A dog owner himself, him and and his wife are guardians to senior sweethearts, Speck, Bebe & Molly. Read on…
How long has Indie Printing been around? Who were the founders?
Indie Printing technically started in 2002, but officially was established in 2003. I, Frankie N. Carranza developed the concept of a printing company that would work within the niche of the Independent Film industry,after working within the industry as an art director and freelance graphic designer for 2 years. In 2003, I approached Andy Rosillo (partner#1) who had been already working on his own print company with Wayne Said (partner #2). The three of us agreed to move forward with what is now Indie Printing Inc.
Indie Printing was built on the idea that Independent Artists should not compromise on marketing their project because it was too expensive. We were able to find a way to make it affordable for Independent Filmmakers to market their films affordably without compromising quality. Indie Printingwas the first printing company to develop Filmmaker Film Festival Print Packages.
Luckily the term “Indie,” which originally spoke specifically about Independent Filmmakers blossomed into the music, art, theatre and now, small business industries. Since Indie is a term now used to describe a frame of mind rather than a specific person, it certainly stays true to the way Indie Printing has evolved as a business. I believe that it’s important to implement our own personal beliefs in the way Indie Printing is run and perceived in the community. This philosophy has really helped Indie Printing maintain a strong socially and environmentally-responsible business, and it has really helped us put the “principle before profit” motto into action.
Every year, I’m sad to say that it is always designed, proofed, printed and delivered in less than 36 hours. This past year it was done in 48 hours. Running a business makes it difficult to get involved in a big project like a calendar, but how can anyone say no to Lori? I know I sure couldn’t. Plus when it’s a cause that you keep close to your chest, you’ll find a way to make it happen, and so it happens every year, after a couple of really long days of course. Plus its always rewarding to hear Lori say “I always say, this year is better than last years.” It’s a real motivator to know you are part of the big picture. I’m glad to know Lori has sketched me into hers.
It’s just a fun little idea that me and one of my creatives came up with. Ricardo and I are always the people dealing with clients and took notice that a lot of our clients walk in with dogs. We then decided to photograph every dog and owner that walks through our door. I think it provides a little personality to our little Independent Printing company. Plus when its published on our website, we will give the owners name, pets name, and link to their website.
Alanna & Frankie Carranza with Molly
Tell us about your dogs
My wife Alanna and I share an equal enthusiasm for all animals, but since we don’t live on a farm, we are at maximum capacity with the animals that will fit under our tiny roof at the moment. We are just about 1 pet short of being hoarders with a 14 year old Pitbull mix, a 10 year old German Shepherd mix, and a 9 year old terrible Terrier mix. All of them are well over 60 lbs., our German Shepherd coming in at just under 100 lbs. We also tend to our feral cat colony that we have trapped, fixed, and now feed.Plus the strays we manage to wrangle from the streets. Alanna really wants a pig, I’d love a goat, but for now we are cozy with the pets we are able to live with comfortably.
Molly, Speck & Bebe Carranza
Where did you get your dogs? What quirky habits do they have?
Well, It’s a bitter-sweet thing for me to talk about where Speck (Pitbull mix) came from. He was purchased 14 years ago by Alanna’s family from a swap meet (I know I said the P-word, purchased). However, Speck is the very reason Alanna and I concentrate on helping the rescue community. He was the eye-opener for us, realizing that dogs are more than just dogs. You can definitely see a soul in those big brown eyes. Plus knowing him and his demeanor really helped us sympathize with the bad-rap Pit Bulls get in the media and in society. Speck has been diagnosed with bladder cancer, but still has the happy friendly demeanor he’s always had. So if he were planning to snap and lock his jaw on us, he is certainly waiting for the last minute to do so! For now, he just loves to eat and do nothing. He was born for public office.
Bebe is the second oldest (10 yr. old German Shepherd mix). She was rescued from a home of irresponsible pet owners. She swings her 100 lb.hips like she’s a descendant from the swingin 60’s and she whistles. Draw your own conclusions with that. We’ve yet to figure it out.
Molly is the youngest (9 yr. old Terrier Mix). She was rescued as a puppy from Compton, CA. She is the Dr. Jeckyll to our Ms. Hyde. Everyone thinks she is a cute, innocent 60 lb. terrier, but so far, her kill count is at about 4 with 2 opossums, 1 crow, a gopher plus, she has been responsible for countless near-heart attacks to our feral cat colony, another dog and countless squirrels.
What is it about “dog ownership” that you like?
Dogs have a large capacity for showing emotions and for some reason they stay constantly positive, and insist that you maintain your positivity as well.They make us realize how important it is to give a voice to the voiceless.
With all our pets, we value their lives and presence but realize they won’t be around forever. That being said, we can’t wait to be able to adopt the oldest Pit Bull Lori and the Downtown Dog Rescue has waiting for us!
====
Thank You Frankie and the staff at INDIE PRINTING
for all the work you do for Downtown Dog Rescue!!!!
Go see the great staffers at Indie Printing at this week’s GO GREEN EXPO at the Los Angeles Convention Center Jan 23-24, 2010
Indie Printing
162 W. Pico Boulevard, Downtown LA 90015
(corner Pico & Hill)
(213) 745-6395
http://indieprinting.com