Check Out Matt Lee’s Story

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Matt Lee.

Hi Matt, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
My journey into the business world is a tale of passion converging with professional expertise. I, Matt Lee, bring years of experience as a software engineer specializing in sales and marketing, while my wife, Jessica Lee, is an accomplished graphic designer with a background in the arts from a prestigious school in Chicago and considerable experience in the food industry.

Our story began when we noticed that many beloved local restaurants in Arizona were struggling despite offering excellent food and service. This was troubling for us, not just as patrons but as professionals who believed we had the tools to make a difference. Our shared passion for food and community service sparked the idea of combining our skills to support these establishments.

Jessica’s ability to create compelling visuals and my experience in software development and business strategy proved to be a powerful combination. We began by offering our services to businesses owned by friends, which gradually expanded to include other local restaurants. Our approach has always been holistic, addressing both the aesthetic aspects of branding and the operational efficiencies of marketing and sales.

Today, while we acknowledge there’s still much to achieve, we take pride in knowing our efforts have contributed significantly to the success of our local dining scene. Together, we continue to work towards elevating the value and recognition of these establishments, ensuring they receive the appreciation they rightfully deserve.

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?
Starting and growing our business certainly wasn’t easy, and along the way, we learned a lot about how to run things smoothly.

I’m the kind of person who likes to plan everything carefully before taking action, but I quickly found out that there are so many unexpected things that can happen in the business world. In the beginning, apart from businesses run by our close friends, it was hard to get others to trust in our skills and the positive changes we could bring. Convincing them to work with us was the first big step.

Many were hesitant to spend money on “design,” seeing it as just an extra, not essential. And then there were the financial challenges: some clients were hesitant to pay the full amount we agreed on or kept asking for changes, even when it went beyond what we had agreed on in the contract.

As time went on and we completed more work, these issues started to iron out. We learned how to think more like business owners and how to deal with clients in a way that made everyone happy!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We run a graphic design company specializing in bringing visions to life for companies, restaurants, and individuals. Our work focuses on creating tangible representations of our clients’ conceptual ideas, helping them to strengthen their brand identities. This foundation allows them to accelerate their growth and enhance their market presence.

Alongside our core offerings in graphic design—which include designing menus, merchandise, packaging, and company documents—we uniquely integrate software solutions. These solutions automate repetitive processes and are designed to significantly enhance marketing efforts, thereby boosting our clients’ revenues.

What truly sets us apart is our combination of graphic design expertise with advanced marketing solutions seamlessly integrated through our custom software. This unique blend allows us to provide a comprehensive service package that meets and often exceeds our client’s expectations.

Our ability to merge creativity with technical proficiency in design and software development distinguishes us from others in the field. It is a key aspect of our business that we take immense pride in.

What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The graphic design industry is undergoing rapid changes, particularly with the widespread integration of artificial intelligence (AI).

AI has become prevalent in many sectors, facilitating the creation of designs that are efficient and cost-effective. As these technologies evolve, they are becoming increasingly central to our industry.

Over the next 5-10 years, we expect AI to further influence graphic design, reshaping how we operate and deliver services. While AI offers undeniable advantages in terms of speed and cost, it still struggles to match the depth of expression that human creativity can achieve. Recognizing this, we are committed to enhancing our human touch in design. We believe that the unique nuances of human creativity are irreplaceable and can significantly elevate the quality of our work.

At the same time, we are actively incorporating AI technologies into other aspects of our business to streamline operations and improve efficiency. By balancing the strengths of AI with the irreplaceable value of human artistic expression, we are preparing to not only adapt but also excel in a future where technology and creativity intersect. This dual approach ensures that we continue to offer innovative, high-quality designs that reflect the best of both worlds.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sumisubi.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/sumiland_design

Image Credits
Jessica Lee of Sumiland & Sub Studio