Thanks to the Portable Film Festival, as part of their Portable Symposium series, Ross Zietz (Art Director) from Threadless in the US is on his way to Australia. T-world had an exclusive chat on the phone and we discussed all things T-shirts, of course.

T: How are you feeling about coming to Australia?
RZ: Pumped. It’s going to be a great trip. I am only there for a short time, but I suspect I’ll come back and enjoy it more at a later date. Australia has an excellent reputation on the T-shirt scene.

T: Let’s talk Threadless – tell us about this T-shirt giant.
RZ: Easy answer is come along and see the talk. But in short, Threadless is a different kind of online community. Jake Nickell and Jacob DeHart set about creating a site that allowed designers and creatives around the world a chance to interact, discuss ideas, analyse feedback and ultimately gain international exposure for their T-shirt designs.

T: I heard you were asked ‘What’s the best advice you have received?’ and you replied by saying ‘Use a grid’. Tell us about that.
RZ: Using a grid to design with is essential. I know you design a journal and use the grid as a base, and then break the boundaries. That’s sort of what I mean. You need to understand some fundamental design principles. My professor at University taught me that and it’s proven to be awesome advice.

T: What’s been the hardest part about Threadless?
RZ: Growth and managing the growth. Threadless is a massive now and trying to separate the notion that “T-shirts are fun” with wanting the business to grow, definitely comes with experience. You need to evolve and I feel I have done that with Threadless.

T: Where does Australia rank on the Threadless chart for T-shirt designing and buying?
RZ: Australia is very high up there. It’s top five status. We have an exceptional fan base in Australia and New Zealand for that matter, and we receive numerous design contributions from both countries.

T: Are you into print experimentation at Threadless. The T-shirts I have seen have been pretty standard.
RZ: For sure. The all-over print has been around for a while with more underground labels but hasn’t really had much exposure from a mainstream perspective. So that’s pretty big now. I like to push stuff with designs when we can.

T: Finally, what can we expect from you talk? What is it going to be about?
RZ: Our online community. I really want to talk about that side of the business and of course, tees.

Go to the talk and find out why Threadless has become the leading website for T-shirt apparel in the world. You will learn something even if you’re just vaguely interested in T-shirt culture.

I’ll see you there!

Where are the talks being held?

Melbourne
Tuesday, May 26
Village Roadshow Theatrette
State Library of Victoria (Enter on Latrobe Street)
6pm

Brisbane
Wednesday, May 27
State Library of Queensland
(By invitation only)
6pm

Sydney
Thursday, May 28
Museum of Sydney
Corner of Bridge and Phillip Street
6pm

How much are tickets?
$45 Adult
$30 Concession

How can I buy tickets?
Tickets will be available online for purchase at the Portable Film Festival website.

T-il next time,

Eddie