About Us

Black Diamond Graphics, where our rich history, commitment to excellence, and making the customer smile, drives everything we do. Our story began in 1936 with Al G. Barnes, a circus owner who famously purchased a large, temperamental elephant named Black Diamond. Temperamental is a kind word for Black Diamond and because of the nature of the beast that relationship ended rather quickly. However, the memory of Black Diamond endured in the family and later inspired Michael Bowsher, a new member of the circus family, to name his shirt company after the iconic elephant.

In 1989, Michael Bowsher embarked on his journey with Black Diamond Graphics by opening a modest screen printing shop. Armed with a used printing press and a small dryer, Michael's dedication and vision laid the foundation for what would become a thriving business. A pivotal moment came three years later when an old family circus connection led him to print shirts for the novelty vendor at the California State Fair. This significant opportunity pushed the business forward, prompting the acquisition of new equipment and the introduction of advanced printing techniques.

As the business grew, so did its capabilities. A few years later Michael added Embroidery to the business. By 2022, Michael invested in an automatic printing press to enhance productivity and meet increasing demand. Reflecting on the journey, Michael shares, "I have enjoyed the journey this far and I look forward to what lies ahead. The people I work for and with are the best part of my job. Customers have become more like friends you see every now and then.

What Makes Black Diamond Graphics Successful?

Our success over the past 35 years can be attributed to a commitment to long-term vision and a belief in the doing impossible. Michael explains, "I learned to look at the long view and have unrealistic expectations regarding what is possible. I believe everything is possible with a little faith. Sometimes you just have to grind away and sometimes you realize you just need God to step in and help. It is then that things really work out. God seems to make happen what I cannot on my own. For that I am very grateful. So what makes us successful, showing up every day, working hard for our customers, and faith in a God who loves me more than I deserve.

See what our clients are saying about us!

So much change!

We started this when computer graphics were a cool idea. The Mac Classic was just coming out and was not yet affordable. Everything was done in the old school way; exacto knives; rubylith; reprographics machines and lots of time. Currently we use the latest software and a fancy machine that, with a little assistance, prints shirts for us and super-fast to boot. Printing technology has allowed us to print faster, and better, with less ink. Phthalate free inks have become a norm which are safer for you and your environment. Transfers that were once sketchy in quality have become very durable and are great for small orders.

Embroidery is still a staple of our industry, and we love having the flexibility to offer such an upscale service. Embroidery is perfect for many products that screen printing isn’t suited for like hats and jackets and higher end apparel. Embroidery adds a touch of class to many styles of garments. We have added promotional products, and this allows us to service our customers with an array of products. We continue to have an in-house art service that helps us turn out proofs quickly.

One thing that doesn’t change much is that people always need printing, and we are here to service that need.

At Black Diamond Graphics, we are proud of our heritage and excited about the future. Our commitment to serving our customers with quality, innovation and a pleasant and satisfying experience has been the cornerstone of our success. We invite you to explore our custom printing and embroidery services and experience the difference that over three decades of expertise can make. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

Why Not Retire?

When asked about retirement, Michael's response reflects his passion for continuous learning and growth. "There is so much to learn and do. I am still learning while I work. I learn from my customers and my employees. The world is changing so much, so fast. It's really exciting. I don't want to miss anything. Working and learning keeps me engaged."

What Does Karan Do?

While Karan may not handle printing or embroidery directly, she plays an indispensable role in the operations of Black Diamond Graphics. Her contributions span a wide range of essential tasks, ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

At Black Diamond Graphics, we are proud of our heritage and excited about the future. Our commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of our success. We invite you to explore our custom printing and embroidery services and experience the difference that over three decades of expertise can make. Thank you for being a part of our journey.