January 16, 2009
We interview Michael Van Niekirk, owner of ‘I Came From Nothing.’
TM: How long have you been in the t-shirt industry? What have you learned?
MVN: Well, I’ve started about 2 years ago, making stencil designs and printing tees by hand. I’ve learned there’s much more to this game than just sticking your name all over a tee and expecting it to sell.
TM: What’s the idea behind the t-shirt with an alien version of Kanye West on it?
MVN: Bear Brains was by a guest designer “Killer Napkins”. He did it for a contest on Emptees. I loved it and had to have it.
TM: What’s the idea behind the ‘A Bathing Abe’ shirt?
MVN: Abe for a laugh, was me testing out print styles and POP humour, I did it 100% as a joke tee and everybody wanted it…
TM: What have been the best methods you’ve used for promoting and marketing your site?
MVN: Great designs & word of mouth work best, plus a compulsive addiction to Forums, Myspace and Facebook.
TM: What are your future plans for ‘I Came From Nothing’?
MVN: With 3 new tees & zipper hoodies on the way early 2009, some more guest artists & a couple of my own designs. I’m working on quite a few other little items as well, so why not register at www.icamefromnothing.com to be kept up to date.
TM: What are some helpful tips you can give to other designers out there?
MVN: The only info I can give is try your style and keep at it, not everything works, but if you have a vision and spread the word…why the hell not?
Check out his online shop, I Came From Nothing.
