THE EVOLUTION OF
METRO-DESIGNS

Metro-Designs was founded in 2006 by Brandilyn Hallcroft. The inspiration for the name came from a college project where she photographed a metal metro sign embedded in the ground. At the time, she was living in Los Angeles, California, and was searching for a name that was more concise and easier to spell than her original website. As she reviewed her work, "Metro-Designs" came to mind, and she knew instantly that it was the perfect choice.





 

In 2006, before the first website was created, Brandilyn was driving through downtown LA and took a photo of a street. That photo became a symbol of Metro-Designs from day one and can still be seen today on the About page and in the banner of this page of this current website.
 

After securing the domain, Brandilyn designed the first Metro-Designs logo and built the initial website using Dreamweaver and HTML. The Internet was still in its early stages, and the site's simplicity worked well for that time.
 

In 2008, she relocated to Austin, Texas, while maintaining California clients. To expand her client base, she began advertising in Texas, initially using Craigslist, which was highly effective. Social media had not yet evolved into a primary advertising platform, and online payment systems were not as developed, so clients typically paid via checks.
 

By 2010, Metro-Designs had grown significantly, serving over 100 small businesses and startups. Brandilyn revamped the website to showcase her work and formed partnerships with print companies, expanding the business to include print services. However, despite gaining momentum, she encountered a major setback when a client failed to pay over $5,000 in owed fees. This experience, combined with underpricing her services, led to financial struggles.
 

Around the same time, Metro-Events was launched to supplement her income. Initially an Etsy shop selling digital party supplies, Metro-Events quickly gained traction and became the primary source of revenue. As the business grew, she adapted Metro-Designs into a portfolio site, redesigning both logos to create a cohesive brand identity.







 

Metro-Events officially launched in 2011, offering ready-made and custom-designed party supplies, invitations, banners, and signs for special occasions. Over time, the business expanded to multiple platforms, including Zazzle, Etsy, and Storenvy. Each platform served a unique purpose:
 

• Etsy: Focused on digital downloads, providing instant access to party supplies, signs, invites, and banners. Custom services were also available for personalized designs.

• Zazzle: Launched in 2012, this shop featured over 5,000 products. Unlike Etsy, Zazzle handled production, allowing Metro-Events to offer a broader range of items such as favor stickers, RSVP cards, edible treats, and personalized banners.

• Storenvy: Functioned as an independent e-commerce platform before transitioning to a standalone website. It housed both customizable digital files and physical party supplies.
   

While based in Las Vegas, Nevada, Metro-Designs & Metro-Events has provided products and services to customers worldwide.







 

 

In 2018, Brandilyn recognized the need for a brand refresh and redesigned the logos for Metro-Designs and Metro-Events to reflect a more modern identity.
 

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the business. With more sellers entering the market, competition increased, and product designs were frequently copied. Despite being in the top 1% of Etsy sellers for years, declining sales and industry changes led Brandilyn to pivot again. She returned to working on marketing and graphic design contracts, gradually shifting focus back to Metro-Designs.
 

By 2025, Metro-Designs had undergone a complete transformation and officially became an LLC. After collaborating with numerous businesses and forming valuable connections, Brandilyn revamped the company with a renewed sense of purpose. She recognized the growing influence of fear-driven media and its effects on society and committed to creating ethical, impactful, and meaningful work. She built partnerships with like-minded professionals who shared her vision during this transition.
 

Metro-Designs welcomed new team members in 2025, including Kirsten Creel, Penny Tindell, Hayleigh Hayhurst, and Paul Kelly. What started as a solo venture had evolved into a collective of talented individuals dedicated to ethical digital design and marketing strategies. The team is driven by a shared goal of fostering positive change through creativity and purpose.
 

Metro-Designs continues to grow, embodying a vision that extends beyond business, one that prioritizes hope, love, and meaningful impact. What began as a simple idea has transformed into a movement, proving that even the smallest inspirations can produce extraordinary results.