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ExploreThe awesome Ugmonk brand recently turned 1! So to mark the anniversary (in addition to our post on the limited edition anniversary shirt) I felt it only fitting to have a chat with Jeff Sheldon, founder and designer and find out a little more about what makes this brand tick. The best thing about Ugmonk, for me, is that not only is it a cool, clean brand in terms of design but it’s consistency gives it a very original and recognisable style.
Ugmonk.com
TH: It is your first anniversary! How does it feel to have reached this point?
Jeff: It’s crazy to think it’s been a whole year since I started Ugmonk. Starting out, I wasn’t sure if I would ever sell my first batch of shirts or if Ugmonk would be a success, but I was overwhelmed by the response and it grew faster than I ever expected. It’s awesome to know that Ugmonk has reached the one year mark and is here to stay!
TH: What is your background and how did it lead to you founding Ugmonk?
Jeff: I grew up doing all types of traditional art (painting, sketching, sculpting) and it wasn’t until a few years ago when I started college that I transitioned into graphic design. After studying design, I realized that typography was such the key element for almost all design. I soon developed a passion for type and began experimenting with using type as a design element for shirts rather than using it just to write out a slogan or brand name. The more I played with the letter forms, the more I realized the potential to base a clothing line around type. Mixing typography and t-shirts has been done before, but my goal was to find new ways to merge the two and bring something fresh to the apparel world.
Ugmonk.com
TH: What is the biggest lesson you have learned so far?
Jeff: Finding the right screen printer is definitely important. I had a little slip-up in the beginning but now have found a great printer to work with. It is not only important to find screen printer who can do high-quality work, but also easy willing to experiment for you.
TH: If you had to pick a favourite Ugmonk design, which would it be and why?
Jeff: My favorite shirt is the “And Then I Woke Up” gray shirt. I am a big fan of ampersands and the tri-blend shirt is definitely the most comfortable shirt I have ever worn.
Jeff's Favourite Ugmonk Shirt
TH: Do you do all of your designing in house or do you outsource and what are the benefits of your method?
Jeff: I currently do all of the design for Ugmonk and plan to keep it that way for as long as possible. Design is definitely my favorite part of running Ugmonk. Doing all of the design myself allows me to control the look and feel of Ugmonk and keep a consistent brand image. I think consistency is key for any brand to be successful.
TH: What one piece of advice do you wish you had been given before starting Ugmonk?
Jeff: Not sure if this is really advice, but just understanding the amount of time that running a brand requires. Be prepared to spend way more time than you initially plan. There are so many little details and tasks that go into making a successful brand (financials, customer service, order fulfillment, etc).
TH: What can we all expect next from Ugmonk?
Jeff: New tshirt designs are in the works and will be released in the coming weeks. We also hope to expand to other products in the future.
Thanks for the interview!
Big thanks to Jeff for his time and now all I can say is head over to Ugmonk and see the awesome and extremely original threads they have on sale!
