Hello Creatives!
Curious about what this is all about? I started this shop about 20 years ago as side project on Etsy. Have you ever been in a meeting and someone said something clever you thought — I want that on a t-shirt! I had moments like that all the time.
Then one day I realized — I’m a designer. I can put that on a t-shirt.
Or a hat. The FPO baseball cap was my first design. I made it just for me and anyone else who might get the joke. It was a hit in kickoff meetings.
The first products were little jokes I made for myself and the few others in the world I thought might get a kick out of them. I’d often be stopped in the street by people who would point and laugh (in a good way) when they got the joke and we instantly had a feeling of community with each other. It’s good feeling no matter how short-lived. Comedy has a way of doing that.
Over the years, I added to the growing catalog of products as ideas came to me. And as my interests grew. I took an improv class — it’s almost required if you live in Chicago anywhere near Second City — and I added a few Yes And products. Then I took up fiction writing (again) and added some writing items. These were almost cathartic. Writing IS hard. But worth it.
The plan was to keep this as a side hustle and dive in after I retired to have a little pocket money. Then, the design world started being turned upside down and designers were being laid off left and right. Eventually, my job was eliminated and I had all this free time. So, here we are. Unintentionally retired. And making the best of it.
Right now, the products reflect my three creative passions: Design, Improv and Writing. Eventually, I will add other artistic practices like drawing and painting, sculpture, pottery, textile work etc. I’ll need to take some classes to get “in-the-know.”
If you have an inside joke, phrase, or idea you’d like to see send it to me! If I make it into a t-shirt or hat I’ll send it to you as a gift.
Hello Creatives was recently featured in GDUSA magazine. I still can't quite believe it, but there it is. I'm incredibly honored to be part of this design institution and am still pinching myself.
Click below to read the article.
What's next?
I have big plans for Hello Creatives so bookmark this site or, better yet, sign up for the email list. I promise to never sell your info and will only send occasional emails.* In addition to the usual sales and giveaways you’ll be able to vote on what designs go live. It takes a village.
Thanks for stopping by and laughing with me.
*There may be a flurry of emails in the beginning but then it will slow down to a reasonable number. I don’t want to add to anyone’s inbox headaches.