thread's not dead - doITlab

Johnny Cupcakes
Johnny Cupcakes is another household name for me. Almost everyone I interviewed
for this book lists JC as an influence or as an example of what a clothing
company should do to be successful. I think Johnny is an inspiration because
he came from our peers. He was “one of us” so to speak. He just seemed to
hustle a little harder.
He started out selling t-shirts out of his car at shows and his friends gobbled
them up. His rise to success is one of the most inspiring stories you’ll read. He
may not be known to your neighbors down the street or be competing for market
share with Abercrombie, but in my own little slice of the world he’s big-time.
And that’s all you need as a brand, to be seen as “big-time” in the minds and
hearts of a smaller niche.
THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley
Billabong
Billabong is a household name for me as well because I can’t keep myself from
referring to them when I think of surf/skate apparel brands. Walk into any Pac
Sun store in the mall and you’ll be sure to see the Billabong name. In my humble
Midwestern upbringing in the 90’s, Billabong was what every wannabe skater
kid was wearing. It was obvious that it struck a chord with those kids.
Another reason they’re a household name for me is it symbolized an attainable
“big brand” that I could design for. I saw other designers like Hydro 74 with Billabong
designs in his portfolio and it gave me the inkling of hope that I could do
it too. So whenever I thought about reaching the next level, it always seemed
that Billabong popped up in my mind as a way to break out of obscure indie
brands and into more mainstream brands. I never did do a design for them, but
then again I haven’t proactively gone after it. Maybe one day.
Going Big-Time 80