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

A few questions with Johnny Minardi of Snakes and Suits about his company and advice he would give to those looking to start up a similar venture.

Snakes & Suits is a clothing company from Chicago, IL. The brand launched on November 23rd, 2007. The company was started and is run by three friends with a background in music, fashion and skateboarding.

Who are the people behind Snakes & Suits and when did you guys start the company?

There are 3 of us that collectively run Snakes & Suits. There’s Tony Marino who is a tour manager for a few different bands. Eric Ryan who is a graphic designer and has designed everything we’ve ever printed, posted online, etc. And myself, Johnny Minardi, I’m an A&R guy at Fueled By Ramen. We’ve had ideas for years but actually launched on November 23rd 2007.

One of the unique things about Snakes & Suits is the simple and classic designs. Why did you decide to go that route instead of the more over the top designs that many other companies prefer?

You said it best about the simple and classic look. We’ve always wanted to release shirts that we love and would wear. I hate to use the word timeless because it makes us sound like we have egos but we never wanted to be pigeonholed into any one type of tee so we’ve tried to create a classic look that can be around for a long time.

What is your personal favorite Snakes & Suits tee and why?

I think the strongest shirt we’ve put out is the “Create New. Destroy Old.” design. Not even because of the look but because of the message. One of the biggest problems with every industry, especially the fashion industry, is that everyone is copying each other and is afraid to try something new. I think the message is clear to own whatever you’re doing and not to settle just because something has worked for someone else.

What do you hope for the future of Snakes & Suits? Can you tell us anything about upcoming lines?

We’re very excited to continue to expand and take big steps forward. We are planning a complete relaunch of the company. We’ve spent months designing our new web site and our brand new custom web store. Our Winter Line will be November 27th as well and features some new items that we’ve never done. We’re doing a big retail push as well and will be sold in stores all over the U.S. in the coming months.

Snakes & Suits has been at Warped Tour and Bamboozle, what were those experiences like? Has selling at major concert festivals been very helpful in terms of business and getting your brand out there?

We love the festivals! We’ve done a few Warped Tour dates each year and have done Bamboozle in NJ this past year. Those have both proved to be an amazing place to meet people that support the brand and really give a great chance to get the word out about a new line or just the brand in general. Luckily, we’ve had huge support from bands that were playing the festivals to stop by our booth for a signing and to wear the clothes on stage while they play that day.

Your ampersand logo is amazing! Very strong aesthetically and memorable. Who came up with it?

Thank you! Our designer, Eric, has designed everything for the company. He came up with a lot of variations of early logos and we kept expanding on the ones we liked. That one stuck out the second he showed us.

I know a lot of bands wear Snakes & Suits. What are some of your favorite bands to work with?

We’ve had amazing support from bands. They all contribute on different levels from helping with photo shoots, wearing the clothes live, promoting the brand on tour and online, etc. We just did our new Winter line photo shoot with This Providence and The Summer Set.

What is one piece of advice that you would give to someone wanting to start a clothing company?

Do what you love. Simple as that. Obviously it’s a business but just have fun and do whatever you want. Oh, and don’t copy each other.

What do you like to do when you’re not running Snakes & Suits?

Watch football, browse the internet and blogosphere, listen to tunes, play basketball and idea farming.

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with Snakes and Suits

Dance Party Massacre is a small clothing line with its roots based in Boston, MA. Drawing inspiration from film, music, pop culture, and nightlife, it’s a youth-oriented brand with an independent spirit. It’s conceptually-driven with the main focus based upon horror elements, and juxtaposing them with a fun edge.

Started in 2007 by designer Alex Dakoulas, the brand has grown from a few t-shirts sold online to a full line being carried in boutiques overseas. Collaborating with event promoters, musical acts, and visual artists the brand continues to expand its efforts while strengthening its core based in playful and rebellious graphic apparel.

1. When did you start Dance Party Massacre and what is the story behind the brand?

I started DPM soon after graduating college. I had an awesome final year of school working hard and playing hard, and it gave me inspiration. It was a time when I felt really happy, and part of it was because I stopped worrying about pleasing others and just did what I wanted.

I just let go, and the freedom of feeling alive and fighting to be happy was a great influence on the ideas behind the line. Taking horror ideas where things are dark, and often are about people struggling, and combining them with parties and nightlife I thought was interesting. That felt like my life during that time. I was living it.

2. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced in running the company? Is there anything you know now that you wish you had known in the beginning?

Biggest challenge as the sole owner is all the tasks that come with it. It can be very daunting at times, but when it does I just step back and stop working even a couple hours. Lately, I’ve been allowing others to come in more and more to help me too.

I usually tell people when starting like a clothing line, always order minimum amounts. You can always buy more of a design, but you can’t return them if no one buys them.

3. Some people say that there are too many “horror themed” brands on the market. What would you say to the nay sayers? Do you consider DPM to just be a horror themed brand, why or why not?

Well, that whole trend kind of came as a surprise to me. I had not seen horror making its way into indie or streetwear brands.  Part of the reason why I started up DPM was because I saw something that could be new and cool. I mean, I freakin love horror movies and I had been buying horror movie memorabilia for years. I wanted to take what I loved about horror, bring it beyond the cult fans, and make it more “hip” for lack of a better word.

With that being said, I don’t see DPM as a horror line. It’s obviously influenced by those themes and imagery, but the idea is to add other aspects to it creating something else. As we evolve, the horror aspect of the line can be interpreted as something further like rebellious, punk rock, edgy, or anything unsettling. It doesn’t have to mean blood and guts.

4. You guys have a blog on your site that you update regularly. How important do you think it is for a brand to stay in touch with their customers through blogging? Has it had a big impact on your brand personally?

The blog is on par with the online shop with traffic, so I think it’s definitely helpful. It gives people a reason to keep coming back to the website, and it allows me to update customers easily with news.

I also collect images, video, and bookmarks basically every day on things that relate to DPM, or inspire it. I wanted to have a place where I could gather all of those ideas, and even if no one else was looking at them I could go back and get immersed all over again.

5. A lot of people looking to start up their own company have questions about investments and finding the money. What advice would you give someone looking to get more information about the financial issues involved in starting up?

Personally, I have another job that brings in income besides DPM. I just kind of blindly started up this brand, and I have only ever put money into it that I had. I wouldn’t say I’m the best person to ask on business advice, because I’d be weary even to take out a loan. Although I know a lot of people do it to succeed.

6. What are some goals you have for DPM for the future? Where would you like to be in a year from now? Five years from now?

I want it to become more than a tee line. T-shirts are my background, but it’s been fun evolving it. We already have some winter-wear in the works, and if all things turn out well some rings. I just want to get bigger and better.

Five years from now DPM could be huge and in stores all across country, but I think a dream would be to have our own store. That would be the ultimate dream right now.

7. What are some other brands that you look up to or have inspired you in some way?

I would say it’s less brands, and more people. I am personally inspired by creative, independent people. I respect a lot of my friends and colleagues who are artists and designers and I love hearing what they’re working on.

Outside of people I know I’ve followed Rob Dobi and his line Fullbleed for a while. I love his style and substance to what he does. I like that 410 BC has an artist collective side to them, as I came from an art school. I still keep up with Johnny Cupcakes. Being in Boston and watching what he did grow, it just feels like I’ve constantly checked in on his stuff.

8. In your experience, what makes a tee “popular” or “sell well”? Can you usually predict which tees are going to be the best sellers? What has been the best selling DPM tee to date?

I think the best-selling tees are ones people can relate to instantly. They can be easily liked and understood by all types of people. The best-selling tee for us has been the Vampire Grill. I think it’s because it combined two things many people understand right away into something new and clever.

I wouldn’t say I can tell which tee is going to sell well, but you might get a hunch. If I could predict what people will buy I’d be a rich man.

9. You guys have had a TON of amazing press. A feature in The Boston Globe, Thrillist, Nicky Digital, AMP Magazine, Boston Herald, The Hipster Collective, etc. What advice would you give for someone looking to get press for their business? And how has this press impacted DPM?

A lot of the initial press came on its own actually. I don’t mean that to sound snooty, but my point being I think people saw something interesting, and perhaps new, when the line first started. I think if you are doing something worth talking about, people will just talk about it. Those initial interviews and press features gave me confidence that I was onto something good.

Lately, it’s been more about keeping things fresh and continuing to get people interested. First you get people’s attention, but then you have to keep it. Now I do a lot more of contacting the press on new products. I’d say that would be my advice if you’re looking for publicity. Just e-mail, write, or call all the newspapers, blogs, magazines, etc. that you think might be interested. You can never contact too many.

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with Dance Party Massacre

Hi guys Jon Kruse here from how to start a clothing company. Today I’m reviewing a new e-commerce store system called storenvy which offers a free stores to everyone. It is most similar to big cartel which charges  $10- $20 a month for it’s services but also includes a bunch of social networking stuff  to get your site seen.

Big cartel vs Storenvy

• Bigcartel
• There are only two things that big cartel has storenvy beat on. One is that you can use cnames on bigcartel and use your own domain.  The other is big cartel lets you have multiple pages you can edit and storenvy doesn’t let you add any extra pages besides the faq and contact pages. The downside is you have to drive all the traffic to your site by yourself and it costs you $20 a month for their best plan.

• Storenvy
• First and foremost it’s free and you have to love free. They have up to 5 pics per product, on bigcartel it would cost you $20 a month. The stats they give in the admin panel are great, even though you should be using google analytics to track all your stats.  I really like how easy it is to design a site in css and there are a couple sites that have started customizing their stores. Check out my site I did for my clothing line Shred and check out this site for Fashion Loves People. Storenvy has social networking to get you traffic and make sales. Finally I’ve spoken to the guys that work behind the scenes and they are passionate about what they’ve created and plan on making a lot of improvements.

What the owner of Storenvy had to say.

“Storenvy doesn’t want to be just another online store system. There are hundreds of them out there already and have some of the same problems. They require you to drive all traffic to your store yourself, they only offer fulfillment, or made for only stores who are well established. On top of that in this day in age the internet is all about being social. Storenvy wanted to fix all of those problems and build the first Social Store Community.

Shopping Features.

• Buy from multiple stores at once all shipping from different locations around the world. Pay all stores at once with one checkout.
• Shoppers have the ability to browse between all stores at once by different product categories. From Apparel, Jewelry, Music, Books, Housewares, Toys and more.
• Markets are a group of stores with similar interest. Example being handmade, Metal bands, & clothing companies. Shoppers will be able to see all stores in each market along with browse all products, and a forum to discuss what they find.

Social Features

• Shoppers have the ability to make their own user profile/user account. With this they have the ability mark items they find on Storenvy as favorites, share with their friends, follow a store, leave comments, chat on the forums, and follow their friends and see what they are doing.
• When you follow a store you find out whenever they add new products.
• When you follow another Storenvy User you find out what they are favoriting, and comments they are making to help you find out about new and interesting items they discover.
• Shoppers also have the option to share your favorite products they find on their facebook wall. (we are setting up Twitter integration right now as i type this)”

Storenvy is a great start for what looks like a very bright future. It doesn’t have big cartel beat on everything just yet but they also have a lot of things bigcartel doesn’t  have like a free system with social networking. I just made the switch last week and am really happy with what storenvy has to offer.

Also besides their e-commerce stores I know about storenvy because of their printing. There are lot of people out there that can vouch for their printing and really it’s the best printing/service I have ever gotten from a screen printer.  Large oversized prints, bright colors, and everything is super soft (no big piece of plastic here). Storenvy is offering 75 cents off American Apparel printed shirts until December 1st. I’m not sure if they still do this but when I first talked with them about printing they offered to send me a sample shirt, just ask Nick. Go to the storenvy printing page by clicking here.

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Storenvy: Free online store review

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

David Murray is the man behind Seibei, an awesome, quirky and extremely unique brand that has gained a large fan base for good reason! David, a self-taught illustrator with a college degree in Japanese Literature, began the brand in 2004 by screen printing and designing his tees, but it was in 2006 when Seibei really took off. One of the things I love about Seibei (and there are a lot) is that the tees are both amazing artistic designs and they’re funny. Most of the time when I see a tee that is funny, it usually isn’t aesthetically pleasing. This is absolutely not the case with Seibei tees, which is one of the many reasons this brand stands out and has had so much success.

Be sure to visit seibei.com and pick up a tee/follow David’s blog

1. What’s the story behind Seibei? When did you start the brand?

SEIBEI has its roots in my time at university as a Japanese major. In my third year, my advisor had us read a story by Shiga Naoya entitled Seibei to hyoutan (“Seibei and his gourds”). The story was about a young artist named Seibei who was kind of a weirdo, bucked trends of the day, and was dedicated to his work to the distraction of everything else. This story really stuck with me, so eventually I decided that if I ever found work as an artist, I’d want to work under this name. When I got back from Japan (where I spent my last year of school), a friend and I were goofing around with fabric paints one night and I made my first commercial shirt ever, a shirt making a joke about a friend of ours. I wore it out and the reaction was huge. It was then that I realized that I could start putting all of my dumb jokes and cartoons onto t-shirts, so I taught myself how to screen print and got cracking (learning to screen print was actually a pretty long and involved process, and by the time I really became a good printer, I quit my day job and had to start hiring out my printing). My early work was mostly in jokes with friends and definitely had more of a “goofy image and accompanying joke” Busted Tees feel (they’re good people – that’s just not what I want out of my work anymore). This was in 2004. I’d say I didn’t really begin things in earnest until 2006, though. Up until March 2009 I was holding down a full time job at a print shop and printing my own work and running SEIBEI and not sleeping much.

2. I read that you run Seibei full time. What has that been like? What is an average day like for you at Seibei headquarters?

I’m working on creating a more structured schedule these days, but basically every day starts with checking email, reading a few industry blogs, reading Achewood, checking Twitter, and processing and shipping orders. My afternoons rotate between working on side projects (trying to get a zine and a book together, figure sculpting, other stuff), working on new designs (I draw a good deal every day, but don’t actually work in Illustrator terribly often, which I’m trying to change), making Zombie Hunter shirts, and gearing up for shows. I go to the gym and take Jeet Kune Do so I at least don’t get any fatter, and I spend a good deal of time hanging out with my girlfriend (when she’s not in class at the Culinary Institute of America) and other friends. I usually sketch whenever I’m watching tv or sitting around.

3. I saw on your blog that you had a booth at Renegade Craft Fair and All Points West. How was that? Do you plan on selling at any other festivals?

Selling at festivals is the best – Renegade Craft Fair is one of the biggest reasons I’m able to do this full time, and I’ve been down with them for years. If you already have a quality product it’s important to get it in front of as many people as possible, and now that I’m doing this full time, I’ve become a bit of a shut in, so it’s important to actually see people and get enough sunlight to avoid rickets. I’m trying to do as many festivals and shows as I can from here on out – there’s nothing like getting to see people’s reactions in person, and it’s hell of rewarding to meet the people who are buying your shirts and supporting your work. Also, it’s great to meet other artists who are out there hustlin’ and right there in the trenches with you. Shows are one of the most fun and rewarding parts of this gig.

4. What has been the best business decision you’ve ever made?

Right before I moved to New York in 2007, I had done this really shitty little craft show in Virginia. It was put on by a local Craft Mafia, and they hyped it like none other, and I was really stoked for it, and it was a complete failure. I had even bought an ad in the program (last time I ever did that), and it was just dead. The few people that were there were not stoked at all, and my work got a lot of eye rolls (which I was already no stranger to). I had just been accepted to my first ever Renegade Craft Fair in Brooklyn, and failing so hard at this show had made me super depressed, and I considered dropping out of the show because I had just moved and was strapped for cash. Fortunately, I decided to do the show (my girlfriend probably gave me a good pep talk), and it was a BLOW OUT. I met tons of great people, outsold most of the people who’d been doing it for years, and it really helped me feel like I could make it as an artist. I remember driving over the Triboro Bridge heading home from the show, watching the sun set, and just feeling like I could conquer the world. So, I guess the lesson from this is hard work and perserverance. Just keep swimming!

5. What has been the worst business decision (if any) you’ve ever made? Or is there anything you’ve done with Seibei that you regret?

Nothing I’m ashamed of, but nothing really worth talking too much about, either. I’ve overestimated how popular some designs would be (who DOESN’T like a drawing of a muscley kid with a veiny donut head jumping rope?) and ended up putting 95% of a print run into the “bargain bin” once or twice, and I’ve shipped tons of product to shows that end up getting rained out, and there was that time I had my cash box stolen. I don’t think I’ve ever yelled “fuck” more loudly or with more sincerity, but, it happens. I think one of the reasons I’m still here is because I’m good at rolling with the punches. No one became a success by being a wuss. This is a business for tough mutants.

6. What is your next line going to be like/what do you have planned?

I have some new releases planned for Renegade Chicago, but to be honest, I just ran out of time to get everything ready for it, so some of them are going to be delayed. That said, Greg Abbott and I have done a piece together that I think could be the best SEIBEI tee yet, my buddy Jayna Fey and I are cooking up something, and soon enough I’ll be doing a piece with my bros for life, the Two Rabbits. I’ve also gotten in to resin casting, so soon I’m going to premiere a series of limited edition, hand painted figurines made by yours truly. I’m hoping to have some to sell or give away at Renegade Chicago, but I can’t make any promises. There’s a hell of a learning curve, and I don’t like to sell or give away something unless I’m completely happy with it.
7. What has been your most popular tee to date?

The Sandwich Dinosaur, without question, though the Intramural Zombie Hunter and a few others have been nipping at its heels for some time. Around Halloween and Christmas I usually pull a few all-nighters a week making Zombie Hunter shirts, and I still fall behind. Something about the Sandwich Dinosaur really speaks to people – it’s like an ancient totem or a Jungian archetype or something. I literally spent ten minutes drawing it directly into a screen with screen filler and drawing fluid to test a press I’d built years ago, to wear as a goof at a kebab shop where I made sandwiches.

8. What do you think makes Seibei different from other brands?

Earlier this year I actually met a woman who ALSO had a degree in Japanese Literature, and ALSO ran her own t-shirt line, so I guess it’s not that. What I’m trying to do with SEIBEI, in addition to having fun and expressing myself as an artist, is unite the weirdos and the spazzes of the world – I think you have to be able to laugh at yourself at least a little bit and be a little different to wear a shirt with a dinosaur saying MAKE ME A SANDWICH, much less my other works. I was recently thinking about Johnny Cash’s concept of the Man In Black – someone who wears clothing of a somber tone to remind us of all of those who suffer and are less fortunate. I think we need a Man In Bright (for lack of a better gender neutral term that encompasses fun colors) – someone who wears goofy clothing to help us to keep a smile on our faces, even in dark times. The world is full of hate and suffering, but it is also full of love and magic and dinosaurs. I want to make people happy by helping to remind them of this. On that tip, I’ve been wanting to get into more charitable donation, but haven’t found a good outlet for it.

9. Do you think the tee shirt market is oversaturated with too many brands doing the same thing?

Sure, but I’m not really concerned with it. I think there are a lot of brands who need to have their brand name on the shirt because that’s the only way you can tell what company produced it, but plenty of people like that and that’s fine (on the flip side, there are plenty of companies I love and respect who drop their brand name on every shirt they do). I don’t like a lot of brands out there mainly due to weird personal tastes, but who gives a shit? It’s a big world and there’s room for a lot of us. In the end, I have too much work to do to spend any time hating on other companies. Okay, to be fair, I probably multitask while hating on people – I just try to make sure I’m filling orders or something while cussing rampantly under my breath.

10. What do you think is necessary or key to having a successful clothing brand?

Having something unique to say and doing it well, and then backing that up with tireless dedication and hard work. Constantly try to improve and one up yourself. Try to provide a great experience for the customer, so they feel a personal connection with you and your brand. Also, having a coherent worldview and aesthetic is something I worry a lot about, personally.

11. Have you actively marketed Seibei? If so, which marketing tactics have worked and which haven’t?

Not really. I’ve had mixed results with print advertising, but I mostly rely on word of mouth. I have had really good success with banner ads…I really ought to do some of those again. I’ve also been wanting to try Google AdWords, but again, it’s one of those things not high up on my list of priorities. This may be a bit foolish on my part, but I’m a big believer in a “if you build it, they will come” sort of business philosophy. I just try to focus my efforts on making a good product and making my customers happy so, ideally, they’ll do the advertising work for me.

12. Where would you like Seibei to be in 5 years?

Eventually, I want to have a small retail space with an attached art gallery. I’ve made so many good friends through working as SEIBEI who are far more talented than I am, so I’d love to start curating shows just as an excuse to get to hang out and work with them. I’m also starting to look into a wider range of products – cut and sew pieces, resin toys, skate decks – and I just want to keep creating new things. I don’t think I’ll ever be a millionaire; I just want to keep having fun with this. It’s great to know that people all over the world are wearing my work and that it makes them happy.

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Interview with David Murray of SEIBEI

What is networking? Why is networking important? Why am I writing this and how does it have to do with Too Legit? All of these questions will be answered in the following Facet of Legitimacy.
Let’s say that you need to find a job. You spend hours and hours and come up with a resume that highlights everything you have ever done. You go to the local stationary store and buy some really nice paper to print your resume onto. After this, you drop off your resume to several local businesses that might be interested in employing you. Do you realize how many applications for employment all of these businesses get? Do you understand what your chances of getting employed are? Your chances are slim. A much easier approach lies on the inside. If you know someone on the inside of the company, business, or corporation, they will most likely not have a problem helping you out by recommending you. This would save time, money, and energy on something as simple (but important) as getting a job. And how would you get “on the inside”? Through networking, of course! This is just one example of the wonders good networking and contacts will have.
So what exactly is networking? Networking is the act of meeting new people in a business or social context. Networking is something that everyone experiences pretty much daily. Meeting someone new at the coffee shop in the morning or going to a conference and trading business cards. Networking sets up future interactions and mutually beneficial relationships among two or more people, businesses, or institutions.

Networking comes in many different shapes and forms. For example, networking with potential clients and customers differs from networking with potential resources and manufacturers. Being knowledgeable of the different types of networking and how to network within each will definitely show positive results. In the end, you will have stronger contacts and a better platform with which to run your business off of. In the next few paragraphs, I will go somewhat more in depth into each type. However, due to the broad scope of networking, it would be almost impossible to include all the information available.

Social Networking sites are extremely important when it comes to networking. Personally, social networking sites are the reason for Too Legit’s existence and are what continue to keep it alive. The most popular social networking sites to date are: Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter, in terms of overall users and traffic. All 3 are invaluable resources that are key to almost any business’ success in this day and age. The ability to connect and communicate with people all over the world in a matter of seconds has made networking online extremely easy and important.
Be professional and know who you are talking to at all times. It’s the little things that count. Using correct grammar and punctuation could be the deciding factor of whether or not you get that manufacturing account you have always wanted or that interview on a prestigious blog. I have talked with people who use subpar English and they definitely do not impress me. Think about it from the big business’ perspective: You are looking to do professional business with someone and they are talking to you as if you were their old friend from high school. Not cool at all.

Twitter: Twitter is a free, real-time short messaging service that allows people from all over the globe to connect and read about what others are doing. I use Twitter on a daily basis and it allows me to quickly send out information to a large group of people (followers) and lets me see what is going on with them (following). For any established or upcoming business or brand, I HIGHLY recommend you sign up for your own Twitter account today and begin using it. I cannot explain how many contacts I have gained from simple 140 character interactions with people. A more detailed article about the use of twitter and its benefits can be found on the BA blog here.
MySpace: Over the past year or so, my activity on MySpace has decreased substantially. Partly because I find MySpace annoying due to the fact that it is crawling with spammers who have no desire to connect; only to gain the most friends, (I don’t understand the thrill of having a million friends that don’t know you, but whatever floats your boat) and secondly because I don’t really go on my personal MySpace very much either. However, for an upcoming brand, MySpace can be a valuable tool. You set up a page with your brand name, pictures of your products, info on the brand, and maybe a link or two to your website/webshop and you’re good to go.
Facebook: I look at Facebook as a MySpace 2.0. It has all the functionality of MySpace, but is cleaner, faster, and overall, more refined. Facebook allows you to create a fan page of your business, brand, cause, etc. and suggest to your friends that fan page. People who aren’t your friends can also “Become a Fan” and follow updates that you make along the way. There are no crazy layouts on Facebook, but you can still include pictures of your products, links to external sites, and a brand bio.
By no means are these the only social networking sites. There are easily hundreds of sites you can join to get your business out there. A couple of them are Digg, Flickr, DeviantArt, and LinkedIn. Each of these has a specific genre or theme to them. For example, Flickr is all about pictures, DeviantArt is about art/design, and LinkedIn is about business. (All of my social networking links can be found at the end of the article.)
Other good online resources include forums and websites directly related to your business. Since my major focus is fashion and clothing, I found sites such as the forum on Hypebeast.com, the forum on Lurk99cents.com, tshirtforums.com, and the talk and resource areas on emptees.com very valuable when it came to meeting new people, discussing my product, and collecting contacts.

Networking in person can be a lot more complicated and difficult than networking online for several different reasons. First, when you are online and are “posting” information, sending e-mails, and interacting with others, you are able to type out what you would like to say, edit that, and then send it. In person, that is not the case. Someone asks you something and you respond right then and there. Being careful about what you say and how you say it is very important because someone’s reaction will be completely different depending on how they hear what you are saying.
In addition, it’s harder to pick up on tone of voice online because, well, you aren’t hearing them say it, you are reading it. Your tone means a lot, so that is something to watch out for. Coming off mad or overly sarcastic can lead to a negative interaction between you and a potential contact.
If you go to an event or conference, be sure to take along some business cards to handout to potential clients and contacts and other information about who you are and what you do. It would be stupid to go to a conference without having anything to leave with someone. You have to understand that people converse with a ton of people at these sorts of events. Without something to trigger their memory when they return home, there is no way they will remember you.

So why is networking important? As Albert Schuster, president of Network in Philadelphia, once said, “Networking offers another avenue to reach vendors, customers, future business partners… It allows you to present yourself and your networking objective in a much more personal way than an advertisement, promotion, or an online resume can.” Without a strong network of friends, family, contacts, and clients, your business will ultimately fail. In order to be successful, you must have help from other people. Meeting new people and connecting with them will definitely help you in the long run.
When talking with someone, whether in person, over the phone, through e-mail, or by any other means of communication, be sure to be human, and more importantly, be yourself. The worst possible thing that you could do is make someone feel as if they are just another number in a vast list of contacts you have sitting on your desk. Creating a personal relationship will enable you to stand out and rise above the noise. In addition, if you put up a false persona of who you really are, the value of your connection will usually decrease. Being genuine is a top notch way to win true friends, valuable resources, and goes hand in hand with the ultimate goal, being successful. Moreover, being genuine is, in large part, one of the main ideals that Too Legit was originally based upon and continues to build upon.
Lastly, I want to make a point of never being lazy. Networking is most effective when you do it constantly and consistently. You need to network when you don’t really have to. Yes, networking is a lot of work and takes time, but once you have successfully made contacts, it is very valuable and rewarding. In addition, make sure you engage people as often as possible. Don’t wait for them to get back to you on a call or e-mail, call them first!

At first, networking wasn’t a large priority for the brand. I would design the shirts, get them printed, and try to sell them. That was it. I thought it was just a simple market. You make something that the consumer wants, and they buy it. That is not totally incorrect, but there is a lot more to it. Since then, I have grown a greater appreciation for the powers of networking. Through the Too Legit Twitter, Facebook, and MySpace, I have accumulated many contacts and friendships that have been useful already and will continue to be useful as time passes. Anyone can have a clothing brand and sell a few t-shirts to their friends and the local crowd, but a good brand has a national or even global following. The only way to reach out to the people not directly in contact with you is to network.
Although networking online is not the only way to network, it comprises the bulk of how I network. As the brand is still young, I have not attended any shows to date. However, in the next few months that will change and I will most definitely meet new people and create new contacts.

All in all, I can’t stress it enough that creating mutually beneficial relationships that are meaningful and personal is one of the most, if not the most, important aspect of creating and expanding a business whether it be a clothing brand or not. Sign up for social networking sites, actively connect, and be able to describe who you are and what you do to any person that might walk up to you.
I doubt very many people read through this whole article as it is rather lengthy. And even so, I have left out a lot of things and will probably write a Networking Pt. 2 post at some point. This is the first Facet of Legitimacy to date so please leave comments or message me with any feedback you might have. I want to make this series as informational and as helpful as possible. I know that I’m not some big brand, but I do feel that I have a small bit of knowledge that I’d like to share with people.
Thanks for reading.

-Chris
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/toolegitclothes
Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Too-Le…ng/79830493302
MySpace – MySpace – Too Legit Clothing – 17 – Male – SAN JOSE, California – myspace.com/toolegitclothing
Site – http://www.toolegitclothing.com
Shop – http://shop.toolegitclothing.com

Post from: How to start a Clothing Company

Networking for clothing lines

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

We had the opportunity to interview Pyknic, http://www.pyknicwear.com

Pyknic is a very popular brand that was founded in 2006 and has been gaining popularity ever since.

We wanted to interview the pyknic guys because they know about how a successful brand is made. Their interview gives a lot of insight into that and into the brand. Now onto the interview!

1. When did you start Pyknic and how has it changed since day 1 to now?

Pyknic started in January 2006, my freshman year of college. The Chef and I became friends after playing a college soccer season together and both shared a mutual passion for boardsports such as surfing, skating, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. After a visit at a surf shoppe one day, we realized that the designs were so saturated and unappealing to those not wanting to buy a shirt basically advertising the company’s name. Soon we came to the conclusion that we could use our knowledge of business and fashion to create our own brand that broke away from the norm.

To be honest, we didn’t end up straying too far from it. Our passions for the surf/skate world would end up causing our designs to conform to the very designs we were so against! It’s very hard to compete with established brands like Billabong and Hurley because someone will easily buy those shirts for their brand name. We had to change things up and start generating interest in our brand for our art rather than our (lack of) name. Our last shirt designs I put together from this “era” were more art oriented and they had done considerably better than their predecessors, some even being featured in Pool Tradeshow’s Art Book as well as in Beautiful/Decay’s store.

One night we were eating at Red Lobster and as with any other occasion, the topic of the company and its future came up. We had the passion for this business, The Chef and I literally worked on it every day since its conception, but it was just missing something. That is when we decided to feature illustrated t-shirts unlike anyone else featuring something no one can resist, food! Fortunately Pyknic was already our name so thus begun rebranding.

2. Is Pyknic your full time job/income? And what does a typical day consist of?

Unlike most of our graduating class, The Chef and I were fortunate enough to inherit a full time job! Everyday is different around here so it is really hard to pinpoint a typical day. Right now we’re in the middle of planning our fall line (yes, we’re hella late) so basically we’ve been going back and forth regarding different pieces as well as communicating with our different retailers, making sure they’re ready for future orders as well as insuring that past orders are selling well, etc so basically a lot of emails. Also, I personally package all the web orders! There are days where this takes up the bulk of my time but I cannot complain about sales.  Fun days for me are when we go to events, such as festivals or tradeshows, as well as high profile meetings! The Chef and I have done so much traveling across the country that most college students are not experiencing (besides bro-out spring break cancun trips).

3. How many people run Pyknic?

Pyknic is just the two of us, The Chef and The Butcher. We do everything from answering customers emails down to every last detail of a shirt concept.

4. You guys have been getting into cut and sew more and more recently. Can you tell us a little bit more about that? make?

Cut and sew has been our dream since we first started Pyknic but realistically at the time that was just not possible. One thing we were able to do was constantly improve production of our items, starting with thick prints on Gildan tees to gradually being able to print water based inks on American Apparel. It’s a process that does not come over night but our belief is to provide the customer with an item we want to wear ourselves. This being said, creating cut and sew items was just the next step in our development. We were happy to officially get away from that “t-shirt company” label.

5. You guys are available in a bunch of major retailers – Pacsun, Hot Topic and Zumiez. Why did you decide to go with these retailers?

Pyknic is available in a ton of boutiques and shoppes in Europe, Asia, and Australia but had little representation in stores stateside. There are a lot of fans that are not able to get hold of items online plus there are some that just rather feel and try on our stuff before purchasing. These major retailers were an easy solution to this problem.

Also when we first started, our primary goal was to appear in these retailers. I remember after a long day of passing out school-printed flyers around the mall to shoppers, we would go into PacSun and Hot Topic rating all the clothing for sale. Although in retrospect Pyknic was far from ready to being on the racks, we knew that we would be able to create a product that was. Being in these stores now helped us realize our dreams.

6. Some people say that it’s a bad idea to be in too many mall retail stores. There is that whole philosophy that people want what others don’t have and if you make your brand accessible to everyone you will “sell out” and the appeal of the indie brand will be lost. Do you agree or disagree with this? Do you think this has been true or false in terms of Pyknic?

Although the population of the world has not come across our website, the thing is that it is still available for anyone to get a hold of. People also find us at these events that we partake in around the country. I cannot limit the amount of purchases made nor ask for photo credentials prior to purchase, besides I think there are U.S. laws in place against that ha.

I can certainly understand those who feel that selling in these mall retail stores is selling out but I think if done properly through limited styles and colourways, it can only be beneficial for everyone. I cannot tell you how many e-mails or myspace messages we get from kids in the US or people overseas visiting the US that cannot purchase online. They need a physical store to make their purchases and who are we to deny them of it? Our brand is now reaching more people and in turn allows us to create better products, attend more events, and even possibly open our own store to sell at, etc.

There are so many more styles available only on our website so if it is such a concern, it’s easy to separate the “legits” from the others.

7. Any plans to open up a Pyknic store? If so, where would it be located?

There have been serious discussions, everyone will just have to stay tuned in the next year. I can confirm that we have an office and bigger warehouse on the way soon.

8. What is something you have learned from running your own brand that you wish you had known in the beginning?

I think there have been so many things I have learned throughout this whole process, mostly from mistakes, but I think without them I would not have grown as a businessman or person. I will say stay realistic, minimize outside involvement, and set your goals.

9. What steps are involved in releasing a line? How long does it usually take from when you first come up with the tee ideas to the day the line comes out?

This fall line has been in the works since April. I have a sketch notebook that I take everywhere, the class and even on airplanes, to jot down ideas as well as sketch out concepts The Chef and I have collaborated on. After sending it out, we’ll go back and forth with our artists until every detail is exactly how we envisioned. This does not even include the process of retailer ordering, printing, sorting, photoshoots, etc. It is very timely but it is the best way we can ensure the best product for our customer and that the release is truly something we are proud of.

10. What is your most memorable or proud moment from your work with Pyknic?

When Pyknic first started four years ago, I worked at the Pacific Sunwear at Quakerbridge Mall, NJ. Being around all the successful companies clothes all day made me work that much harder with our own project. I was tired of folding their generic shirts and knew that I had a better product that people didn’t even know about! I would plastic our cheap Pyknic stickers all over the backroom and even visible spots where customers would see like on ladders and even the register. I always told our managers about it and how we’d be the next hit although I don’t know how serious they took me. I even remember telling customers about Pyknic and concocting ideas of sneaking Pyknic shirts onto the racks to see how they would react. To walk in there with the Chef and find Pyknic hanging on the racks by register meant the world.

This article was originally posted at Tee shirt Fashion

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Pyknic Interview