Big A Celebrating 10 Years
by Bailey Basham, Messenger Staff Writer
Aaron Welch has been on the Mountain since 2011, and this year, he’s celebrating 10 years with his graphic design studio, Big A Marketing.
Welch, who got his start in Florida, said the Sewanee community welcomed him with open arms from the beginning.
“It was during the housing crash, and my family and I wanted to be someplace where there were mountains, four seasons and rivers with no alligators—Sewanee was the perfect place for us,” he said.
Besides the usual fireman, astronaut and farmer, Welch said when he was younger, he wanted to be an archaeologist and a musician, but his lifelong interest in computers won out.
“I’ve always had an interest in computers and in graphic design. Coming to Sewanee, it’s been great getting to help people and their businesses step up their presentation in print and communication,” he said.
Welch has been involved with supporting the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and with the Hunger Walk, as well as other local nonprofits and businesses on and off the Mountain. Housed in Welch’s studio is his store, Sewanee Gifts, which is an ever-changing shop of items Welch describes as unexpected ideas for gifting.
“The shop includes Fiery Gizzard Garments, such as the famous “Fog Happens” shirts, and customizable items, such as mugs, coasters and wine totes, as well as postcards and notecards with artwork by Mary Priestley,” he said. “The variety of the work is always nice. We’re able to do anything in print from small to large-scale promotional items. Being a part of improving the visuals for local businesses and nonprofits is fulfilling.”
Big A Marketing is located at 12569 Sewanee Hwy. The shop hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. For more information, give Welch a call at (772) 634-3631 or visit