10 Questions

Rolling Stone to Georgia House

San Francisco-born Carol Larson has been the owner of Georgia House Graphics in Vallejo for the last 20 years, but there’s much more than meets the eye. Active in her community, she has served as chair of the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau, president of the Vallejo Community Arts Foundation, vice-chair of the Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, and is currently on the board of directors for Leadership Vallejo, to name a few. But before her days in Solano County, before co-producing the Vallejo Jazz Art & Wine Festival for 10 years, and before becoming an Athena Award recipient, Carol worked as production manager and photo editor for Rolling Stone magazine from 1970-75, and then ran the art department at Elektra/Asylum Records in Los Angeles for several years before moving to Vallejo and starting a family.

1.  How did Georgia House Graphics first start out?
In 1987 I bought a Macintosh computer secondhand and started doing volunteer work for family and friends. Twenty years later, here I am.

2.  So how did you get interested in graphic design?
I worked for Rolling Stone magazine and Elektra/Asylum Records in the ‘70s. After seven years in the industry, I developed a love for print media.
 
3. Over those seven years, did you get a chance to work with any interesting or well-known people?
We were all very interesting in our own way (laughs). Familiar names from Rolling Stone (that I can remember) include Hunter S. Thompson, Cameron Crowe, Ben Fong-Torres, Joe Eszterhas, David Felton, Annie Liebovitz… there were quite a few. At Elektra/Asylum I worked on a lot of album covers, collaborating with artists like Joni Mitchell, Jackson Browne and The Eagles. We had just signed The Cars, I worked with Mel Brooks for the High Anxiety soundtrack … it was very exciting working with such creative people.

4.  You recently attended a reunion celebrating the first ten years of Rolling Stone. What was it like being back in that atmosphere?
Everyone is still as enthusiastic and involved in their work as they were 35 years ago. We all loved what we did, and we still love what we do.

5.  What do you like most about owning your own business?
Collaborating with people I like, and having the opportunity to contribute to my community. 

6.  You’ve done a lot of volunteer work over the years. What was your most significant accomplishment?
Co-producing the Vallejo Jazz Festival. Being involved in an event that showcased Vallejo and provided a venue for families to gather and enjoy outstanding entertainment was very fun and very fulfilling.

7.  Has your community involvement provided you with any unexpected opportunities?
Well, being a part of the Vallejo Convention and Visitors Bureau gave me an opportunity to visit both New York City and China to promote Vallejo as an international tourism destination, so yes, it certainly has.

8.  Any tips for an up-and-comer looking to start a business?
Allow yourself time to let your business grow before you become solely dependent on its income. Join a local Chamber of Commerce, and get involved in the community as much as possible.

9.  Owning your own graphic design business can be demanding. How do you keep balance in your life?
I spend as much time with my family as I can.

10. Did you ever think in a million years that your son would be interviewing you for a magazine?
No, and I bet you never thought you’d be interviewing me for a magazine either.

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