What screen printing, roller derby and the 80s have in common

I'm a graphic designer who accidentally got into screen printing while attending The Art Institute of Philadelphia back in the 1980s. Screen printing was a one semester course, that was part of a graduation requirement. My friends and I were far more interested in future careers in airbrushing (hey, it was the 80s)

In 1987, I graduated with an associate degree specialized technology, the major being visual communications, and immediately got into advertising design. After working at a couple of agencies in Philadelphia, and running a small art department dealing exclusively with direct mail, my freelance workload was large enough that I went out on my own in 1994 as a freelancer.

I played drums in bands all throughout art school (none you've heard of) and in 1997 was in The 440s. We actually put out records and toured the US several times. I bought a four color press to make shirts for the band with my bandmate/girlfriend, Wendy. Word spread, and we began to print shirts for other bands and local businesses until the band relocated to Tucson, AZ in spring 2001.

Tucson was a big change from Philadelphia, but I made friends here quickly. I was primarily doing graphic design work for dot-com companies, who paid well, although I still can't explain what it was they actually did. Either way, I don't think any of them are still around today.

By 2003, I was interested in doing a line of drag-race inspired shirts, as well as doing work for other bands, and bought a six-color shirt press. I formed Nitroburn Industries soon after. Things evolved the same as in Philadelphia, and I was soon doing shirts for local bands, bars and bikers.

Around the same time I was forming my business, an underground phenomenon was forming in Texas and Arizona that has spread all throughout the US and the world. Of course, I'm talking roller derby.

Tucson Roller Derby was formed by The 440s good friend Kim Sin. She toured the country with us in our cramped van, hawked our merch in local bars, and was an all-around awesome lady to have on your side. I became involved with TRD as a vendor, but soon after began to announce their bouts, and became a league member in '05.

It has been a great experience seeing this sport grow, evolve, change, and become part of the current culture. (A large part of this has to do with the movie Whip It).

I mention TRD with my work, because anyone who's involved in the sport knows, it takes a lot of time, and becomes a job in itself. Besides announcing, I began coaching one of the home teams, The Copper Queens spring of 2010.

TRD is entering its 8th season in September, as I am entering my eighth season with Nitroburn Industries. One of my goals for this year is having an online presence for my business. Blogging, Facebook, WebTV (Ok, I'm kidding about that)

I will admit, the power of social media has eluded me at times. I've even outright resisted having a FB page, with fears of any free time I have being taken away. Those doubts aside, I am looking forward to jumping in with both feet and seeing what happens.

Business card holder

One of my favorite customers, Tucson Roller Derby, had a bout this past Saturday night. I asked the merch head if I could display business cards at the table, but realized I needed a holder.

I wanted something different than the usual clear plastic card holders, and decided to make my own. It was all junk sitting down in the car side of my shop. All told, it took less than 30 minutes to make, and is something eye-catching, unique and cool. The president of TRD liked it so much, she asked me to make one for her.

On having a published price list

I view each job as a custom order. Since there are so many mills making different styles of shirts, and they all have their own characteristics, I stopped using a set of published prices a few years back. I tried it in the past and found that when my price list called for an Anvil 976, 100% cotton shirt, and you want American Apparel 2100s, I had to turn around and give you a custom price anyway.
Also, unless its a reprint, I like having a look at the art before I gave a quote. This is especially important with multicolor work.
There are a lot of screen printers out there giving different levels of price, service and quality. Low advertised prices will attract new business, but quality and service generates loyal customers. I am always looking for new customers, with the hope of forming long lasting partnerships with them.