Getting an Idea Off The Ground

I don’t know what came over me one day, but I just started designing t-shirts.

Well, actually, let me back it up a bit. I’d been spending a good part of the last 30 years designing stuff. The last 15 were purely focused on designing and strategizing “digital experiences” for a myriad of companies in the Bay Area.

I was looking to reconnect with a purely visually-driven, personal project I could work on in my off hours. To keep the creative juices moving. I’d dabbled with some paintings, designed a book, but was still looking.

One day, I was reminiscing about the days of my youth at Three Arch, and the topic of the yearly t-shirts, that would be printed by the TAB association for residents and guests, came up. Honestly, the designs were kind of hit-or-miss, but it was never really about the designs, it was about wearing something that represented a cool place we all connected with in some way.

Then I started asking myself some questions, like, “Would people want more choices in designs, colors and styles”. “If I had a choice, what kind shirt would I want to wear?”. I started playing around and making designs with a pure, elemental aesthetic that I’d wear. And then the train left the station.

Before I knew it, I’d latched on to the idea like a bulldog. I was talking with screen printers, researching t-shirt manufacturers, colors and styles, getting a website up and running, looking to secure some initial capital. It all started happening.

I don’t know where this train is going, but I’ve sure been enjoying the support and interest from friends and colleagues along the way, who’ve motivated me to keep going. My goal is to have a small batch ready to sell in January, and if things go well, I’ll keeping printing more! The ultimate goal is to offer a dozen new designs every year in both crew- and v-neck styles.

So, that’s the back story. Undoubtedly, this story will continue to evolve as I learn the ropes, adapt and grow. Thanks again for everyone who’s shown interest and put some leg work in along the way. Stay tuned for more!