Bedlam Clothing
This week we talked with Michael over at Bedlam Clothing. I really dig Bedlam’s sense of humor. Rollin’ on 12’s that’s how you do it.
Give us an overview your shop. What kind of merchandise, style, theme, etc…
Right now we sell "cool, sexy, funny t-shirts for people who wear t-shirts." Well, that’s the company line anyway.
How long have you had the shop / been selling shirts?
The business went live about a year and a half ago.
How did you get started selling shirts?
I figured why not, everybody else is doing it! Seriously though, I’ve always wanted to start my own business and since I knew absolutely nothing about fashion I thought I’d give it a try. One thing to note…I did a ton of research before jumping in.
Do you have a physical store? If so where?
No brick and mortar, just cyberlove.
Anything interesting about your name? A story behind it?
I wanted to come up with a unique name and have always liked the sound of the word "bedlam". Also, the definition of bedlam fit the vibe I was going for…chaos, disorder, party time, etc. Plus, considering everything you can think of is already trademarked, it was available. It was a perfect storm of circumstances!
What are some of your most popular items?
Some of the most popular designs are now sold out because of the $6 Blow-out going on, but of the remaining designs…"ROLLIN’ ON 12′S", "FORGET TEXAS, DON’T MESS WITH EX’S", "COLLEGE DROPOUT, POKER STUDENT" AND "BLINGLESS" are selling real well among others. And all are available at www.bedlamclothing.com for just $6 while supplies last!
Do you have a particular creative process you follow?
Seriously, there is no rhyme or reason to the brainstorming process. Sometimes I do my best "work" when I’m real hungover on a Saturday morning…go figure?? For the next round of shirts though and for the remainder of bedlam’s existence, all designs will be done by graphic designers, not by my text-obsessed amateur ass.
What inspires you?
This gumbo called life.
What celebrity would you most like to see spotted wearing one of your shirts? And what shirt?
I’d like to see Melle Mel or Grandmaster Flash wearing "WHITE LINES (DON’T DON’T DO IT)" or Lil’ Wayne wearing "BLINGLESS". That would be fresh.
What advice would you offer someone starting out selling t-shirts?
Don’t do it! Really, everyone and their cousin has a damn t-shirt line and they’re probably more talented than you. The Internet, which allowed me to start a business, has also allowed every killer graphic designer to do the same thing. It’s tough out there man.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned about being in the t-shirt business?
Inventory, keep it to a minimum.
Hind sight is 20/20. What do you wish you would have done differently?
In hindsight I would of had some of the designs done by pros, instead of gracing the world with only my designs. The thing is, you try to keep start-up costs to a minimum, so it was much more cost effective for me to initially do everything myself. But that is going to change…oh yes, it will change.
What kind of advertising do you do?
Online banner ads and lots of stickers.
Do you use any PPC advertising? Blog Ads?
I recently started advertising on some blogs. Some are more beneficial than others in generating sales.
Do you use a fulfillment platform like CafePress or Spreadshirt?
Nope, everything is done in-house but the screen printing.
Approximately what is your sales volume?
100 - 500 month
Is this your full time job?
Yes, my dreams of becoming rich will just have to wait.
Do you work with designers? Or do you design everything?
I definitely have some designers lined up for the next round of tees. Now I just need to clear the remaining inventory and we’ll be in business. Just $6 for original designs on American Apparel tees! Get on it people!!
