Off-the-Clock Speakeasy: austin

1.28.2010

happy birthday, dad!

Hey Cupcake!

Go get yourself a Yellow Leaf cupcake today...or you could always go for a chocolate chip cookie from Specialty's. Wish I was there to buy you one.

1.25.2010

So her spelling might not be perfect, but Gaige knows what she's doing. I was waiting on a crepe in Austin when I noticed her and her friend sketching. A small sign in front of them said, "Ink Monster Desings, All Hand drawen, T. Shirts $10.00, By: Gaige Shepard." The curiosity made me leave my seat and meet this Gaige. I checked out what she was sketching and asked her about the business. She very professionally showed me the screens she uses, told me which were her original designs and offered to demonstrate how she makes the shirts. I told her thanks, but she didn't have to do that and sat back down.

But that Gaige was a good saleswoman. She wasn't pushy, just smart and honest. Within minutes, I was talking with her again, ready to buy a shirt, despite the fact she didn't have my size. She had two screens available with her work. I asked which was her favorite and got that one. Then I asked for the story behind the design. She told me she drew it one night at the Magnolia Cafe. She quickly got to work on my t-shirt. Maybe too quickly. While working on my shirt, the screen moved. When she pulled the screen off, you could see the design faintly in two spots. She felt bad and immediately pointed out the error. She said she could redo the shirt for me. I laughed and told her I liked it more with the error. It added character - and a 3-D effect!

She let my shirt dry as I ate my crepe and brought it to me, neatly folded, once it was ready. Amazing. No wonder why she sold more t-shirts at SXSW than her dad. Keep up the great work, Gaige. It was an inspiration meeting you.

Check out her business website, Ink Monster Designs. She told me she'd be updating soon!