On T-Shirt Magazine, we have this series of articles called the ‘ Round Table’. T-Shirt designers and entrepreneurs “gather” to discuss a given topic about the t-shirt industry, sharing their experiences in the biz. For the previous Round Table, I had a discussion about creating an eye catching brand with Eric Terry (of Linty Fresh) and Liz Fulghum (of Pop Culture Tees).
For this Round Table, I ask Alex Mitchell (owner of October Promotional Design) and Taylor Smith (co-founder of Universitee Apparel) the following question:
Moust: How do you embrace being a teen entrepreneur and overcome the challenges?
Alex Mitchell: To be an entrepreneur can mean many things. In my case its running my design company and clothing line. I run both October Promotional Design and direct the new clothing line Arkaik: Empire with Jordan Abidor of Arkaik Clothing. For me, being able to work my own hours and make money at my own pace is a dream. I constantly see my friends and acquaintances rushing off to work or complaining that they have to work on X day at X time and it “succcccks”. I whole heartedly embrace the life of an entrepreneur. Being my own boss is something that I never thought I would come to as I was working at local Pet Store two years ago. The fact that I took something so simple as t-shirt art and made it into a job is nuts to me in hindsight. How many people can wake up at 2 in the afternoon and make money working at the computer in their underwear (or any given outfit for that matter)?
As glamorous as it may be, being your own boss has speed bumps. One area I especially struggle in is keeping myself motivated and on task. When you work a 9-5 job, you have a boss or manager telling you what to do and when to do it. You have to stay on task or you’ll lose your job. When you’re working for yourself, you literally have to “be your own boss”. There are many times when I’m faced with going out on a Friday night or staying in and making progress on a design project. And, sadly enough, I tend to take the fun route and go out. It’s at this point when working in a design firm becomes ideal–you design and have a boss making you do so. The downfalls of being young come out when faced with the choice of a party or night in at the computer.
Another challenge that may be overwhelming for young entrepreneurs is overcoming the age barrier. Put yourself in the shoes of a client. You can hire a 25 year old with a BFA or hire an 18-year-old with no formal schooling. Even if the 18 year olds work shows more potential, doesn’t the piece of mind that age and schooling gives you stand out? For me, it was a matter of working with people my age in the beginning and getting my name out via word of mouth. It eventually caught on with a wide range of people from different age groups.
In the long run, however, I feel that the perks of being a teenage entrepreneur outweigh the challenges and downfalls. No feeling is better than that of being in control of your future at a young age.
Taylor Smith: For me and my line personally, the amount of challenges I face on a daily basis may seem overwhelming. I currently run one company, Universitee™ apparel, and am in the process of working on three other projects. I am a full time college student and work on the side, part time. Although having such a hectic schedule, for the most part, I find it to be rather entertaining.
I feel like entrepreneur’s who do not face challenges very often, don’t get to enjoy that sense of accomplishment and success you get when overcoming an obstacle. To me, these challenges or obstacles along the way are where I’ve grown the most from. To think the amount of knowledge and experience I have gained from only being in this t-shirt industry for 2 years has blown my mind. I wouldn’t have it any other way. To any entrepreneur looking to grow your idea into something great, don’t let challenges along the way stop you from reaching your goal. They are actually more helpful then you may realize.
Moust: Well there you have it; that’s how these guys embrace being a teenage entrepreneur and overcome the challenges. Make sure to check out the next Round Table discussion.
7 comments
Jason says:
Jun 24, 2011
Hey guys, so I am starting up my own t-shirt line and have everything in place. I have a lot of designs ready for this but at the same time I was curious as to how I can find other artists. It’s always better to have a collaboration I feel of other creative minds so that way your stuff is always fresh and different. Any tips on how I can go about finding other artists that would be interested in t-shirt design?
kyle lehman says:
May 31, 2011
I’m 16 and started a company called fly tees within the first week of making tees i sold over 800 from just facebook friends its really cool when i walk to the mall and see my tees being worn by kids my age I’m hoping to grow it bigger by starting a facebook group and a website if you guys have anything that could help me get out there please to tell me
Garrett says:
Mar 2, 2010
Yeah, I am also 13 and going to start my t-shirt business.I found a heat press for about 150 on e-bay and have just about everything figured out. But If you have any tips I could sure use the help thanks.
Anthony says:
Jan 30, 2010
Any insight on how to get things started with the official (taxes) part of it?
tshirtmagazine says:
Jan 14, 2010
Hey William,
Great to see that you’re 13 and looking to start your own clothing line. I’m also a teen entrepreneur , so I like helping out other teens. To start off, make sure to read more about the ins and out of the t-shirt industry on sites like T-Shirt Magazine and How to Start a Clothing Company. Also, read some interviews on T-Mag to get more of an idea of what the industry is about and to get some inspiration. Then, make sure that you create a solid brand identity for your company; you might even have to revise some designs so that they fit in with your brand. Keep in mind that building a solid foundation is important.
Once you know what your brand is about, devise a simple plan for achieving the goals that you set. Remember to keep things simple, but still pay attention to detail. Also, make sure to be realistic about what you can do from where you’re currently at, but at the same time, dream big for the future. When you know what you plan on achieving and know how you’re gonna do it, then it’s time to start looking for good printing services for your t-shirts. Make sure to look around and talk to multiple printing companies about rates, before choosing one.
Those are just some tips on getting started; you also have to be prepared to run your business. It’s all about doing your “homework”, creating a plan, and then taking action. If you’re dedicated and motivated, you can do it!
william says:
Jan 11, 2010
hey guys how did you guys started it im 13 and i have a lot of design and i dont know were to start please help!!!
Double Dragon Studios says:
Dec 17, 2009
Nice insight Alex. I am almost 26 and things my life is very similar to what yours is. I don’t think age is really a factor in getting clients. I have never once been asked what my age is and when I hire someone I never ask them about their age.
Their portfolio and work ethic is what is important.