Meet Zane Marsh | Owner of Marsh Advertising

We had the good fortune of connecting with Zane Marsh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Zane, how do you think about risk?
Every major decision i’ve made has been a risk. You can do all the planning in the world but in the end nothing makes it any less scary. Every moment of growth was done out of striving for something beyond my reach. I still have a long way to go but I will always approach every decision the same way. You’ll only go as far as you push yourself.

As a business owner I am 100% responsible for everything that happens in my business. It’s one thing to clock in and out everyday but a whole other thing to always be on the clock. Even when I am resting I am thinking of my business. If its not the current project then its where is future business coming from. And there is no real book to guide you through because your business is unique and requires a balance within the industry.

Being in advertising can be particularly challenging because there is no immediate value produced. I hope to prove to my clients that spending money on an ad will directly correlate to money spent. This value is usually determined over months and with a tied in marketing strategy.

I’m where I am today because of risks. From going to school, freelancing, starting my own company. All some of the scariest moments of my life. Looking back it scares me more to think about what my life would have been like had I not taken that risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Ive always been an artist. Ever since I was a kid. The lessons I learned in art are what guided me in most things ive done. Its true what they say about 10,000 hrs. You spend enough time doing something that it becomes second nature.

I absolutely have to have art in my life. I dont mean just painting in arts most basic sense, but all forms of art. I have found myself constantly learning new crafts and trades for the sake of creation itself. I started off in traditional painting and then as I got into college, I transitioned that into a career in graphic design. This was the most logical move for me at the time.

What really fascinated me most in graphic design was advertising. It was beautiful to use design to invoke a specific feeling. I was intrigued by the meshing of art and utility. I would say those were the defining moments that guided me to where I am today.

Over the years I took to murals, audio production, cinematography, animation design and pretty much anything in between. Steve Jobs said you have to have passion in what you do. Passion is what keeps you going when any rational person would give up. Ive never let my failures stop me because I understood I was always building towards something.

But really… When it really comes down to the end of the day. If the world never asked a thing from me again. I would still need to make things. I would still get up with the same purpose.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Downtown is my favorite place in Corsicana. I would start with Brunch and drinks at Across the Street Diner followed by thrift shopping and coffee at Mitas or Timbers. Id take them around to Art Alley and all the other places I have painted Murals. Cant forget about lunch at my favorite food truck Taco Station! Hang out at my downtown studio after lunch and then make our way to bowling and a movie at Shulmans Movie Bowl and Grill. And then finish off the night with a couple cold beers at Brick Streets Brewery and a game of poker.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Most people think of success happening in a big city like Dallas or Austin. True there is more opportunity but there is also a lot more competition. Moving to Corsicana, Texas and starting a business may seem odd but I saw the value of harnessing a market that was untapped. I had a unique value proposition and our local Main Street Director, Amy Tidwell, saw the potential I could add to our local community. Without a doubt I would not be here today if it wasn’t for the support she provided by using my services to promote other businesses, local organizations and events.

Business has been slowing picking up and I have had such amazing opportunities. Currently Corsicana Main Street and Marsh Advertising are working on a joint project called Rooted in History. It is a large scale mural in our Historic Downtown on the Canterbury Court building. It is set to be unveiled this spring.

It’s also important to recognize all of my clients and supporters who also made it possible for me to be here today. Its because of local patronage that small business like me survive.

Website: marshadvertising.com

Instagram: @marshadvertising

Facebook: @marshadvertising

Youtube: Marsh Advertising

Image Credits
Zane Marsh Justin Williams Guy Chapman