Meet Clinton Gorham | Onwer & Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Clinton Gorham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Clinton, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
In all honesty, The Gorham Agency was born out of a season where I felt like doors just were not opening for me, or at least that is what I believed at the time. It was 2012. I was young, eager, and extremely ambitious, but also unaware of myself in many ways. I knew I was talented, but opportunity felt scarce. However, as time passed and life offered its lessons, I realized that purpose had always been woven through everything I did. I have always carried a deeply purpose-driven mentality. When environments or opportunities no longer align with my drive for life and impact, I naturally shift away from them.

That is exactly what shaped my vision for The Gorham Agency. Over time, my passion became clear. I wanted to create something meaningful that not only showcased beautiful and strategic design but also supported those who I feel are pursuing a higher calling. Living in San Diego, surrounded by agencies doing incredible work, I noticed a gap. Faith-based organizations often do not receive the same level of support and creative excellence when it comes to branding and marketing. They deserve agencies that understand their unique vision and belief systems. That is where we come in. At The Gorham Agency, we are committed to helping these organizations build strong and authentic visual brands that amplify their mission and reflect their faith.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
At The Gorham Agency, what I offer is much more than just design & consulting services. Yes, we specialize in graphic design, web design, and brand consulting but what sets us apart is our deeper mission. Our work is rooted in helping entrepreneurs truly believe in what they are building. We create visually impactful and strategically sound brands, but at the heart of everything we do is the desire to help people see the genius in their own vision. I believe in building brands that feel authentic, that speak life into the entrepreneur behind them, and that give them the confidence to show up boldly in the marketplace.

My journey here did not come easily. I am a studied graphic and web designer. I took the time to learn these foundational tools in college while juggling life as a husband, father, and full-time employee. To say that was difficult would be an understatement. Even with all the training, I still found myself feeling like I had not yet arrived. My skill level did not match my passion in the beginning. I had to do work for cheap and sometimes even for free just to get experience and improve. That season of freelancing was humbling but necessary. Over time, through relentless practice and countless hours on what I like to call Youtube University, my design skills began to take shape and eventually skyrocketed.

Perseverance, consistency, and zeal were required daily. While many see the finished product now, what they do not see are the sacrifices that came with it. I am a former Marine and Law Enforcement Officer, but that did not make me Superman. There were days that left me completely exhausted. I endured migraines and even seizures from sleep deprivation, all because I was determined to build something meaningful through The Gorham Agency. Those years tested every part of me, but they also shaped my resilience and deepened my sense of purpose.

Today, I am most proud of the way The Gorham Agency stands in the gap for entrepreneurs, especially faith-based visionaries. We are not just here to design logos or build websites. I am not just a graphic designer. I am a nationally recognized brand consultant and creative director of an award-winning digital design agency. We are here to help leaders see the full potential of their brand and believe in what they are called to build. If there is one thing I want the world to know, it is that my story is proof that with vision, perseverance, and a heart to serve, you can create something powerful. The Gorham Agency exists to help others do just that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am born and raised in the South, but San Diego has been home for more than twenty years now. Without question, this has to be one of the best places to visit in America. It truly offers something for everyone. You name it and we have it. If you want beaches, let us head to La Jolla where the views are breathtaking and the atmosphere feels like a dream. If you are looking for something a little different, maybe camping or even a touch of snow, we can drive up to Big Bear and enjoy a change of scenery. For those who love art and culture, Balboa Park is where you need to be. It is filled with museums, gardens, and plenty of space to just take in the beauty of the city.

San Diego also does not disappoint when it comes to entertainment and nightlife. There are casinos, bars, rooftop restaurants, dinner cruises, and a vibrant nightlife that rivals any major city. From downtown to the coast, every pocket of the city brings its own unique energy.

Now if you are anything like me, a true homebody at heart, renting a beach house in Oceanside might be the perfect choice. That is truly a top-tier experience in my opinion. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves, walking to nearby shops, or simply relaxing with family or friends as the sun sets. Whether you are single, hanging with a group of friends, or here with your family, Oceanside gives you the perfect blend of peace and convenience. Everything you need is within walking distance or just a short drive away.

So if my best friend came to visit, that is exactly the kind of week we would plan. A little adventure, a little culture, plenty of great food, and of course, intentional moments to simply unwind and enjoy everything this amazing city has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are honestly so many people I could name. My children, whom I pray I inspire daily as they watch me build and lead with purpose. My wife, who has always stood beside me with unwavering belief in who I am and who I am becoming. There is also a host of family and friends who support me in ways both big and small each and every day.

However, if I had to name one single person who truly shaped the very core of who I am as an entrepreneur and visionary, it would be my father. He was the first entrepreneur I ever witnessed in action. I grew up in the south, coming from very humble beginnings. Being a Black man raised in the 80s and 90s naturally shaped my mindset and taught me the importance of resilience and grit. My father used his gift and love for culinary arts to create a catering business. Through his life and work, he taught me some of the most important lessons I carry to this day. Work hard. Believe in yourself. Never give up.

Ironically, he passed away less than two months after I started The Gorham Agency in 2012. But one conversation we had before he passed remains vivid in my heart. He asked me to tell him about what I do. After I explained, he simply said, “So you help people.” At the time, those words felt so simple, but now, standing in 2025, they could not be more true. Everything I do through The Gorham Agency is rooted in helping entrepreneurs believe in their genius and build authentic brands fueled by affirming strategy and bold creativity. His words planted a seed that continues to grow in ways I never imagined.

Website: https://thegorhamagency.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegorhamagency/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegorhamagency