Over the past few months I’ve been fortunate enough for the opportunity to have some lengthy discussions about the t-shirt industry and get to know one of today’s top and one of my favorite designers. Chow Hon Lam (aka Flying Mouse) is revered in the t-shirt design world and you’ve no doubt seen his awesome work all over the internet. In the past he has been awarded newcomer of the year and most printed artist on Threadless, has took up the recent challenge of creating a new design everyday and now is branching out with his own clothing line.

On the eve of the launch of his latest project, Chow agreed to an interview here on TeeRater and has provided some sneak peaks at some of the designs that will be available at FlyingMouse365.

I want to thank you for taking the time to share some of your thoughts with my readers. How have you been?

No problem, glad to do it. I’m doing well, really excited about the new project.

I think what people most would want to know is how you got started designing t-shirts?

I subbed my very 1st submission to Threadless in 2007. After a few winnings there, it gave me the confidence to do more and more designs. I’m now really enjoying t-shirt designing.

Do you think you have a particular style that you can describe?

Can I say variety? I don’t have a particular style. I always try to do something new. I believe humans are greedy, we always like something different, something new. For me, I just don’t think I would buy 20 shirts of the same style, maybe it’s just me. I continually enjoy exploring new styles, it is fun for me.

I have certain things that inspire my own designs, is there anything that regularly inspires your work?

Everything around me. I believe everything has it’s very own story, a cup of tea, a watermelon, a pussy cat, a cloud, or even a chair. I try to create a story for them. I always believe they have something to say, but they just can’t speak. Some people tell a story through a movie, some people using a novel or comic, and some tell their story though a song. For me, I tell my story though a t-shirt, the amazing part of t-shirt design is I can tell a different story everyday.

What I and others find amazing is the amount of designs you create. How are you able to create such a large body of work?

I usually will write down ideas in my sketch book when I get some inspiration, then draw them one by one. Sometimes I can come out with a few designs in one day. I spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours to draw one design. I had an experience when I only thought of ideas without drawing anything for a full month, in that month I successfully came up with 160+ ideas. Now I can concentrate on the drawing them.

When you started submitting your designs did you ever think you would become one of the most successful and well liked designers?

No, I never thought of that. I didn’t have any experience in t-shirt design before I made my first submission. I was just thinking about having some fun and making some pocket money. I’m really happy my work is recognized by the community,

You’ve been really successful at Threadless. What did it feel like to become the most printed designer in 2007 and be named newcomer of the year?

It felt like a dream, flying in the sky, and floating in the galaxy. lol. I just feel I’m the lucky one, there are a lot of good artists out there. The awards I achieved really gave me more confidence to keep on in my t-shirt design career. I have to say thanks for the support from everyone.

There are a lot of people out there including many of my readers who want to become t-shirt designers. Is there any advice you can give to an aspiring designer?

Do more designs, and try not to let people forget your work.

I’ve been privy to your new project for several months now and we’ve discussed various aspects of the how it is going to work. Can you let the public in on the details of what FlyingMouse365 is all about?

The idea is to have a new design coming out every day for a full year, so that means that every week there will be 7 new products available. These 7 new products will be available for a quick pre-sale at a lower price for the entire week and once the week ends there will be 7 new products to replace them and so on. We will also have a permanent store that will feature the most-liked products without having a pre-sale.

That sounds great and I know my readers will be looking forward to November 11th when you plan to launch. I would just like to thank you again for sharing some of your thoughts with us.

It was my pleasure, cheers!

Be sure to check out Chow’s latest endeavor at FlyingMouse365

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with Flying Mouse

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

How to be a good client

This post was taken from Tee hunter.

I was very pleased to be able to interview the seriously cool and visionary dude behind Glamour Kills,  Mark Capicotto. He has done amazing things with his brand and the success he is now enjoying should ignite the spirit and desire in all fledgling tshirt designers and fashion entrepreneurs! It can be achieved! Glamour Kills have just put out their summer line and it is immense! So enjoy the interview below and have a look at just a very select cross-s3ection of the new threads available!

GK Summer Line 2009!

There are a lot of bold tshirt brands out there now, treading a similar line to you, how do you keep innovating, competing and leading the way?
Glamour Kills: I always try to keep glamour kills doing something different, thats why i started the company. and with our popularity its spawns alot of companies trying to do the same thing and now we have to set the new trend. Right now im changing our style up drastically without losing the glamour kills feel. we want to appeal to more than just one type of person.

What inspired the new summer line?
Glamour Kills: Music, i mean music and design are my two passions and they go hand and hand for me. It sounds cliche but i draw all my inspritaion from there….well maybe a little from perez hilton.

GK Bikinis

I see you are broadening your line more and more, the addition of boardshorts/bikinis is really cool, did you ever imagine going beyond printing just tshirts when you first started and how does it feel to be producing nearly everything a human can wear?
Glamour Kills: It’s surreal when I first started I wanted to do all of these things but didnt know how, just t-shirts. as the company grew and the knowledge of the business grew it became easier. Im still wanting to do more (be on the look out for shoes backpacks hats soon but its really surreal to see people wearing the stuff i still get all giddy when i see someone in the mall wearing something.

GK Board Shorts

What is your favourite designs from the summer line and why? (did you design it and if not who did?)
Glamour Kills: Well the summer line is the first line where i didnt design 100% of everything myself. As the company has grown it is difficult for me to do everything. But i work with a select few designers who help take our vision to life. Id have to say my favorite tee of the summer line is the space odyssey shirt (pictured below!) i dont know what it is, i wear that thing everywhere.

GK Space Odyssey Tshirt

How far ahead do you work on your seasonal lines and what is good and bad about this approach?
Glamour Kills: We are just wrapping up our fall line now its good to be prepared and have plenty of time before the release but its hard to design for that far in advance its summer right now so i wanna make summer shirts but i cant cause its for the fall haha. But we are hoping to get cracking on the winter stuff soon so its done before summer is over.

When you launched, did you know where you wanted to position yourselves as a brand and how did you go about making it happen?
Glamour Kills: I really didnt when i started I just wanted people to wear my stuff i didnt care who. The music industry was something i knew pretty well so going that route for the brand made sence for me. But the music skate scene is where we fit best and i love being here.

GK Rad Tshirt

What have been your biggest high points and lowest lows since starting the brand?
Glamour Kills: Some high points were being picked up nationally by a major retailer as well as overseas.
As well as seeing my stuff everywhere its a great felling. I wouldnt say ive had any lows, everything is great.

What is the next big move for Glamour Kills?
Glamour Kills: We are opening up some stores across the country early next year as well as a tonne of other stuff that i cant disclose just yet. but soon!

A HUGE thank you to Mark for his time and great responses! The Glamour Kills summer line is out now and available to view and buy on www.glamourkills.com

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Glamour Kills Interview

Website: www.keatonhenson.com

originally posted on iamthetrend

Could you start off by giving us a little background on yourself?

Keaton Henson: I was born and raised in london england. was always into both art and music and have been in love with nothing else ever since. i now work as an illustrator/artist and musician in greater london and rarely leave my room.

Has art been something that you have always been involved with or did
you fall into as you went?

Keaton Henson: As mentioned before art, in all its forms has always been my life. I failed throughout school and college and hated art in the education system, so left at an early age and began working.

You have a very recognizable style, how did you develop into this style
and what were your influences?

Keaton Henson: I believe a style is something that takes your entire life until this point to form, and it continues to change and adapt as you live.

I think my style comes from pretty much everything I enjoy/have been into. From cartoons that terrified me as a child, to some really cool artist I saw in an exhibition a week ago. With my music I’m influenced by literally everything.

Congratulations on the designs for Electric Zombie and Drop Dead! How
was working with those brands?

Keaton Henson: Yeah it was good. they’re both great clients and give me lots of reign on the designs.

You seem to do a lot of CD artwork and T-Shirt design. Do you have a
preference when it comes to projects?

Keaton Henson: I prefer to work within the more fashion end, like the blood is the new black and topshop ranges. Its a huge relief to be able to draw things that can make people think instead of just rustling up some colourful creatures with guts and slime.

Do you have a favorite medium to work with and what draws you to it?

Keaton Henson: I like to work with pen/brush and ink most the time, I also use some watercolour and obviously do a lot of colouring digitally. But really do like to stay close to the original black and white images, mainly because I’m colourblind, also because its such an ancient and trusted way of image making.

You really have done a wide range of projects, do you have a favorite?

Keaton Henson: As i said i loved doing the blood is the new black and ranges. But my true love lies in my song-writing. I’m in the middle of working on my album and its taking years but definitely means the most. I’ve also just finished a book which took over a lot of my life and i enjoyed hugely.

So how do you fill your time when your not designing?

Well, when Im not designing i tend to be writing songs, or thinking about what to draw next. I don’t drink or anything so don’t tend to spend much time out at nights, and am working during the days so my evenings and weekends are a chance to draw and write whatever I want, without clients or even showing it to anyone else.

I always believe that art and music pretty much go hand in hand. Do you
usually listen to music while designing and if so, whom do you listen to?

Keaton Henson: Ironically, despite my aforementioned obsession with music, I tend to work with the tv on, as i find these days its less likely to distract me than music. So most of my work is created with ‘bargain hunt’ or something equally arduous playing in the background.

When your designing is there a certain mood you like to set or be in
before working?

Keaton Henson: Not really to be honest. with illustration its something i can just dive in and out of. When writing songs I guess I get a little introspective and angst, but designing for clients is a lot like plumbing to me. Once the ideas there, its just a process of technique and labor.

Any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?

Keaton Henson: Definitely, there’s a few new tshirts and skate decks on the way, but mainly my book. which is hopefully going to be published at some point soon. And i’m in the process of adapting my website to show more of my music and videos and stuff like that.

Lastly are you open to people approaching for designs and if so what is
the best way to contact you?

Keaton Henson: Yeah definitely. i love to gain new clients as often as possible. and id say the best way would just be to email me at lawlessprovide@hotmail.com and we can get going from there.

To check out the rest of Keaton’s Work visit: www.keatonhenson.com

originally posted on iamthetrend

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with Keaton Henson

originally posted on Build.AOK. Check out the full interview with pics there.

AOK: Hey Jeff how’s it going today?

Ugmonk: Busy, but good.

AOK: Before we get into Ugmonk tell us about yourself and your design background.

Ugmonk: I’ve grown up doing all type of traditional art and decided to get into design a several years ago. I started doing some t-shirt design when I heard about online contests like Threadless and Design By Humans. After winning a couple times at DBH, I became very interested in the t-shirt industry and began to do quite a bit of freelance t-shirt design. After doing freelance and contest shirts I decided that I wanted to create my own line and that’s when I started Ugmonk. You can see some of my other design work at my portfolio site: www.jeffsheldon.com

AOK: So the first question…Ugmonk? Explain the name for us.

Ugmonk: Completely made up. It’s just easy to remember and weird enough to help it stand out.

AOK: So, it’s obvious you are a big fan of typography. What made you decide to make a tee line based around that?

Ugmonk: I am a huge fan of typography. After studying design, specifically the history of graphic design, I got really interested in typography and its impact on how we interact with design on a daily basis. Most people don’t notice the little things that make each letter of each typeface different and unique. I began experimenting with using type as a design element for shirts rather than using it just to write out a slogan or brand name. The more I played with the letter forms, the more I realized the potential to base a clothing line around type. Mixing typography and t-shirts has been done before, but my goal was to find new ways to merge the two and bring something fresh and new.

AOK: I sort of see the line as a silent response to the current trends within tee design to make things very over the top. Am I right in this thought?

Ugmonk: Yes, that is one of the main reasons I decided to start Ugmonk. I have nothing against crazy illustrations, skulls/zombies, etc. but my my personal taste is for a much more clean geometric style. After searching quite a bit, I realized that there isn’t that much out in the t-shirt world that appeals to people like me who tend to like the simple, clean design.

AOK: As you grow do you plan to keep the line type based or is the door open to other things?

Ugmonk: Ugmonk is definitely not restricted to just type-based designs as I continue to develop the Ugmonk aesthetic, I think there are other characteristics (I can work in) that keep the brand image consistent.

AOK: To follow that question, do you feel like Ugmonk has the versatility to become a full on apparel line?

Ugmonk: Right now Ugmonk is consists of t-shirts and posters, but will soon be expanding to other clothing and merchandise. I want to carry over the clean type-based style to all sorts of other products.

AOK: Using only type on your tees makes a very strong visual statement; Do you think there are any drawbacks to this look?

Ugmonk: I think that strong visual statement is one of the things that sets Ugmonk apart from the hundreds of other brands out there. The bold graphics and colors may not be for everyone but this is a key part about what makes it unique.

AOK: One of the biggest reasons I asked you to be in the AOK Mart is that everything from the brand is completely designed by you. Do you feel the consistency this allows is part of your early success?

Ugmonk: Being the sole designer for my brand has definitely allowed me to keep things very consistent and control the direction that the brand is moving in. Many brands hire outside artists to design their products which may work well for some, but can also prohibit the brand from establishing a consistent image. For me, designing is my favorite part and I hope to always be able to do it.

AOK: On the flip side do you ever feel being so close to the product can hinder things?

Ugmonk: For sure, it can go both ways. I like to bounce my ideas off my friends and other designer to get their opinions. Working solo can be nice, but can also have its drawbacks. If there is no one around to give to constructive feedback it can be like designing in a black hole.

AOK: You’ve seemingly gained a lot of traction in a very short amount of time. Personally, I think this is because the brand is very focused in its style. Do you agree?

Ugmonk: Yes, before I started Ugmonk, one of my goals was to have a consistent brand image and find a specific niche to market my brand to. I’ve been overwhelmed by the great response that I’ve received from the design community and t-shirt fans.

AOK: Going off the last question you’ve integrated the Big Cartel service into your site beautifully and in your checkout area you make note of things like your screenprinted tags. Do you believe your attention to detail and presentation are part of what separates you from being another tee shirt company from a brand with a future?

Ugmonk: Those are the small things that take a little extra thought and work, but also contribute to the success of Ugmonk. I wouldn’t call myself a perfectionist but I am very picky about the details.

AOK: Talk us through some of your favorite Ugmonk products.

Ugmonk: My favorite t-shirt is “And Then I Woke Up.” I am a big fan of ampersands and was really pleased with how the print came out on the tri-blend shirt and it’s by far the most comfortable shirt I own.

I also really like “Math Problem.” There is something about a giant Clarendon number five that just works so well on a t-shirt. The yellow version definitely gets a lot of looks and it’s funny to see people’s expressions after they read the shirt.

AOK: What do you feel are some mistakes you’ve made thus far?

Ugmonk: The main mistake that I have made so far was not getting samples from the printer before I had the first batch of shirts run. Since then I have found a great screen printer who does awesome work and is a pleasure to work with.

AOK: Any advice for upcoming brands?

Ugmonk: Have a plan and think things through before deciding that you are going to print some shirts and try to sell them. Decide what you want your brand to represent and how you are going to make it stand out. There is a lot more to running a brand that one might think, so be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and effort if you want it to succeed.

AOK: Who are some brands out there you’re currently digging?

Ugmonk: I have always loved the work or Scott Hansen (ISO50) and his distinct style. I really admire his attention to detail and would wear any of his shirts. I’m a fan of Johnny Cupcakes and what he has done with his brand. His story is very inspirational and is a great model for young brands to follow.

AOK: What’s coming up for the brand and any shout outs?

Ugmonk: Lots more in store for Ugmonk. Stay up to date by subscribing to the Ugmonk Newsletter.
Thanks for the interview!

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Ugmonk Interview

I’m very glad to say that the first interview for tee shirt fashion is with Kyle Crawford of Electric Zombie. I want this interview to speak for itself, but I will say that I chose Kyle as the first interview not only because I admire his work with Electric Zombie, but also because of his originality. I started this blog not only because I’m a tee fanatic, but also because I feel that many of the other blogs out there feature tees that are not truly original. With this blog I only want to showcase brands doing innovative things. While a lot of brands are doing horror right now, Electric Zombie stands out and remains original. With that said, onto the interview…

1. When did you start Electric Zombie?

I started Electric Zombie in 2007 after ending a relationship between
Rockett Clothing and myself.
Electric Zombie was a graphics name I had been going by for a while,
when it came time to name my clothing line, it seemed fitting.

2. Where do you expect the company will be in a few years?

I’m a pretty negative person, so I don’t expect much. I feel like if
you feel and have this positive attitude all the time, the let down is
much worse. I feel as if I put my head in a bad place and success
comes, it’s much more rewarding. Rather than the positive “I knew it!”
response. That being said, I can’t really tell you. I personally think
that this year is a make or break year for me. I’m going to be 26 in
june and I look at it as, “how long will I be freelancing or designing
for bands for? When is it going to be lame for me to be designing for
these young bands?” Electric Zombie is always something to come back
to. It’s my hobby as it is. My sole income isn’t established from my
brand. So If it doesn’t go up hill and exceed expectations, I am most
likely going to put off releasing anything for a while and focus on my
career instead of relying on a hobby

3. Tell us a little bit about your upcoming line.

The new line that just came out is my strongest line to date. I went
with some new designers. Tested some waters. Tried out a new brand of
shirt. Explored a lot of different options and leaped into the world
of cut and sew. In the summer I am going to be testing out new
packaging waters. Just having fun. The summer I think is all abotu
fun, cutting loose and taking risks. Thats what I plan on doing. I
wish I could give away more but I cant!

4. How did you feel being voted for best young brand of 2008?

It feels good, I totally didn’t expect it. Like I said I am a very
VERY negative person. I feel as if people get this vibe from me that I
am big headed cocky and full of myself. It’s totally not the case. I’m
just a normal dude who has way more insecurities than a twelve year
old girl. It was a refreshing award to win, I can’t wait to see who’s
nominated this year and hopefully I can win something else!

5. What trends are you sick of?

There’s no trends I am really sick of. Just certain designers. There’s
going to be a huge trend change this year. Illustration is going to be
a thing of the past and only people who are known and hired for will
continue to strive. But those who think they can pick up a pen and
doodle scan and sell are in for a rude awakening. I think things are
going to go back to basics. I think 1 color designs will be a hit this
year.

kiss the “doodling” good-bye

6. How do you feel about branding?

I think it’s somewhat important. I don’t feel the need to cram my logo
down the customer/consumer’s throat. In my case I think a theme or a
style is what people know me for. Over the top and crazy designs.
I don’t think it’s a necessity, but it couldn’t hurt. Branding isn’t
for everyone.

7. What do you do to market your brand? What’s worked and what hasn’t?

I think I am one of those word of mouth brands. I don’t advertise in
magazines. I don’t buy ad spaces. I just give shirts to friends in
bands and do an occasional bulletin or blog post. It just happens. I
feel very lucky. Like I said, I feel the designs speak for themselves

8. What makes a successful brand?

good designs, getting inside the mind of the customer. Look at it as,
“If I were going to buy a shirt from someone, what perks would I like?
What would make me happy?” Understanding, being straight forward and
take risks. Don’t just do it to do it, if you have a good idea use it.
Don’t do it for the attention or the money. I do this for fun and to
give everyone what they want and that’s rad tee shirts

9. How do you feel about the t-shirt industry right now? Particularly
with so many new and similar brands flooding the market.

Everyone is starting to do the clothing line again. In my perspective,
there’s too many zombie horror lines. Which sucks because it’s one of
my favorite things and what I am most passionate about. I’m not sure
if people want to “outdo me” or “If he can do it why can’t I?”

everyone is using the same people and doing the same things.
at first I didn’t really like 410bc, because I felt like we were doing
similar things. Now the brand has a new direction and it’s seriously
great. They aren’t just some “shirt” company, I think they’ll be going
places.

But back to the question at hand,
in my line of shirts.

Dekay, Zombie Licorice and now American Slasher, are all doing the
same things. It seriously makes me want to give up. Ideas that I have
can’t be used, things I wanted to do can’t be done. Childish or not,
it’s really annoying to see that people can’t get their own ideas. I
am by no means saying that I am an originator. But people know me for
a certain theme and style. From my clothing line to my band merch
designs. People trying to jump on the band wagon look like they’re
doing just that and it puts a damper on my ideas and hard work.

10. To end, is there anything you have planned for EZ that you can
share with our readers?

Summer is going to be lot’s of fun. The summer is going to knock your
socks off. From The packaging to the garment at hand. The extras will
be over the top and I’m excited to get that ball rolling. Keep your
eyesssss pealedddd!

Originally posted at Tee Shirt Fashion

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Electric Zombie Interview

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with Mark Capicotto of Glamour Kills