Vendor Interview- Blackbird Tees
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your work.
My name is Jody, and I'm a self-taught screen-printer from Seattle by way of Richmond, Virginia. I'm something of a professional mutt, with an academic background in women's studies and film history, both of which heavily influence my designs. I print everything by hand on a little 4 color table top press. Last year, my sweet, bearded boyfriend, Karl, joined me in the trenches, and we're about as happy as two overworked, exhausted, self-employed kids can be.
What are some sources of inspiration for your work?
My sources of inspiration seem to shift with the seasons, but in general, I draw a lot from film noir, infamous women, animal behavior, astronomy, and the night sky. Early on, I tried to channel my inspiration into one overarching theme, but found that really stifling. Over time, it was the style of the illustrations that became my signature, so I stopped worrying about consistency of theme and just trusted that the collection as a whole would look cohesive.
What was the best thing you did with your summer?
The best work-related thing I did was draft tons of new sketches. The early trial and error phase has always been my favorite part of the overall process. And in terms of extracurricular activities, we did a whirlwind tour of Portland, Crater Lake and Astoria, OR. I always forget how nice it is to completely disconnect for a while and go somewhere unfamiliar.
Are you showcasing anything new at the winter UCU show?
Yes, I have a couple of new t-shirts, and a brand new line of scarves that I will be bringing. My hope is to also print some limited edition versions of existing designs exclusively for the show.
What are you most excited about for UCU?
Meeting other crafters is almost always the best part of any show. It can recharge your battery to be around so much creativity, and it will be awfully nice to do all of our holiday shopping in one place, too.
See more of Blackbird Tees here and at the show!
