NEWPORT, Mich. (WXYZ) — A father and son duo are bringing creative home decor to life through metal art. It’s a way to shop online while being at home during the quarantine.
“The Tin Men started as a joint effort between my dad and I, my dad is an experience welder, fabricator metal worker with over 30 years in his field,” said owner and operator of The Tin Men Derek Graham.
Graham has a degree in graphic design from the Art Institute of Detroit. He makes the designs, and his father makes the pieces.
“It has become a really cool venture for the both of us, it gives us a chance to work together on something,” said Graham.
Since the business is just Graham and his father, it is easy for them to practice social distancing. People place orders off of The Tin Men website, and then the item is shipped. Some of the items for purchase can be personalized.
This is one of their most popular pieces right now. Seems fitting during this time. Stay safe all @TheTinMenLLC @wxyzdetroit https://t.co/tFaOoPM5lj pic.twitter.com/SxAZlu19tn
— Ali Hoxie (@ali_hoxie) April 15, 2020
Even before the coronavirus pandemic hit, they have offered deals to frontline workers.
“We offer a discount to military, veterans, first responders and government employees," said Graham. "There is a 10 percent discount no matter what you buy, how much you buy every single day."
A popular piece among first responders is the distressed flag. People can get the piece personalized.
“That piece comes with your choice of whether it is – the thin blue line, thin green line, red or white depending on the brand you want to support,” said Graham.
Graham has also created a new design for hospital workers: a red heart with a heart beat.
Starting this Friday, they are rolling out a new design, personalized graduation pieces to pay tribute to students missing out on a formal graduation ceremony. The piece is only $10.
