Meet the Guys/Girls Who Make Your Shirts! Part VI

The introductions are back, and today we're bucking the trend!  The Choke family now has a female member.  Meet Angela.  Angela joined a few weeks ago to help get us boys get organized.  She manages our inventory, processes online and wholesale orders, and keeps the shop looking orderly.  Oh yeah, and she tags thousands of shirts on a regular basis.  It's safe to say Angela plays a key role in keeping things sane around here.  We found Angela running an inventory upstairs in the print shop's stock room.  She had to keep starting her count over, but she managed to answer our pesky questions.


Choke: How/when did you first hear about Choke?


Angela: I first found out about Choke while searching for extra work online. Craigslist has a few gems still. (Thank you Craigslist!)


Choke: Where did you work before Choke? How long were you there?


Angela: I got inspired to start my own art business called Shutter Wax Encaustics after working as a set stylist for a local photographer, Phil Holden back in October of 2011. I still work for him on occasion as a stylist and now as an encaustic artist. Mounting his images to wood frames and then painting them with a wax medium for clients that want a more artistic touch to their professional photographs.


Choke: How does working at Choke compare to working at your last job?


Angela: Apples and oranges but they are both fun and creative environments. At the photo studio, the only guy was the photographer but at Choke, I am the only female in the bunch! I had to be a fashionista on set while picking out client wardrobes but I have to say I am really just a jeans and t-shirt kinda girl at heart.


Choke: What is your favorite type of shirt? (Blend, cut, style etc)


Angela: I am digging the tri-blend track tees. Soft, comfy!


Choke: What is the best part of working at Choke?


Angela: The healthy dose of humor throughout the day, it's okay to get dirty, and dogs come to visit us weekly.


Choke: When not at Choke what else do you like to do?


Angela: Too many things to mention, but here are a few: Cooking off the cuff. Snapping shots. Painting with wax. Playing in the garden.


Choke: Who is the one person/group that you wish would walk into the shop and
want to print shirts? Why?


Angela: Dan Savage. I'd be curious to see what he would actually put on a shirt and how the design could possibly influence a city/nation like so many other things he has done.


Choke: What’s your favorite Choke Shirt Co. design? Why?


Angela: Hot Rhino. Because it is a good conversation starter.


Choke: If you got to the shop first and got to pick the Pandora station for the day,
which one would you choose? Which station can't you stand?


Angela: Oh geez. This question isn't really fair but if I had to choose one radio station the whole day long, it would be soul music, James Brown. In all honesty I would shuffle, more surprises that way. If the Scarlett Johansson station ever pops up (yes she sings...horribly) I just may break something.

Meet the Guys Who Make Your Shirts! Part V

Our fifth and final (for now) round of introductions is reserved for the leader of the Choke team, a Mr. Jeffery Gonzales.  You can find Jeff at the print shop pretty much seven days a week.  His days are filled with responding to emails, placing orders, coordinating print jobs, designing shirts, talking to customers- even working on his side project, Towne9.  Oh yeah, he also prints a few hundred shirts each day.  Somehow he found a spare 35 seconds to sit down with us and share his secrets to success.

How/when did you first hear about Choke?

I first heard of Choke sitting at our dining room table in our apartment in Fremont. We were desperately trying to come up with a name for this crazy little t-shirt company that we were starting and it had been several days of throwing names back and forth. The honest story, is that I saw an ad online for the movie Choke, based on the book of the same name. And I suggested “Choke” to Matt. He, of course, loved it. I had a really hard time with the name for a long time. It was WAY to edgy for me. But it’s definitely grown on me. It’s memorable. And I love that it gets a reaction out of people. I also love when people try to pronounce it differently. As if it’s French… Cho-kay. Really?

Where did you work before Choke? How long were you there?

Before Choke I worked at Starbucks for 8 years. First in the stores, then in payroll at their corporate headquarters.  

How does working at Choke compare to working at your last job?

I can’t really compare Starbucks and Choke. I know that I’ve brought with me a lot of the values that Starbucks tries to instill in its’ employees: a focus on customer service, building a great work environment and providing the best product in your field. One day I woke up and instead of being a business manager, I was a business owner. It’s a very different feeling when the decisions that you make effect your personal income and you’re budgeting on start up capitol and growing, instead of (what seems like) an endless amount of money.

What is your favorite type of shirt? (Blend, cut, style etc)

I like all of the t-shirt blends that we use… but I’m a sucker for a hoodie. A flex fleece zip up hoodie. Right now I’m really into the purple one I have, but I’m afraid that it’s a little too Beiber. If it was up to me I wouldn’t own one of every color.

What is the best part of working at Choke?

The best part about working at Choke is the fact that I go to work everyday and I help grow something that I am fully invested in. When we used to do the weekend markets all year round we used to see our people wearing out tees and hoodies all the time, but now that we’ve grown to more of a wholesaler it’s pretty amazing to walk into a shop and see our stuff hanging on a rack or in a window. I also really love that I’ve built some amazing relationships… with customers and with the guys at the shop.

When not at Choke what else do you like to do?

Oh man, things have been so busy lately that it’s hard to remember what else I like doing. I feel like I work 24/7. But I love a good movie.

  

What’s your favorite Choke Shirt Co. design? Why?

My favorite Choke design right now is “Hot Rhino”. The print looks really great on the gold, but I also like it on the gray. I’m really into vintage art prints right now and I think it’s very reminiscent of that style. I’m also excited to announce a partnership in the next couple of weeks through the sales of the shirt. Shhhhh…

If you got to the shop first and got to pick the Pandora station for the day, which one would you choose? Which station can't you stand?

I’m a big fan of the Tegan and Sara station, or Deadmau5. I can’t stand reggae or the hardcore rap. No one wants to hear about cuss words and p**** all day long. 

Cool Places to Find Choke!

The guys at Choke are celebrating a new milestone.  Our line is now carried in over 150 stores across the country and online!  We couldn’t be more grateful for our customers who took our shirt company this far.  And now you wont have to look far to find Choke shirts on the shelves!

In celebration of this accomplishment, we decided to highlight a few retailers who carry our goods.  There are quite a few interesting shops scattered across the map.  Here are three worth checking out:

Clover House Gifts in Seattle, WA.

Clover House is located in the Westlake Retail Plaza in South Lake Union and offers “little luxuries.”  From indulgent bath and body products to unique gifts, accessories and jewelry, this boutique is the perfect place to discover treasures you would find anywhere else.  If you shop at South Lake Union’s Whole Foods, head up stairs to see what Clover House has to offer.

Kids at Heart Toys in Portland, OR.

Kids at Heart is not your typical toy store.  They pride themselves on offering specialty toys and exceptional service.  The store opened in 1990 by a mom who believed in “choosing fairly traded toys, fostering sustainability and building relationships with those who make the toys your child plays with.”  In addition to carrying unique toys, Kids at Heart offers masterful gift-wrapping and a birthday club.  Next time you’re in SE Portland, check them out!

The Black Market Boutique in Lexington, KY.

Fashion-minded folks in Lexington, Kentucky know where the best stuff is.  They avoid the mainstream and hit up the black market- Black Market Boutique, that is.  Melanie Williams, who established the shop in 2001, takes care to fill the shelves with new, vintage and handcrafted items.  They sell clothing, shoes, jewelry and art.  You can find the Black Market on High street in Lexington, but keep it on the down low!

Change is Good.

There are quite a few words we’d use to describe Choke Shirt Co.  Inert is not one of them.  We believe progress is a good thing.  If you have followed Choke for a while, you might have noticed a change inside your shirts, as we’ve been known to switch up our tags from time to time.

Last week, after closing the print shop, Jeff sat at the computer to check emails and sip on soda.  As hours passed, he started feeling creative.  The source of his altered mind state remains unclear.  It could have been the sugary drink or the dizzying array of words on the monitor.  But one thing is clear, Jeff felt compelled to make something.  This bout of creative energy eventually led to the new version of Choke tags!  Jeff took styling cues from our print shop site. We like the cleaner look of the new text, and the sizes are printed larger for convenience.  Keep a lookout for the new tags as we phase them into the line over the next few months.  What do you think?

Meet the Guys Who Make Your Shirts! Part IV

Today we’d like to introduce ACE!.  The Choke team wouldn’t be complete without our four-legged members.  ACE! Is a German Sheppard mix and an expert print shop watch dog.  He enjoys showing off his tricks, howling at ambulances, and running in the woods with his human, Justin.  We caught up with ACE! in the middle of his nap at the print shop to find out what makes him tick.

Choke: How/when did you first hear about Choke?

ACE!: Oh, it was about 10 dogs years ago.  My humans kept saying, "work this" and "work that".  I pretty much love any 4-letter word starting with W.

Choke: Where did you work before Choke? How long were you there?

ACE!: Before Choke I worked on the coast as a Tsunami Early Warning siren but they let me go due to too many false alarms. Those fire trucks trick me every time. They had to evacuate the elementary school a few times. 

Choke: How does working at Choke compare to working at your last job?

ACE!: Way better! For one I get to stay inside, but also the humans like to play. They say its good for stress relief. I'm trying to teach them how to fetch. 

Choke: What is your favorite type of shirt? (Blend, cut, style etc)

ACE!: I don't have elbows and have you seen my gams?  I'm too awkward for shirts.

  

Choke: What is the best part of working at Choke?

ACE!: Rick the UPS man. I can hear his truck a mile away. I show off my tricks and he gives me treats. I have him trained pretty well.  

Choke: When not at Choke what else do you like to do?

ACE!: I'm a Healer so I like to provide first aid to those in need.  I also like to sniff stuff, survey the perimeter, chase squirrels and make dinner. My humans take me running but I can't figure out what they're chasing. 

Choke: Who is the one person/group that you wish would walk into the shop and want to print shirts? Why?

ACE!: Cats.  The only thing better than a cat is a group of cats.  The only thing better than a group of cats is a group of cats in shirts.

Choke: What’s your favorite Choke Shirt Co. design? Why?

ACE!: “Pretty Kitty.” I am saving up my Choke dollars to get my own pretty kitty.

Spring Preview! Part V

Today we are excited to reveal “Hot Rhino” by Jeff.  He was inspired to create the design after he read a story about endangered black rhinos in South Africa.

“At first I thought the rhino in the pictures looked uncomfortable,” recalls Jeff.  “But after reading this story, I realized hanging the rhinos upside down is the safest way to transport the majestic beast.  The conservation group WWF Global transports endangered species away from areas where they are poached.  After tranquilizing the rhinos, WWF members tried caging them in trucks, but the ride was too rough.  Next they tried suspending the rhinos from helicopters in nets, but this method squeezed and suffocated the animals.  Finally, they discovered that hanging the tranquilized rhinos upside down from a helicopter was the most humane way of carrying them to safety.  This epic story inspired me to create the ‘Hot Rhino’ design.”

“Hot Rhino” is printed in black and red water-based inks on poly-cotton unisex and women’s tees.

Spring Preview! Part IV

Seattle’s sunny weekend put us in a good mood; so today we are revealing TWO new designs!  Say hello to “Gent” and “Fascinator,” by Brian.  These designs were created together, and embody a fun juxtaposition of classic and modern style.

Brian writes, “Before creating these designs, I took a step back and looked at others in our line.  There was a lot of buzz around our ‘Stache’ shirt when we released it last year.  The classic icons and bright colors made the design an instant hit.  People also really like our ‘Giraffe’ wall sticker.  The giraffe’s awesome shutter shades give it just enough flare and attitude.  I decided to take the mustache and the shades and build off their popularity.  The two objects immediately struck me as contradictory.  The stache seems gentlemanly, proper and old school.  The shutter shades are straight up gansta!  Adding the top hat, bow tie, and gold foil put this design over the top.  ‘Fascinator’ was designed for the ladies, but follows the same formula.  The feathery hat and ruby lips scream ‘roaring twenties.’  But those frames belong in the Kardashian Kollection.  Pick your favorite and rock the best of both worlds!”

Gent is printed in black with gold foil on teal and heather grey unisex tees.  Fascinator is printed in pewter with ruby foil on coral and heather grey women’s tees.  They launch on February 29th when Choke unveils its Spring 2012 line.

Spring Preview! Part III

Choke’s spring 2012 line will launch February 29^th!  This is our biggest launch ever, with over 20 new shirts added to our inventory.  In anticipation of the big event, we decided it’s only fair to give our loyal fans a sneak peak.

There is a story behind each Choke shirt.  From the drawing board to the printing press, each shirt is designed and printed by the Choke crew here in Seattle.  We are inspired everyday to create fun and unique designs for our fans to enjoy.  Enjoy this exclusive preview of the Choke spring line.  And don’t forget to pick out your favorite new Choke shirt on February 29^th at www.ChokeShirtCo.com!

Today we're taking a look at "Neon Bikes," by Justin.  He created a unique bicycle outline with a single stroke, then repeated the image for effect.  It reminded the other Choke guys of a neon sign, but Justin's inspiration was a little different.

Justin writes, "many things brought me to Seattle, but a big factor was the bike scene. Although I'm not as active as I once was, I still enjoy mixing it up with traffic, taking a detour on the way home, or rolling up to a pub with friends on a rainy day. Meeting up with friends often meant creating a bike pile, one bike leaned against another, and another creating this sort of hall of mirrors effect. The repeating pattern of the pile, compounded by the repeating patterns of a single bike lead to 'Neon Bikes.' I hope you enjoy...."

"Neon Bikes" is printed in lemon yellow and light blue on unisex and women's tees.  We're thinking about mixing this one up, so keep an eye out for new colors in the future!

Spring Preview! Part II

Choke’s spring 2012 line will launch February 29^th!  This is our biggest launch ever, with over 20 new shirts added to our inventory.  In anticipation of the big event, we decided it’s only fair to give our loyal fans a sneak peak.

There is a story behind each Choke shirt.  From the drawing board to the printing press, each shirt is designed and printed by the Choke crew here in Seattle.  We are inspired everyday to create fun and unique designs for our fans to enjoy.  Enjoy this exclusive preview of the Choke spring line.  And don’t forget to pick out your favorite new Choke shirt on February 29^th at www.ChokeShirtCo.com!

Today we're previewing "Anchor," by Justin.  For this design, Justin studied various anchors and sketched a few by hand.  The Choke crew unanimously agreed on the one to use.  It seemed simple, rugged, and unique.


Justin writes, "About 6 years ago I sold most of my belongings and bought a boat. Contrary to popular belief, living on a sailboat is not as romantic as one might think, it is however, amazing. It forces you to be self reliant and steadfast. I've been fortunate enough to have some adventures while sailing both alone and with friends.  'Anchor' symbolizes the hardiness of the sailor, the ability to hold your ground in the face of danger, strength."


"Anchor" is printed in light grey on a variety of colors.  It is also available on a women's raglan.

Spring Preview! Part I

Choke’s spring 2012 line will launch February 29^th!  This is our biggest launch ever, with over 20 new shirts added to our inventory.  In anticipation of the big event, we decided it’s only fair to give our loyal fans a sneak peak.

There is a story behind each Choke shirt.  From the drawing board to the printing press, each shirt is designed and printed by the Choke crew here in Seattle.  We are inspired everyday to create fun and unique designs for our fans to enjoy.  Enjoy this exclusive preview of the Choke spring line.  And don’t forget to pick out your favorite new Choke shirt on February 29^th at www.ChokeShirtCo.com!

Today we’re featuring “Derby,” designed by Brian.  For this shirt, Brian was inspired by vintage roller skates.  He remembers visiting the roller rink as a kid and sporting fancy new roller blades.  “But nothing beats the old brown skates,” Brian recollects.  “If you skated fast enough, you could make them screech around corners!”

Brian wanted a vintage look for this shirt, but avoided the typical distressed style.  “We achieved an old school style by hand-drawing the skate with simple, bold lines.  The stylized parallel lines offer dimension and shading, while reminding us of images printed in an old newspaper or encyclopedia.  “Derby” is printed in navy blue on pomegranate fine jersey tees, available in women’s sizes.

Meet the Guys Who Make Your Shirts! Part III

Today we meet Brian.  He joined the company last year after sending us some freelance designs.  We just couldn't get enough, so we convinced him to stay with us full time.  Today he was busy printing hundreds of shirts.  In between squeegee pushes and sweat-wiping, he answered our questions.


Choke: How/when did you first hear about Choke?

Brian: I was drawing at my desk when my roommate looked over my shoulder and remarked, “You should put that on a shirt!”  The next day, I passed a sign for custom screen-printing in SoDo.  It was destiny!  As soon as I got home, I found Choke on Facebook and “liked” them right away.  The rest, as they say, is history.

Choke: You started as a contract designer and now are a full time employee, what’s that been like?

Brian: Designing original graphics is what originally attracted me to work with the Choke crew.  The shirts caught my eye because they were unique.  They didn’t try to be like everyone else.  That idea inspired me to get creative when offering my first designs for the line.  Today, we incorporate that creative style into everything we do.  It’s been great to learn what goes into each shirt, from the drawing board to the packaging. 

  

Choke: Where did you work before Choke? How long were you there?

Brian: I made coffee and studied political economics for four years before I joined Choke.  Needless to say, I didn’t always plan on pursuing the screen-printing business.  But I’m glad I did!

Choke: How does working at Choke compare to working at your last job?

Brian: As a barista, you see the best and the worst sides of your customers.  Making someone’s day is rewarding, but the task can be brutal and thankless.  I find my job at Choke more satisfying because the results of my work are more tangible.  Plus, I never have to wear kakis to work again!

Choke: What is your favorite type of shirt? (Blend, cut, style etc)

Brian: It’s all about the blends!  They are so soft, and fit just right.  A crew neck tri-blend in black for me, please.

Choke: What is the best part of working at Choke?

Brian: Do I have to pick just one?  Let’s see, there’s Doughnut Thursday, Ace howling at ambulance sirens, long board obstacle courses, international travel (OK, we went to one show in Canada), ladder-balancing competitions, after-hours design meetings, wheat-pasting excursions, and- of course, signing new retailers!  But the best part about working here is building a friendship with a great group of guys.  We have a lot of fun together!

Choke: When not at Choke what else do you like to do?

Brian: I enjoy making music and riding motorcycles.  Those are two things I can’t live without, but never seem to have enough time for.

Choke: Who is the one person/group that you wish would walk into the shop and want to print shirts? Why?

Brian: It would be cool if Choke were the official screen-printer for a film studio.  I would ruin every film by pointing out “hey! I made that shirt!” during each scene.  Only then could we truly call ourselves screen printers.  Ha!  Get it?

Choke: What’s your favorite Choke Shirt Co. design? Why?

Brian: Our Spring 2012 line is coming out February 29^th.  It has some really cool designs.  “Hot Rhino” represents a cool story about saving black rhinos in Africa.  It looks super cool, too.

Choke: If you got to the shop first and got to pick the Pandora station for the day, which one would you choose? Which station can't you stand?

Brian: I think smooth lounge or trip-hop makes good work music.  Something like Flying Lotus is nice.  I can’t stand a playlist full of Adele or Mumford and Sons.  I think they’re great for a song or two, but hours of their soulful bellows takes an emotional toll on a man.  I prefer something light and instrumental.

Cool Displays at Pool

It's Day 2 of the Pool Trade Show in Las Vegas.  Matt and Jeff having a blast!  We've already met some great people, and have signed four orders so far.  Choke will soon be selling in California, Massachusetts and Arizona!  Woohoo!


We've had some time to explore the convention.  There are some really cool displays- especially from the bigger companies.  We captured a few shots of the best ones.  Stay tuned for more exciting news from Vegas!

We're in Vegas, Baby!

Well, we made it to Las Vegas.  We packed up our samples and line sheets and headed to the POOL TRADE SHOW at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. The show is part of the Magic Apparel Show that happens twice a year. Basically all of the largest names in apparel and accessories show their next line to thousands (and we mean thousands) of buyers. Magic's broken up into 6 or 7 smaller shows each with a loosely based theme. There's Project which is a bit edgier, Source allows you to connect with overseas and domestic manufacturers, Street shows the latest in (you guessed it) street wear and POOL. POOL is for independent artists who are trying to make it in this overly confusing world of apparel. It is awesome to be surrounded by so many independent brands and designers who are in the same boat as we are.


It's not even 11am on our first day and we've given out a bunch of business cards, a few line sheets and we've already gotten an order of men's tees that are going to a store opening in Long Beach in May.

Check out our photos and follow along as we venture our way through the week.