About
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.
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.