Today we’d like to introduce you to Todd Hostetler
Hi Todd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m from a small town just north of Dayton, Ohio, where music first sparked my love for creativity. After high school, I started studying graphic design in college but quickly realized I could learn more on my own. Dropping out led me on a journey to explore who I was and what I valued, and I found that music and design were still at the heart of everything I wanted to do.
I started by teaching myself audio production and design, landing roles like Head of Graphic Design for a hip-hop record label in Nashville and later working with a local content house to support artists. Over time, I combined those experiences into a business, offering design and social media services for small businesses. That scrappy start eventually evolved into launching my own design agency.
Now, I’ve had the privilege of helping businesses of all sizes—from local shops to global enterprises—elevate their branding and user experiences. Whether it’s rebranding a manufacturing company or designing websites for leaders in their fields, I’m driven by the same passion I’ve always had: connecting creativity with purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I’ve learned that the bumps and detours are where the real growth happens. Skipping college to teach myself design and audio engineering meant I enrolled in the ‘school of hard knocks’ instead. Early on, I dove headfirst into roles I wasn’t fully prepared for—like becoming Head of Graphic Design for a record label. I didn’t know nearly enough when I started, but I didn’t let that stop me. I leaned into the challenges and made every mistake a lesson. Those moments of struggle shaped me into someone who thrives on learning and adapting.
I’ve also experienced the heartbreak of being part of ventures that didn’t make it. Some companies failed because of culture, others because of poor planning or execution. Watching something you’ve poured your heart into dissolve is tough, but it forces you to take a hard look at what went wrong and how you can grow from it.
Through all of it, I’ve come to appreciate that every setback is an opportunity. The lessons I’ve learned from failure and adversity have helped me build something stronger. I’ve learned to pivot, to stay scrappy, and to stay focused on the purpose behind my work—connecting creativity with meaningful impact. The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s those rough patches that give the journey its texture and make the destination so rewarding.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about 1000Sun?
At 1000Sun, we specialize in helping manufacturing companies level up their user experience (UX) and branding to stand out in an industry that’s often overlooked in terms of design and usability. We create visual identities, front-end websites, and platform designs that are functional, engaging, intuitive, and aligned with our clients’ unique goals. We’re known for bringing a human-centered approach to a traditionally technical space, making complex concepts simple and actionable.
What sets us apart is our ability to combine creative vision with practical impact. We don’t just design for the sake of aesthetics; we design for results. Whether it’s improving a platform’s usability, streamlining a company’s digital presence, or rebranding to better reflect a business’s mission, everything we do is tied to real-world outcomes—like increased ROI, better customer engagement, and stronger brand loyalty.
One of the things I’m most proud of is the versatility we’ve developed over the years. We’ve helped global manufacturing tech companies reimagine their brands, creating websites and graphic assets that align with their cutting-edge technology. At the same time, we’ve partnered with small-town businesses to craft visuals and platforms that capture their heart and story. From designing websites for presidential candidates to creating assets for companies generating $100 million in revenue, our work spans industries and scales—but the common thread is always a focus on connecting creativity with purpose.
At 1000Sun, we’re all about empowering our clients. We want to help businesses in manufacturing and beyond recognize that smart design isn’t just an expense—it’s an investment in their growth and future. Our mission is to create experiences that aren’t just memorable, but meaningful, and we bring that mindset into every project we take on.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
I’d say the most important quality behind my success is a constant hunger for growth. I’m always looking for ways to improve, learn, and push boundaries, whether that’s diving into a new skill, tackling a tough project, or finding creative solutions to complex challenges. That drive has been the engine behind everything I’ve built.
But I’d be remiss not to acknowledge the role of my community. The people around me – mentors, collaborators, clients, and supporters – have been instrumental in helping me grow and reach this point. No one builds something meaningful alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the guidance, trust, and opportunities I’ve been given along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://1000-sun.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddhostetler/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@1000-Sun
