Discover: Abstract
“Our inspiration comes from all over Denver, from the local artists, our public art, and the city itself.”
Tell us about yourself! What’s your background and what do you do?
We started in 2002 in the back of the house printing and deigning shirts for other businesses a couple years later we then moved into a retail storefront and started selling our own designs as well as designs from other local artists. As part of the retail store we also have an art gallery and participate in the First Friday art walk. In conjunction with the gallery show we collaborate with the artist to produce a limited edition run apparel release.
How did you learn your craft? Tell us about your first finished product.
I first got interested in screen printing in college. A couple friends and I would do work for a local screen printing business after hours in exchange for time on the press. We sold our designs on consignment at local stores, events, fairs and out of backpacks.
Where does the name of your business come from?
We started the business as Indyink, which was short for Independent Ink, and as the retail store grew, we wanted to give it it's own identity separate from the screen printing business. We came up with the name Abstract for the retail store, because the retail store was Abstracted from Indyink.
“A couple friends and I would do work for a local screen printing business after-hours in exchange for time on the press.
We sold our designs on consignment at local stores, events, fairs and out of backpacks.”
How long does it take to make your product and what’s involved in the process?
First we start with the design, once that is finalized we get the art separated into layers to create a screen for each color, then we burn the screens and rebuild the design one color at a time on the shirt.
Where does your inspiration come from?
Our inspiration comes from all over Denver, from the local artists, our public art, and the city itself.
What’s your favorite product that you’ve created?
Right now I would say my favorite design is our Bear vs Horse tee, deigned by local tattoo artist Alex Taylor at Crimson Hilt Tattoo.
What question do you get asked the most at pop-up markets?
Where we get our designs from.
What’s something unique about you that most people don’t know (or wouldn’t guess)?
Most people may not know that worked on an Ambulance as an EMT before I started printing shirts.
What’s your favorite beverage to sip on?
I love a good Milk Shake!
What’s up next for your Abstract?
A second retail location.
“Right now I would say my favorite design is our Bear vs Horse tee, deigned by local tattoo artist Alex Taylor at Crimson Hilt Tattoo.”
Free Online Fundraising for Artists & Small Businesses!
Artists and small businesses, Abstract can set up an online platform for you to sell your garments, with no upfront costs an you Receive 100% of the profits!
Send them design for a tee and they’ll set up a fundraising pre-order site for you to help raise money while times are tough during COVID-19. There is no cost to you and you keep all the profits. Email sales@indyink.com for more info!
Free Shipping on Online Orders!
