It was so great running into Kico and Jen at Station in South Park. I follow them on Facebook but it's always good to see old friends face-to-face. Their wedding was almost 10 years ago and it still felt like yesterday. We had so much fun. I knew Kico would be up to something exciting and I was stoked to hear about his new project. Here are some clips of inspiration from Kico of Boxmade Goods, a custom artwork and apparel imprinting company based in San Diego.
How do you continually stay inspired and creative?
Mostly from internet archaeology and curating. There's plenty of easily accessible inspiration out there, too much actually. It helps to be selective. I look at Dribbble, Behance and TheDieLine a lot.
Is there anything special or unique about your morning routine?
I wouldn't say it's unique, but my mornings are special because I get to spend time with my daughter; getting her ready for school and dropping her off. Between getting her ready and entertaining our dog, it's a long morning before I get to do anything for myself, but I'm fortunate to be able to have that time with both of them.
If someone wanted to break into your industry, what advice would you give them?
Find a niche. There's a million screen printers and apparel decorators out there. Specialize in an industry you love and believe in.
Did you always know this career path was ‘the one’?
Nope. I knew I didn't want to be desk bound and I've always enjoyed making things and being creative in general. I also knew I wanted to run my own business someday. Screen printing happened sort of by accident, but was a great fit both on the business and creative fronts.
What season inspires you most?
Fall. I love the anticipation and build-up to the holidays. I also love fall clothing; jackets, blazers, scarves and boots.
What is the best advice you have been given?
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world." - Ghandi. I heard someone repeat this Ghandi quote in a great video podcast I watch regularly called Barbell Shrugged. It's a simple inspirational quote, but really resonates with me. Be the change. It's become a bit of a mantra.
What is your dream project?
To design and print a logo that transcends it's initial purpose.
If there was a song that played every time you worked on your craft, what would it be?
So many come to mind! "I Ain't No Joke" or "Paid in Full" by Eric B. & Rakim. Also "Home" or "Route 66" by Depeche Mode if I had to narrow it down.
Is there anything in particular you are obsessed with these days?
Mostly learning more about the art, business and craft of screen printing. I'm also constantly reading stories about people who completely changed their lives after discovering CrossFit. So many of them not only lose weight and get more fit, but change careers or life paths. I also watch a lot of Barbell Shrugged videos and pretty much everything Aaron Draplin does.
What would you do if you had $40,900 for a vacation?
Take my wife and daughter to New York City and Paris. We would stay in nice hotels and spend the rest on phenomenal food in both cities.
xoxo
Suzanne, Mike and the Wanderers
