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ExploreTee Hunter recently got the chance to speak with Jonathan Kruse founder of the new and rather awesome Shred Clothing. With great quality, exceptional attention to detail and a dark side that should appeal across the board – Shred products are well worth covering your naked body with. I know this first hand and am a proud owner of this particular Shred shirt.
Shred Clothing
TH: What is your background and how did it lead you to where you are now?
JK: I graduated college and majored in graphic design. I had a job in entertainment advertising for 2 weeks before I got laid off. This economy sucks for having a graphic design job. Then I joined emptees and decided to take the plunge and be self employed. I started my first clothing company Mediocore over a year ago which does pop culture shirts that have a big idea behind them. A couple months ago I launched Shred and we are just trying to hit the ground running. We started a sister site called shrednews.com and that has a bunch of interviews and reviews of bands.
What inspired you to start Shred?
JK: I looked at Rocket, DCMA, Dekay, Electric Zombie, Zombie Liquorice, and of Rome and said I can do that and I can do it better. All the art we’ve done for shred has really blown me away, I’m happy with everything and the future is limitless.
TH: What do you think your experience and your time with your “How to start a clothing company” blog has allowed you to bring to the tshirt brands table with Shred?
JK: I would have done all the same things with or without my How to start a clothing company blog. Now other people can learn from my knowledge with the site.
Shred Clothing
Which designers are you yet to work with but really want to and why?
JK: Dan Mumford tears it up but he is a little pricey for us right now. I’m not saying he isn’t worth the money, just that I don’t have that money to give him right now.
Also Nicolo Nimor does really amazing work I just felt like he is still growing right now as a designer. I’ll get him to do a design soon.
TH: What is your vision for Shred long-term?
JK: Grow Shred News. Go to all the big music festivals. Get into some big stores. Sponsor bands I love.
Shred Clothing
TH: How do you aim to achieve that vision?
JK: We are already on our way to getting all of those done. Making all of these kick ass t-shirts has gotten us noticed by a lot of people. We are sponsoring Protest the Hero, Vanna, Conditions, and there are a couple others we’ve been talking to. I am going to be at warped tour next week to scope everything out and plan for next year. I am going to meet up with some stores on my next trip to SF. Also Shred news is growing every day.
TH: What tips would you give to aspiring designers and wannabe brand owners?
JK: Sometimes it’s not what your selling or how your selling you just need to get traffic to your site. The first shirt I put up on my Mediocore Clothing line was my Missing Turtle shirt and I didn’t get a sale for a month. It didn’t have anything to do with the design I just didn’t have anyone seeing my site. Now it’s one of my best sellers. I took it to a craft show and sold out of all my stock.
Shred Clothing
TH: What is your personal favorite Shred design (so far) and why?
JK: I’m really liking the new mummy design (pictured above). It was up for voting at DBH and never got picked up so I worked with the artist to do some text and add on more stuff. I think the new design is way hotter than the old one.
Shred Clothing
TH: What other brands do you follow closely and why?
JK: I’m always following Electric Zombie, Pyknic, Glamour Kills, Linty Fresh, and Seibei. These guys know how to connect with their fans and there’s a lot I can learn from all of them.
TH: What can we expect next from Shred?
JK: More shirts, new website, more sponsored bands. I got a lot of stuff in my head waiting to come out
Big thank you to Jon Kruse for his time! Be sure to check out Shred Clothing.
