WHO IS BROWNLEE?

Brownlee was the last name of my maternal Grandmother, Barbara. Grandma Barb was an artist who made her mark in hand-lettered sign painting. I remember being a kid, watching her paint big ‘happy birthday’ banners, and grocery store ‘sale’ signs. This was in the 80s, things were different! She didn’t have Photoshop, or a computer, or a printer. She had a shoestring budget, a steady hand, and an eye for detail - and that was exactly what you needed to be successful in the business at the time.

Barbara Jean Brownlee passed away on May 3, 2005.

My grandma knew I was artsy - she kept me stocked with drawing supplies, challenged me and taught me about style, design, and layout, and always encouraged me to do whatever made me happy. Well Grandma, this is it - I’m doing it.

DIFFERENT IS GOOD

Rarely does a day go by when I am not talking about how the printing business could be done differently. I took this small print shop in Grand Rapids, Michigan and started making changes.

I’m Bill Chesney - the friendly face behind Brownlee Press, and I have been staying busy. Since 2001, I’ve worked as a graphic designer, web-worker, musical curator, and digital printer, among other things. All the while, I’m constantly aiming to improve and hone my craft. At the same time I’m piling on and learning new skills. I’m always listening to the changes in the industry, and trying to be on the front end of the next wave. People want a good price, people want fast turnaround, but more than anything else - people want consistent quality - and that's what I’m selling.