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<\/a><\/p>\nExplorer\u2019s Press is a <\/span><\/strong>great example of a successful small business, something many of our clients are looking to achieve for themselves. It can be a lengthy process of trial and error. How did you start out?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n I guess I kind of just fell in to creating a brand. I was doing more fine art stuff – showing photos and painting, self publishing books and making prints. I ended up making a few 1\u201d buttons and a patch to throw in with a zine and someone put the patch on tumblr and it kind of blew up from there.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n What was the first item you designed\/released for Explorer\u2019s Press?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The black and white \u201cSet No Path – Never Lose Your Way\u201d patch.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n There seems to be great brands that are in the same vein, offering similar gear, popping up all over the place. As awesome and strong as this homegrown community is getting, what do you feel sets you apart from your competitors?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n I feel like a lot of current independent brands just design stuff that riffs off of pop culture – Simpsons, Seinfeld, whatever. All of my designs are totally original top to bottom, and a lot of them are based around slogans that I think up. I\u2019d like to think that sets Explorer\u2019s apart from a lot of other brands. I don\u2019t really like the term \u201ccompetitor\u201d because if you\u2019re on your own and doing your own thing, thats rad and I\u2019m happy for you – just try and keep it original.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n I really don\u2019t know how my following got so big. Having good product is obviously #1 – you could have the best product shots, look books, and whatever but if your product sucks nobody is going to want to look at it. We use a lot of customer generated content on Instagramm etc. these days and its super nice to see the how the customer styles the product and getting to interact with them is super fun.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n As the designer, you must have ideas for new product lined up. How do you decide what to release next?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n No rhyme or reason. Design 3 things or 10 and when they all land in the studio then we release them. Focusing on accessories has been great because you don\u2019t have to release in seasons if you don\u2019t feel like it. I just do whatever I want, I guess.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n What has been your largest obstacle to date?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Trying to navigate the tricky Canadian postal system has been tough. Getting the rates down so you aren\u2019t over or under charging is really important. I used to go to the post office with 150-300 packages weekly. Now I have it all streamlined so that everything is labeled at the studio and it gets picked up on a daily basis. It took a lot of trial and error but I think its more or less figured out!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n You started Explorer\u2019s Press in Toronto, but then made the move to Vancouver. What keeps you coming back to Astro?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n I really respect the work ethic of the owner\u2019s at Astro (Mike and JD). I worked at Astro for about a year before Explorer\u2019s Press became my full time job. The dudes were in the shop printing along side us every day and I\u2019m happy to call them my friends. I saw first hand how seriously everyone takes print quality. I never have to worry about getting crappy shirts that I don\u2019t feel comfortable selling. I\u2019m stoked to support a smaller print shop and it keeps me in touch with the guys, which rules.<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Most of our clients have a pretty limited budget when they\u2019re first starting out, and there are so many options when it comes to screen printing. How many shirts? How many colours in the design? What brand of shirt? How do you find you get the most bang for your buck?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019ve always printed on Fruit Of The Loom 3930R shirts because they take the print the best. Our dark shirts are printed discharge and they turn out very nice, plus I like the fit. Most of our prints are 1 colour because I like simple, bold designs. How many shirts is a tough one, but I\u2019d say in terms of a size break down, I always do twice as many medium and large shirts as I do small and XL. If you can spring for it, printed inner labels are a great way to finish off a garment and really make it look professional.\u00a0<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>You have customers that span the globe, thanks to technology. Did you find it difficult to get your name out there and build your online presence? Any tips or tricks?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n