Keirstead Farris
i. I work as:
Owner, Rock Steady Tees, Co-owner, Teatowels.ca
ii. I do this creative work because:
I wanted to be a stay-at-home mom and work for myself and I love interpreting people’s ideas into cool graphics. I love making tea towels. They are the perfect gift.
iii. Personal qualities that help me in my work are:
I never say no. If someone asks me to create something for them, even if I have no idea how to do it, I say yes and then I figure it out myself. If someone asks for a design and t shirts at 11 pm for the following morning, I get out of bed and I make them.
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iv. The greatest challenges around doing this work is:
Finding well-made, reasonably priced blank t shirts and finding soft, absorbent fabrics for our locally-made tea towels.
v. Creative childhood hobbies:
I was obsessed with making t shirts as a child. I spent all my babysitting money at the Dog’s Ear creating t shirts for my friends. Back then, the iron-on letters came in two fonts. I graduated to small-scale screen printing as a hobby and when digital garment printers hit the market, I started my business.
vi. Other creators who inspire me:
I grew up surrounded by incredibly talented artists in Vancouver. I am inspired by the Makers movement and the many people who come to me to have their art printed on fabric. I never pass up a farmers market or an art fair because I love seeing what makers are up to. For the last ten years, I have had every neighborhood kid come to me at some point to make t shirts and I’m always amazed by the ideas and the artwork they bring to me -it’s my favorite part of the business.
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vii. Training that has helped me in this career:
I have had absolutely zero training. Taught myself Photoshop and Illustrator in the most hit-and-miss way possible.
viii. A common career trap:
Not knowing how to expand the business. Last year I wanted to take my tea towel business to the next level and get a really good online presence. The smartest thing I’ve ever done was partner with a Millennial: my business partner, Michael Lyall. They know how to do everything!
ix. A professional goal I have in the future:
Well-made, beautiful tea towels on display in everyone’s kitchen.
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x. If you want to see my work:
Follow us on:
www.creatorsvancouver.com
