Bob Sorben owns and runs Peninsula Graphics in Point Loma. He was born & raised in OB/Point Loma, always liked to draw and had an interest in art, especially graphic’s and creating designs & art from ideas. Growing up, Bob and his friends all hung out at the foot of Newport Avenue. Most everyone surfed at least once in a while.
In the 60’s Bob and his friends would go to Homer’s or Cornet and buy OB stick on letters to put on their cars to personalize them. Bob wanted to do something more artistic.
After graduating form Point Loma H.S., he spent 13 years at Convair, then moved to Tahoe City with his brother Rick to open an art design and silk screening business. After returning Bob opened his first printing business “India Ink” on India Street and has been working at the graphic design & printing business ever since.
Bob’s OB Seagull Decal was created in 1973 out of his love of Ocean Beach. The design is copyrighted for 95 years. I wanted something that would signify our area and to achieve the feeling of freedom. The design is simple yet appealing. Stratie of the Paras Shop was the first one to carry the OB decal. He thought the design was terrific. The decal appeared at a time when Ocean Beach society was close knit, almost tribal. It has been seen around the world.
Bob went back to City College in 1995 to learn computer graphics from Professor Candace Lopez. While there he entered a nation-wide design contest won first place. The Anheuser-Busch Design contest awarded a prize of $10.000, which was split with the school.
In 1997 Bob was awarded the Landmark Award in recognition for OB Seagull Logo. The etched Wooden Plaque was given by the Ocean Beach Merchants Association.
Bob is also the unofficial secretary of the OB Longhorns, a group of born & raised OB locals and friends who grew up together. With their offsring and younger generations the have kept the tradition alive. We have a had a reunion every year since the mid 70’s. True locals can purchase an official OB Longhorn T-Shirt at the store.
Bob and his wife Sue operate Peninsula Graphics on the corner of Cañon & Scott Street in Point Loma Village. Producing the “OB Seagull” & “Tunaville Fisherman" shirts and other products, decals, hats and other local apparel. We will soon be expanding our designs and products.
We primairly serve the entire Peninsula Community, business and residences, with any printing or graphic needs. The main business continues to be custom printing & design.
Turning ideas into designs . . .“Designs That Last”.