* Graphic Production Alliance is large-format graphics.

* Event, Convention and Tradeshow Graphics, Displays, Wall Paper, POP, Banners, Decals and Small Signs

* Display and Tradeshow fixtures, Retractable Banner Stands. Vehicle Graphics

* Ink Jet, Photo, Silk Screen, and Sign Making

* Our clients depend on us just as they would their ‘in-house’ partner, committed to the same deadlines and bottom line they are. 

Graphic Production Alliance
Large-Format Imaging Experts

Graphic Production Alliance began over 12 years ago in a back bedroom of ranch styled house with little more than a Mac computer, the desire to help a friend and a couple of day dreamers. Spare evenings and weekends were spent designing and laying out the bi-monthly newsletter for the Carnegians; their first official client. Each invoice generated meant that more software, more computers and eventually, BIG printers could be purchased. Then, in May of 1996, Graphic Production Alliance, with the purchase of the first 50-inch width inkjet printer in St. Louis, became the first large-format exclusive service bureau in St. Louis. Greg and Chris Martin were officially employed by themselves.

Brothers, Greg and Chris Martin are almost exact opposites in most respects. By chance, they’d both taken jobs in the graphics industry to put themselves through college. Chris was a lay-down technician at a company that produced tradeshow graphics with cut vinyl and paint. Greg on the other hand, found his calling in the dark recesses of a commercial photo lab. He was first merely a darkroom assistant to the lead color printer, and then eventually he mastered all tasks within the lab, holding the lead color printer position for nearly 10 years. Both brothers thrived on the tasks that were put before them and both soon became leaders within their companies. Fate was now guiding them towards the creation of Graphic Production Alliance.

During the time when the brothers were still working for their respective employers, a dramatic change in the way large format graphics were produced was about to descend upon the industry. Traditional photographic, paint and vinyl means for creating short run graphics was being over shadowed by a new development in computer assisted drawing. Almost over night, both of their employers had to shift gears to accommodate the new technologies of large-format inkjet printers, RIPs and color management. Since the Martin brothers knew their way around personal computers, having been exposed to them years ago at home by their father, it was a natural transition for each of them within both of their companies. Fate was calling.

Now in daily phone calls they began sharing notes on what the other was doing. From their research and experiences each was formulating opinions about the future of the industry that was not too different from the other. But more importantly, their opinions were increasingly critical of their respective employers. One employer was too big; personal service was lying beaten and battered on the side of the road. The other was too blind to see the future implications of this wonderful new technology. The brothers agreed; somewhere in the middle was a fortune to be made.

Something else they agreed on was that they both liked building personal relationships with their clients; much like employees within the same company do. In fact, one point that Greg and Chris have stressed to their clients from day-one is that their company should be thought of as an internal department. An ‘in-house’ large-format service bureau at the beckon call. Some, more than others, took them at their word. The first year or two there was no telling when the phone would ring. Many a nights and weekends were sacrificed for the good of the projects and the companies that sent them. But neither was complaining. They truly saw themselves as part of the team. If the job had to get done, then it got done. The name ‘Graphic Production Alliance’ was borne from conversations between Greg and Chris as to how to fully explain to clients what they were trying to do. Greg and Chris were large-format specialists, the client was the creative professional; together they form an alliance to create a greater visual effect.

Graphic Production Alliance was the first large-format exclusive service bureau in St. Louis; it was the first to implement a 50" wide printer in St. Louis; and it was the first to purchase hi-definition printers. That spirit which drives the brothers is borne from the desire to always be the best. Anyone can be satisfied to merely exist; only the truly innovative can remain in the forefront; and that is where you will find Graphic Production Alliance still today.

Once a client called G.P.A., "St. Louis’ best kept secret."

"When we heard that, our first response was that of disappointment," says Greg. "We’d never intended to be kept a secret. Logic would say that to be successful (and wealthy!) everyone needed to know about us," he continues.

"It is a wonder that we ever made it past the first year," muses Greg. He often reflects saying that he was "Too dumb to quit." Fortunately a few strong relationships were forged that first year and enough so to keep the doors open. St. Louis began responding to the idea of owners that answered their own phone and actually did the work themselves.

As they enter a new era with their company, with the development of the proprietary Crystal Jet(tm) Inkjet System, they continue to hold one simple truth near and dear; Graphic Production Alliance is an imagining resource for the St. Louis creative community. We’ve added a few new faces that may help answer the phones, but the underlying principles that Greg and Chris brought to the table nearly 10 years ago still govern the behavior and actions of each employee. Great looking graphics produced by trained professionals where the goal is to exceed the client’s expectations every time. 100% satisfaction is a guarantee, not a slogan.

Greg Martin