My History

For as long as I can remember, art has inspired me. When I was barely more than a toddler, my grandmother would give me scrap paper and a pen to keep me quiet in church. Little did she know she was handing me the tools of my destiny.

As I grew older, drawing became a means of escape. I could create objects, friends, even entire worlds from my imagination and bring them to life with my hands. My mother took notice of this gift and nurtured it by enrolling me in classes and encouraging me to participate in community art events. My father, on the other hand, believed that art was a waste of time, and that physical labor was how a real man made a living. But he inspired me, too, for as I got older his words spawned a need to prove him wrong by pursuing my talents.

  As an awkward junior high school student, I was certainly no academic boy wonder. But then I was introduced to the world of comic books and discovered a whole new realm of possibilities. I developed a passion for reading and an appreciation for graphic art. I was praised for my creative talents and even sold drawings to my classmates for some easy cash. (Take that, Dad!) Lo and behold, I had discovered my true purpose. I was meant to be a comic book artist!   

I enrolled in a technical high school that offered Commercial Art courses. I learned about conceptualization and the arrangement of text and images. It wasn’t drawing comics, but it captured my interest. Spurred on by my teachers, I continued my education in Advertising Art at Chattanooga State Technical Community College, where I was blessed to encounter Allan Wallace and Jeff Morris, two marvelous professors who pushed me to new heights. I was used to feeling like an artistic juggernaut on my home turf, but in the larger world, I was just one of many supporting characters.

As the years went on, I found myself unemployed and insignificant. I felt beaten down by rejection. I battled valiantly, but the going was rough and money was tight. My mother encouraged me to start a business, so I joined forces with two fellow designers and we struck out on our own. The gambit paid off, word got out, and business slowly began to come in.

Meanwhile, I served as Art Director at Pioneer Mat for almost 10 years, but I never relinquished my alter ego as a freelance designer for hire. One day an extraordinary woman by the name of Dene Rosenthal commissioned me to do some illustration work. She gave me advice on running my company and on my life in general. Dene taught me to find my passion in design and focus on it. She is one of the people who forever impacted my life, inspiring me to continue to grow and use my gifts to help others. Thanks to her encouragement, I entered school again and graduated with a degree in Graphic Design. The experience and proficiency I acquired helped me transform my talent into a thriving, prosperous venture.   

I truly love what I do. Art is my occupation, but it is my hobby as well. Not many people are lucky enough to get paid to do something they would already be doing in their free time. I am grateful to Mrs. Dene Rosenthal, Mr. Jeff Morris, Mr. Alan Wallace, and Mr. Lee Conner with other teachers and family that nurtured my talent and motivated me to pursue my dreams.

My dad has since passed away, but he got to realize that my art, my passion, is hard work and can pay the bills. He was very proud of what I have accomplished thus far in life. I am thankful for all of my clients, past, and present. Every time a client entrusts me to help bring their vision to life, they are adding a line to the story arc of my purpose; they are helping me develop the gift that God has given me. It’s is an incredibly humbling experience!

Interview

Services

I Help Companies, Organizations,  and Individuals Like You.

Welcome! I help businesses, organizations, and individuals enhance their visual communication. Whether you’re considering hiring an in-house designer, need help with overflow work, or seek a reliable partner to establish your brand, you’ve found the right place.

I’m passionate about learning about your unique goals, clients, and vision. Together, we can develop tailored marketing strategies and focused collateral that effectively targets your audience. No job is too small, and I treat every client with the utmost care and attention.

A great designer achieves more than just eye-catching visuals; I ensure your message resonates through my expertise in color theory and design psychology. Good design should support your objectives, and I am dedicated to meeting and exceeding expectations on every project.

Let’s collaborate to bring your vision to life and empower your brand!

Reach out today to get started.

Method of Operation?

Graphic design to me is more than designing something pretty, it is about communication and functionality. Each project requires me to grasp an understanding of my client’s needs and goals. The design should not only catch the attention of my client’s target audience, but be successful in producing the intended results.

I use research, study industry competitors, as well as, what methods have worked in the past, and what is currently trending. This helps to determine the route to take on each project. I use a combination of composition, typography, catchy statements, psychology, and color theory to attract your target audience.

I am a versatile designer. I can work solo, as project manager, with teams and existing marketing departments, in fast-paced environments, as a production artist, as well as, a commissioned designer and consultant. I am very driven, with a strong focus on time management (meeting those deadlines), effective strategic planning, and getting results.

I seek to establish long term relationships with clients.

Specialties: Logo Design, Print Design, Branding, Package Design, Marketing, Strategizing, Digital Design

scenic city inspiration

TESTIMONIALS

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Marcus has a unique hands-on approach to his creative process. I was impressed by his involved method of interviewing me as his client for the project. His approach was both casual in its manner and professional in its execution and I am quite pleased by
@Dominic_Jones
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Marcus is by far the best designer I have ever worked with in my 30+ years in publishing! He listens, asks intelligent questions, and when he knows what the customer wants- he delivers! He is creative, fast, and efficient and he does whatever it takes
@Barbara_Schrader
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I’ve worked with Marcus on several projects and he took raw data from my clients who had a vague idea of what their ad should look like. Every time he created an ad that surpassed my client’s expectations. Yesterday, I had a client that needed
@Ken_Schmanski
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I would like to take this opportunity to give Mr. Hardaway his due credit of a superb job he did on my logo. I reached to Mr. Hardaway with a few ideas of what I was looking for and he immediately went to work and
@Tony_Fields
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I would highly recommend Marcus Hardaway for any design needs. He is very creative, efficient, and professional! I found myself in a crunch for time and he expedited my logo and I love it!
@Marylin_Jones
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Marcus is creative and expedient and works to uncover exactly what you trying to achieve.. Unlike most graphic artists, who try to convince you to go their standard way. Marcus will engage you and draw out exactly what your goals are. Good Luck Everyone….
@Al_Zuffrano
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Marcus is truly gifted at listening to your desires and creating your vision on paper. Professional, excellent communicator throughout the entire process as well as timely. I am truly a customer for life. Thank you for creating my daughter’s logo! ✨ 
@Saneca_Gaines
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Mr. Marcus Hardaway is the King of design! I was in desperate need of a website. I reached out to Mr. Hardaway and he immediately went into action. He asked the right questions to see my vision and it was extremely diligent work until completion.
@Lisa_Crawford
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Marcus has excessive skills when it comes to design. I have worked with others and it usually isn’t effortless the way that working with Marcus is. He is a professional through and through!
@Kim_Burger
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Marcus is a very talented graphic artist with experience in multiple fields of design. I am sure Marcus is more than capable of handling any graphic design project you may need.
@Nathan_Brooks
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Marcus has done design work for me several times. His responsiveness, creativity, and attention to detail are outstanding and I would gladly recommend him to anyone in need of design work.
@Brian_Levredge
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Marcus Hardaway has been creating our season program booklets for several years and has delivered a quality product and on time. He listens to what our needs are and becomes a partner in the process of our programs.
@Anna_Baker-VanCura
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Marcus is by far one of my favorite artists! Excellent work that is always a cut above the rest and just a pleasure to work with.
@Nneka_Gunn
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Marcus is a pleasure to work with! He’s a super talented designer, with great communication skills and very responsive. I’m lucky to have him as our designer for Morningside Neighbors Magazine!
@Paul_Holland
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Marcus did an excellent job creating graphics, a logo, and collateral for a major project at my office. He worked well under pressure and produced quality work in a short amount of time. He was reliable, professional and courteous. I’d definitely use him again for
@Stacy_Lightfoot
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Marcus is a true professional. He produces quality work, on time, and on budget. He is really good at working to understand exactly what your looking for and helping to realize that vision. I would definitely recommend Marcus and Hardaway Designs for your next project.
@Matthew_DeGlopper
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Marcus is a phenomenal designer and artist. He takes time to understand his client’s needs to provide a finished product that is always stunning.
@Sara_Harrison
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We have worked with Marcus off and on for almost 20 years on print, packaging and website design projects. He first worked with Marcus at Adtext graphics. He has always done professional work in a timing manner. Many of his graphics are still being used
@Darrin_Diem
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Hardaway Design Group is awesome and very professional! Marcus, your team took my idea and made it a masterpiece. I am very pleased with your work and will always be thankful to you!!
@Ataska_Winsett
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The Kitty Katt Logo is really hott! Its Classy and Sexy all at the same time. The Logo is going to be hot on business cards, a billboard, t shirts, hats… Imagine that on a building! I can see it! It definitely catches your attention.
@Kitty_Katt_Kloset
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Thanks Hardaway Design Group for a fantastic partnership with the #1 Community College in the Nation – Valencia Community College (According to The Community College Weekly). Your work is great!
@Valencia
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Marcus, the Commencement cover was really nice. I attended the ceremony because my son was also in the graduating class. I work for a graphic design company and my co-workers were just commenting on what a wonderful job you did. Congrats!
@Fan
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I’d like to thank Hardaway Design for the excellent work and creativity in producing this logo for our national campaign to raise funds and awareness for HBCUs.
@JD_Harper
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We love the Logo!!! It gives the company the look we want to display. Professional classy is what I call it. Great job!
@JERRAINE_HALL
Gerald_Jones
Marcus Hardaway is by far the absolute best in graphic design and art. If you need an artist to grow your brand and programs, look no further.
@Gerald_Jones
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Marcus Hardaway is by far the absolute best in graphic design and art. If you need an artist to grow your brand and programs, look no further.
@Jolanda_Herring