thread's not dead - doITlab

things because Johnny Cupcakes or Obey is doing
it and it’s popular at the moment. Find your
niche and stick to it. Some of the best and longrunning
brands have their own aesthetic and
still roll with the times, never straying from their
own unique style and vision.”
Hard Work Will Pay Off
“Get over yourself, and do the work. Don’t be
lazy. Laziness will not succeed,” says Brandon
Rike. Furthermore, Kelly Kiernan of Cure Apparel
recalls what the owner of a car dealership once
told him, “While you’re ‘jerking off’ someone
else is busting their ass for the things you want.”
The owner stressed the importance being proactive
and persistent. Kelly says, “He made a huge
impression on me. Until that conversation I never
realized that you need to actively pursue your
goals. If you really want something, work for it.
You can get it with desire, dedication and persistence.”
Industry veteran Jamie Tallerico agrees,
“Work hard! There are always people out there
who really want it. Talent only goes so far.”
Stay focused. Don’t get involved in distractions that keep you from your goals.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor but don’t get lazy. Maxx242 says, “I try really hard
not to let a lot of distraction come along. I don’t drink or smoke, I don’t go out a
lot. If I’m not at my desk drawing or in front of my computer, I’m spending time
with my family. Do what you love, and do it a lot. Always look for artistic growth,
we all have growing to do.”
Get Involved in the Community
Adam Hendle from IATT says, “My biggest piece of advice would be to get involved
in the community. There are so many helpful people, sites and resources
at your fingertips that are there to help you. The absolute worst thing you can
do is stay dormant. If you want people to take notice of you and your art you
need to be visible.”
THREAD’S NOT DEAD • Jeff Finley
Design for Macbeth Footwear by Jamie Tallerico
Kelly Kiernan suggests “Making it a habit of
stopping by sites like Emptees [or Mintees]
and getting involved in blogs and forums.”
Dave Pearson from Paint the Stars adds, “It’s a
great tool for designers and a lot of people owe
a large chunk of their success to that website. I
know that I probably wouldn’t have been hired
half as many times without having a presence
on that site.”
Know Your History
There’s nothing that irks industry veterans
more than ignorant newbies that don’t understand
and appreciate the history and culture
of design. Whatever niche you’re in, do your
research and be a “student of the game.”
Justin Kamerer (Angryblue) says, “As a designer,
I think it’s important to submerge yourself
in pop-culture and the pop-culture from eras
gone. Understanding what makes certain illustrations
or typography represent an era and
why, is really valuable for having versatility in your portfolio. What makes those
designs tick? What lettering styles made soviet posters or french deco posters
have the style that only they have? Once you understand those, you can take
them and pervert them for your own deviant needs.”
It’s Not Always about the Money
If you’re entering this industry for the money, you’ve got the wrong attitude.
“The secret to my success is love of clothes, networking, hard work, and a humble
attitude. Be in love with what you do and it will show,” says Tallerico. Richard
“Horsebites” Minino still can’t believe people pay him to do what he loves.
“I’m getting paid to create art. If that’s not the craziest thing you’ve ever heard
of then I don’t know what is. The ability to use your creative talents and share
with the whole world no matter what medium is such a rare gift and privilege
that rarely anyone gets to experience.”
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