmann fulfills commercial jobs along with wholesale screen printing. Among the ventures he designs for is safetyshirtz.com, which produces high-quality workforce safety apparel for customers throughout the country.
Erdmann also sits on the Auburn School District advisory board that oversees the graphic design curriculum. He spends time speaking to and reviewing students’ design work.
“I like to show them what’s possible and how far you can take graphic design.” he said of his professional trade.
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We’re open
• Business: SKC Industries
• Location: 3602 A St. SE, Auburn (behind Budget Auto Sales)
• Specializing: One-stop shop your design and production needs.
• Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday
• Contact us: 253-218-0418, info@skcindustries.com
