http://www.ronwinter.tv/drums.html 2009-06-17T04:54:22-04:00 0 2009-06-17T04:54:22-04:00 41501 false false 1822 1 2009-11-05T13:43:25-05:00 75 Caution, somewhat long and pissed off story ahead. So about 2 or 3 months ago, I was pulled over by a cop on the way to work. Apparently, my insurance had lapsed, by 2 days. So the cop asks me if I have the means to pay it. I say I do, however I had recently given my friend my Credit card so he could buy some stuff for a cookout I was having at my place that night. So I told the cop that I could take care of it, I just needed to call my friend so he could give me the card info so I could pay over the phone. The cop said, "Tough luck, im towing it." I was pissed of course, because it seemed kind of a dick thing to do, ask me if I can pay it, then deny me the opportunity to do so, but I didn't complain too much, and called my buddy to come and pick me up. So after paying to get my car out of lockup, I took a look at the ticket he gave me for being an uninsured driver, and made a mental note of the court date. Well, as it turned out, 2 weeks later I got another ticket, for parking in a handicap parking space. I was not however, actually parked in any discernible form of a parking space, and therefore went to court to fight this ticket, and was told that the date was rescheduled because I plead not guilty. So I took the ticket and went home. Well, somethings came up, and I realized that I didn't have the money to contest or pay the ticket, so I needed to reschedule my trial date. Upon calling the Municipal court, I was informed that I had apparently missed the court date ( I was looking at the old Handicap ticket instead of the Lack of Insurance one), and therefore I needed to reschedule. I thought no biggie, and went ahead and rescheduled for the following day. Upon appearing in court, I was told that the fine that I needed to pay, and if I was able to pay it. I decided that it was too much trouble not to pay it afterall, and that I would pick up some freelance or something to make up the difference, and told him that I could. THEN, he told me the cost of the ticket, and this time, he added the small little tidbit of court costs, which came out to a nice chunk of change. I told him that I couldn't pay all of it, and all I was able to pay at the moment was the $365 for the ticket. Well he told me that I could not do that, and that until I paid the full amount, my license would be suspended. So without too many friends and family around, I am all but forced to ride dirty to earn the difference to pay the ticket. Oh, and I forgot to mention, I have been pulled over 8 times in the last 2 months, for absolutely nothing at all. Cops wouldn't give me a reason, and would just drive off. This is ridiculous. Am I the only one with Bacon problems on Emptees? 2009-06-16T22:25:37-04:00 26 2009-06-16T03:04:17-04:00 41091 false false 481 1822 1 2009-11-06T17:58:50-05:00 483 Self Promotion ahead... New blog post on www.theelegantscoundrel.com 2009-06-15T04:56:02-04:00 4 2009-06-15T02:20:01-04:00 40671 false false 9543 1822 2 2009-11-07T06:39:36-05:00 227 So the more and more I have delved into fashion, and the ins and outs of producing a QUALITY mens label, the more Im realizing that staying in Atlanta is going to make it close to impossible to be productive with it. So, after talking to a few guys who own succesful companies in both, I've started to come around to moving to LA or NY. Let me just say, that, unless there is some astronomical oppurtunity in NY (i.e working for a big company, or getting a sweet gig out there in the meantime) I really dont like NY that much. People seem to be pissed all the time, and I need some positive people to keep my brand positive. So LA is the place that im most keen on moving to, (and I was born there, so it seems fitting), but I have never been far from friends or family, and Im not quite sure how things work out there. So I would most likely be looking for a job somewhere to support myself util ES picked up fully. So that being said, any tips? Suggestions? Things that are good to know before moving? Im open to all of it. Thanks again. 2009-06-14T11:50:45-04:00 43 2009-06-13T04:18:10-04:00 40031 false false 1208 1822 1 2009-11-07T07:00:11-05:00 477 Warning: NERDY MARKET SHARE AND ANALYTICAL TALK So Apple just released the new Iphone 3GS as I'm sure most of you have heard. That's not what's going to change the game. The old Iphone is now $99. Think about that for a moment. While that may not seem so revolutionary, try to think really hard about the last smart phone, heck, the last regular phone outside of the ones they sell at walmart that meets that price point. By pricing the Iphone at $99, they have essentially captured all of the laggers who didnt want to adopt when the phone first launched. The only thing Apple has working against them, is that the monthly bills are still insane. If they can offer an all you can eat Data and Voice plan for around $50 to $65, they would have any nay sayers sold, pure and simple. What are your thoughts on it? 2009-06-12T16:01:10-04:00 35 2009-06-11T14:20:27-04:00 39361 false false 1876 1822 1 2009-11-07T22:01:33-05:00 701 Here is a solid reason to start... http://www.spike.com/video/good-morning-megan/3165344 2009-06-07T17:36:42-04:00 26 2009-06-06T03:47:33-04:00 37351 false false 12224 1822 1 2009-11-07T20:33:44-05:00 675 Just looking for any tips from you design guru's out there on designing vintage type stuff, specifically regarding how to pick compatible colors, and texturing. Here are some expamples: <img src="http://www.imgspark.com/icache/0016/5cc9ebd6dc6ee2adf2d40d69d0d1b94d_l.jpg" /> <img src="http://www.imgspark.com/icache/0017/e093cbfa9123a2cfd6eb929956d3905d_l.jpg" /> 2009-06-04T09:58:30-04:00 4 2009-06-04T06:13:33-04:00 36361 false false 782 1822 1 2009-11-08T00:48:38-05:00 187 If you are a fan of ES, then please say so here, and answer a few questions we have about the blog and some improvements we are looking to make. 1. Would you like comments on blog posts? 2. The upcoming seasons line hasn't dropped yet, but we are definitely thinking of having an incentive program, where basically, every 10 shirts you buy from ES, we give you one for free for being a loyal customer. Sound like a winner? 3. Do you regularly enjoy the content offered at the blog? 4. Do you like the frequency that it is updated? Or would you like more content? 5. Would you like ES videos that introduce you to the crew behind the blog and the soon to be restocked store? Thanks again for keeping up with us if you already do, Ive heard a lot of positive feedback from people lately, and welcome anymore from fans of the brand. And if your not a fan, well then villainy awaits! Check us out at www.theelegantscoundrel.com 2009-06-02T21:18:52-04:00 6 2009-06-02T20:00:11-04:00 35761 false false 1822 1822 1 2009-11-05T10:55:13-05:00 183 So I know that some of the people who regularly contribute artwork here dont actually wear too many graphic tees themselves (FRENDEN *cough*), and I know that some are here more so to contribute tee art than to actually wear the finished process, so will the people who like wearing polos and oxfords more than graphic tees please stand up? Im taking a census... 2009-05-30T21:41:26-04:00 79 2009-05-29T01:49:46-04:00 33741 false false 7984 1822 1 2009-11-06T03:29:27-05:00 1011 Other one was loading too slow... 2009-05-30T12:12:33-04:00 113 2009-05-18T15:21:57-04:00 29761 false false 11547 1822 1 2009-11-07T18:27:33-05:00 2605 So I currently use tumblr for my blog www.theelegantscoundrel.tumblr.com, but I recently learned that the new update to WP fixes almost every single problem I ever had with the plattform. So my question is, based on personal experience, which do you feel is best? 2009-05-28T10:23:52-04:00 10 2009-05-28T02:01:13-04:00 33361 false false 2329 1822 1 2009-11-07T12:55:34-05:00 301 For new people looking at starting a line, here are a few more things to bear in mind that may not be clear. <h3>1.Take advice with a measure of skepticism and a grain of salt. </h3> Often times, people will try and tell you that just putting your name on a shirt is not gonna cut it. And they are right. They are also wrong. If you take a look at most every major brand, the NAME was the most important thing about the company. You think OBEY would have been anywhere near as successful if it didn't say OBEY under Andre the Giants face? No. Your name is your message, it is important. And even if you don't have a ton of artwork that blows people's minds, if you can establish a system of confidence and belief in your brand, or what your brand "will" be, then you can gain a following early on. So there is nothing wrong with making shirts that bear your logo/company name as long as they are done well. As a personal example, when I first started out, I thought it was so important for me to have amazing graphics for my brand. But I neglected to realize that some companies are not graphic tee brands. You may realize later into making your business plan that you don't want to do what everyone else is doing. There is nothing wrong with that in the least, and yes, it wont get you any tee of the day awards here, but you will have a solid idea of what you want from your brand, and what YOU want is more important than what people on this site EXPECT to see. <h3>2. It's a difficult business.</h3> Unless you have insane godlike ability to draw, or you have a sugar mama to fund your first line, its going to be extremely difficult to succeed, and you might fail. The failing part is almost an inevitability, especially if your like me, and don't possess any schooling or secular training that help with running a clothing company. But if you have heart, you'll make it. Keep in mind that all it takes is one mess up or one design that doesn't sell as well as you thought to set you back with your plans to further your business. CAREFULLY pick which designs you want to print. People have a tendency to say, "DUDE! Love it, will totally pick this up if you buy it!", then you are left with a box of shirts that haven't sold. So don't rely too heavily on what people MIGHT do, because often times, they are full of crap. <h3>3. Do it for you.</h3> This is probably the most overstated tip ever, but its still true. Don't let the status quo stop you from progression. There is an established ideology of whats acceptable and what is not, ANYWHERE. Emptees and the clothing industry are no different. Don't be a slave to what other people are doing, and the precedents they set, be you, even if it takes a while for people to catch on to your originality. Success takes time, energy, heavy drinking, and a lot of money, so don't rush it. And to the people who tell you that you wont make it, or that you suck, well, sometimes, success is the best form of revenge. Knock em dead. 2009-05-28T03:49:23-04:00 0 2009-05-28T03:49:23-04:00 33381 false false 1822 1 2009-11-08T01:13:25-05:00 107 <img src="http://www.myconfinedspace.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/the-perfect-billboard-american-psycho.jpg" /> 2009-05-25T14:55:46-04:00 17 2009-05-25T00:56:42-04:00 32291 false false 7372 1822 1 2009-10-20T23:28:12-04:00 388 Maybe its just me, but Twitter has actually made me work harder. Its a lot more feedback friendly than a blog because, unless you have detailed analytics on your site, you dont really know how many people are keeping tabs on you or who they are. But with Twitter, you can visibly see how many followers you have, and some of those followers, at least for me, tend to be people I look up to in the industry or admire. When you have people whom you respect and whose opinion you value over your shoulder, you tend to put your best foot forward, and that makes you more productive as an artist and business owner. How bout you? Any benefits of Twitter so far? 2009-05-25T07:48:41-04:00 10 2009-05-24T19:53:54-04:00 32171 false false 13245 1822 1 2009-11-05T01:46:25-05:00 269 Come on in, the waters just right... 2009-05-25T00:44:33-04:00 12 2009-05-17T19:04:10-04:00 29461 false false 3021 1822 1 2009-10-31T22:22:32-04:00 207 <a href="http://www.whiteduckscreenprint.co.uk/">White Duck</a> 2009-05-21T20:50:50-04:00 0 2009-05-21T20:50:50-04:00 31311 false false 1822 1 2009-10-25T02:47:50-04:00 67 Just did an article on Skaters and Entrepenuers, check it out. www.theelegantscoundrel.tumblr.com 2009-05-21T14:04:19-04:00 0 2009-05-21T14:04:19-04:00 31141 false false 1822 1 2009-10-26T08:35:39-04:00 107 Can someone send me a quote on that? Im looking to do that once a month with someone who has some serious printing chops, experience with graphics that are typographic, and a passion for streetwear. Llamas need not apply, because, well, you have hooves, and therefore lack the aposable thumbs neccesary to screen a shirt. All others welcome to drop me a line at theelegantscoundrel@gmail.com or on my twitter at ESclothing. 2009-05-20T02:22:15-04:00 0 2009-05-20T02:22:15-04:00 30391 false false 1822 1 2009-11-07T13:51:11-05:00 114 So I found that Illustrator CS4 has a T Shirt Template included with it, which looks to be very useful for line sheets and quick personal mocks. When you open CS4, click on Templates, then under Templates, you should see Tee Shirt. Wahla. 2009-05-20T00:05:21-04:00 7 2009-05-19T20:48:24-04:00 30301 false false 11937 1822 1 2009-10-31T10:10:27-04:00 281 As of late, I have been researching more and more what it really takes to be unique, different, apart from all the normally viewed things in the art world. I think in order to be a good designer, its important not only to identify trends, but see what will be next. So with that being said, what are some trends you see, and based on that, in your purely artistic opinion, where do you see it going? 2009-05-19T09:46:29-04:00 26 2009-05-18T23:49:47-04:00 29951 false false 1864 1822 1 2009-10-31T00:30:24-04:00 481