TOMMY segundo

I started my art business at the end of 2018.  No business or art degree or background.  I was an educator for 15 years working in the Native American Community around Seattle and the state of Washington.  Here is my linkedin profile.  I think it's worth noting that I have strong connections to my local community through my past work experiences.  I'm also a father of 3 young kids and they are the reason I left education(my 9-5 job) to start a business that gave me the flexibility to help raise my kids.  I do work in the daytime while they are at school, then create art late at night while they sleep.  

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So I think that might set me apart, being that I do this all on my own, while being a full-time father.  I also have combined my experience as an educator and use art to educate about Native culture.

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I also helped change and design the new logo of my high school alma mater.  It used to be the Renton Indians, but we changed it to the Renton Redhawks.  I worked at my high school for 5 years(my last full-time job) and developed a presentation on why "Indian" mascots are harmful to Native American identity and discussed this several classes.  Almost all of the students who heard my presentation agreed they should change the name.  2 years after I left and started my art business, I was contacted and asked to help choose a mascot that can be culturally relevant, but doesn't stereotype Native American people.  We chose the Redhawks and I designed the logo as shown below! :)