Today we’d like to introduce you to Adam Lyons.
Hi Adam, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in New Jersey and lived there until I was about 8 or 9. Then my family moved to a small town in Pennsylvania — I’m talking 75 people small — called Shade Gap when I was in fourth grade.
In high school I took as many courses as possible, and that resulted in an opportunity to graduate a year early. So a few months before I graduated I went on a trip to Philadelphia, and took a tour of The University of the Arts. When I saw a showcase of student work in the Graphic Design department I thought to myself, “I’m going to be a graphic designer.”
I graduated from UArts and moved directly to San Francisco where I worked as Graphic Designer for an adult entertainment company. It was an uncommon job choice and vastly different from what many graphic designers were doing right after graduation. I thought it was amazing and found it to be a really great opportunity that helped propel my career.
After a few years in San Francisco I moved to Los Angeles where I graduated into the next stage of my career, as an Art Director for a children’s entertainment company. I was brought on to develop their U.S.-based art department, a line of new consumer products, and brand identity. While working as an Art Director I was also managing a number of freelance projects. A consistent increase in the number of freelance projects and clients ultimately led to the formation of my own design company, POP THE PIXEL (popthepixel.com).
In 2005 I moved back to Philly from L.A., and contacted one of my former teachers from UArts to reconnect and avail myself for guest lectures, portfolio reviews, workshops or other opportunities. He had since retired and suggested I contact the head of the department at that time. I did and coordinated an introductory call.
During a virtual meeting we casually chatted, sharing information about our resumes, experiences at UArts, and so on. The head of the department recommended that I be introduced to the Dean of UArts School of Design. She coordinated a meeting between the Dean and I, and that was pretty much the same vibe, a casual conversation where we learned more about one another.
At the end of that meeting, I was invited to develop a curriculum for Business Communication for Design Professionals and lead course instruction. The idea excited me and the opportunity challenged me professionally, so I accepted.
I continue to extend my educational impact through workshops, mentorship, and community engagement, sharing knowledge to strengthen creative professionals as well as the broader small business ecosystem.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There have been a few learning curves along the way, but overall a seemingly natural evolution of the brand’s development.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about POP THE PIXEL?
POP THE PIXEL (PTP) provides award-winning website design and brand development services in Philadelphia, PA. Specializing in digital marketing services like logo design, web design, Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), we help businesses create, shape and strengthen their brand identity, awareness and market position.
PTP exemplifies perseverance and integrity through its steady growth, community commitment, and unwavering focus on helping local businesses thrive. Based in East Mt Airy, Philadelphia, PTP was built with a clear mission: to amplify the voices of entrepreneurs and small businesses through customized creative solutions and digital marketing services.
The team and business continues to evolve, expanding to more than 10 core services, deepening SEO capabilities with a focus on geographic traction, and refining strategy to meet the real needs of businesses across the Greater Philadelphia tri-state area.
Integrity is reflected not only in the quality of work, but in how PTP shows up for its community. The company has donated in-kind services to nonprofits, including a mental health–based organization, ensuring that purpose-driven groups have access to high-level creative support. As an LGBTQ+-owned business, PTP actively collaborates with local chambers, entrepreneurs, and advocacy organizations, fostering inclusive economic growth.
Since 2011, POP THE PIXEL has empowered more than 200 brands to tell their stories confidently and competitively.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
I love that I get to help empower individuals, entrepreneurs, local businesses and organizations to tell their stories confidently and competitively by providing them with access to high-level creative support. And I’ve been able to cultivate a professional network that has resulted in opportunities for me to participate in workshops, mentorship programs, community engagements and other impactful initiatives. These experiences help me continue to grow personally and professionally, and I am fortunate to help motivate others to do the same.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://popthepixel.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/popthepxl
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/popthepxl
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pop-the-pixel
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/pop-the-pixel-philadelphia-3
