SHARPRINT BLOG

Sharprint Associated Press reports 84% of people who receive promotional items can identify the advertiser. Granted, 84% is a pretty high percentage, but wouldn’t you rather shoot for 100%? And instead of just being able to identify you, wouldn't you rather they become a customer?

It is important to support those less fortunate than ourselves throughout the year, however the holiday season tends to remind us in a poignant way. As we share gifts and gatherings with our family and friends, we realize the true extent of how fortunate we really are. With so many organizations in need of your support, we wanted to let you know about a local organization you may not know about -- The Chicago Help Initiative.

Sharprint, in association with North Branch Arts Chicago, is gearing up for a winter break youth t-shirt printing workshop! The kids will not only learn how t-shirts are printed, but actually design and print their own designs from concept to production. We will split up into creative teams to collaborate on one design and each child will design and digitally print his or her very own one-of-a-kind tee.

Sharprint's debut clothing line, Stitch Anatomy, is fun and sassy, for sure, but that's not all -- it's smart. Each style has been designed to upcycle un-wanted or mis-printed t-shirts.

The rhythm of the embroidery department is unmatched. Whether the Sharprint embroidery ladies are customizing caps, fleece, polos or other garments, the machines whir stitch after stitch after stitch like the wings of a bumblebee.

We are super stoked to announce the new head of the Sharprint Sustainable Committee - the one and only, Bill Washburn. He hand picked committee reps from each department in the building to report, communicate, and educate on new green efforts. Armed with a list of 100 things we can do to be a greener company, the first meeting under Bill's leadership tackled some low hanging fruit along with more in depth projects to be carried out over time.

Recently, I had the great fortune of meeting Tyler Way, artist/designer of the TWAY Collection, and co-founder of [Fashion Has Heart]. Sharprint was printing Relentless, a t-shirt in The Corporal Hoffman Series that is a part of Threadless Causes. He stopped by the shop to take some photos of the printing. The t-shirt design is part of a much bigger project, [Fashion Has Heart] (with partner Michael Hyacinthe), that pairs an artist with a veteran to share his or her story through design. When I meet people doing incredible things,

Not to get all Whitney on you, but “I believe the children are the future.” As babies are born and kids grow up, new generations take their turn at running our planet. Future innovation and invention in every industry belongs to the youth of today. For this reason, it’s the adults of today that are responsible for giving kids as much opportunity to explore, grow, and experience as we possibly can.

This summer, Sharprint Custom Clothing is partnering with Marwen and the M&R Companies to share the love of t-shirt design and print with Chicago youth.

Sharprint, has been a manufacturer of decorated apparel for over 25 years and is Chicago’s premier screen printer. Marwen is a center offering free visual art classes and college and career support. M&R is the world’s foremost manufacturer of screen printing equipment for the graphic and textile industries.

Sharprint’s creative director, Tara Zanzig developed a course to teach students how to design and print t-shirts from concept to production. Process is the emphasis of the program, not product. Engaging students in what they are creating and with each other is more important that the resulting t-shirts. Zanzig says, “We want to provide the students with a safe environment to explore and express their ideas. Working collaboratively helps get students beyond their comfort zone and can really facilitate growth and creativity.”

At Marwen, the students will learn the basics of industry design software, textile specific design considerations,  and color separation. The students will collaborate in teams to create Chicago themed designs to go into production

M&R is working hand-in-hand with Sharprint, designing and building an onsite student workshop. The final two days of the two week course will be held at Sharprint where the students will learn all aspects of screen print manufacturing and print their own designs. The final day of class will also feature guest speaker, Jake Nickell, founder of Threadless.com.

Manager of Studio Programs, Shirley Alfaro expressed that, “Marwen is excited to partner with Sharprint and Tara. With the generous support of the entire Chicago community, Marwen is celebrating it's 25th anniversary this year and by having our young people create Chicago t-shirts is truly heartfelt.”

The course runs from July 23 to August 3. An art exhibit showcasing the final pieces from Marwen’s entire summer program will be held at Marwen from 5-7 on September 28, 2012.

A study conducted by the Field Museum in 2008 identified the arts as “fundamental ways through which people connect to issues of all kinds, including the natural environment." Art is a great medium for communication and communication is key in correcting and improving environmental conditions on the decline.