Banowetz is excited to bring designer and native Texan Wes Phelan on board. It took some time to find the right blend of talent and personality, but Wes was worth the wait. A graduate of UT Dallas, he’s been honing his skills the last few years at local creative shop Belmont Icehouse and working direct with Billy Jealousy. His work is not only strong graphically, but it’s smart too — something we’re also passionate about. We’re excited about what he brings to the table.

Wes’ talents are not limited to just design: he enjoys wildlife photography, singing and making music as well. He also likes to try new restaurants and loves coffee, so he’ll fit right in at the office (we love to eat and coffee’s a staple). Zoology is among his other interests, and we’ve been fairly warned that he’s an encyclopedia of random animal facts. Lastly, but not least, he’s an “aggressive” rollerblader. I’m not sure what that means but given he has two false teeth as a result, I suggest not getting in his way. He’s been skating for more than half his life and I assume by now he’s pretty good at it. (Having Fair Park across the street should come in handy.)

So, if you’re in the area, stop by and have a cup of joe with Wes and welcome him to the Team. Or if you’re feeling especially daring... bring some protective gear and your skates.

— Kris Murphy, Senior Designer

DJ Sherman: Junior Designer, professional sitter, high-five enthusiast, corgi owner

DJ and his roommate, Remy, basking in the beauty of a  Kansas spring. — DJ and his roommate, Remy, basking in the beauty of a Kansas spring.

He’s not in Kansas anymore, that’s for sure. Dallas is a bit different from the small Kansas town of 300 that DJ Sherman grew up in. But don’t let his background fool you. He’s a city boy at heart who’s more than savvy when it comes to the latest technology, design, custom typography and user interface development.

DJ joined Banowetz + Company last November. Previously, he spent a few years cutting his teeth in Wichita and Manhattan, Kansas, following his graduation from Kansas State University with a B.F.A. in Graphic Design. After accepting the position at Banowetz + Company, he relocated to east Dallas and has been learning his way around the big city ever since.

His quirky sense of humor and well-rounded range of interests make DJ hard not to like. A real Renaissance man, when he’s not at the office sharing cooking and nutritional tips with co-workers, he enjoys exercising, the great outdoors, reading and hanging out with his corgi, Remy. Once you meet him or work with him on a project, there’s no doubt you’ll agree he’s a great addition to the team — and the creative.