A couple of months ago I received an exciting email from Threadless letting me know they were including my Pirate Infested Waters design in their 2011 Spring Select line (as a v-neck).

I have been anxiously waiting its release and today, was that day! I really dig the new color combo and am thinking about coppin’ one myself – not to mention the saaaweet embroidered Select ‘t’ they finish their designs with (I’m such a sucker for branding…).

All this from a design that was shot down at my old job. Thank you Threadless!
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• Website re-design
• Social networking
• New products
• Filling orders after being showcased on sites such as Lost At E Minor and Pinterest

I finally feel like all of my hard work is starting to pay off, from this to now a global identifiable brand (just shipped an order to Switzerland!). Thanks to all those who have encouraged me, praised me and ordered. You all have been a big part in getting BKNY up and running. There is still plenty I have yet to accomplish, but thanks to you, I’m on my way.

Please (if you haven’t yet), join my BKNY Facebook fan page to stay updated on everything.
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I really had nothing to do with Miso getting this gig, it was all her. A friend of a friend had seen her in my apt (I wasn’t even around) and asked if she was available for a photo shoot, and just like that, my dog is a now a Martha model.

Thanks again Christy, pictures came out great!
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My buddy Jay gave me the heads on this last night. Not that I didn’t expect this to eventually happen, it just feels good to know I did it first (little ol’me, take that Diesel, pffft!). I mean if Diesel is doing it…must be a good idea, right?

Stuff like this constantly happens in the apparel industry where ideas trickle down from high-end boutiques to the racks at Sears. In this case, I don’t think Diesel stole my idea, they just came up with same concept (months later!). Like I said, all you can do is know you did it first (and better, who the heck is paying $60 for that, yikes!).

I wonder if Diesel is hiring, looks like I could fit right in their graphics department ;)
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BW ]]> http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=745 1 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=735 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=735#comments Sat, 03 Jul 2010 16:40:35 +0000 BW http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=735
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Sewing at first, was very frustrating to say the least. Forgetting to put the ‘foot’ down, then realizing after you’ve sewn a long line your f*ucked. BUT, practice, practice, f*ck up, practice…and you’ve begun to master an awesome tool. I have been experimenting with my sewing machine’s settings, different stitch patterns, lengths etc. I am really digging the the closer stitch zig-zag pattern. I am now using that stitch to sew on my BKNY labels as well as some funky add-ons (pictured above).

This shirt was made for my buddy Headhoods (happy bday cvg!). I’m thinking I may do this on all the Scissors tees, but we’ll see, I may also just wait for a new BKNY design to pimp.
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BW ]]> http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=735 3 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=723 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=723#comments Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:47:26 +0000 BW http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=723

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Just bought these kicks today as my new primary summer shoes (great w/o socks). I’m really diggin’ their canvas texture and the stylistic black label on the heel (I’m a sucker for cool logo tags, not to mention they are also ON SALE!).

This will be my second pair of Sperry Top-Siders and even though I don’t sail, these still make for great pseudo slip-on loungin’ shoes. Its was either these or a pair of Tom’s. Tom’s, which I’ve noticed are a heavy favorite with the ladies (major non-purchase factor, even though I really do like them) would of been too casual for work. So Sperry, I chose you…sorry children in need, I owe you one.
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BW ]]> http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?feed=rss2&p=723 1 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=707 http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=707#comments Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:30:38 +0000 BW http://www.blueyedben.com/blog/?p=707
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Well looky, looky what I came across. This mixtape has enough dub and ja to get one through any lame work day and some. Listen or download entire album for free here (pssst! track 11 is my jam).

Via FREEwilliamsburg
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Well, I decided to get crafty with an old raggety Nike t-shirt, a soft blank t-tshirt, a sewing machine and a couple of labels. I have a couple of un-wearable t-shirts I want to try and creatively reclaim, Mr. Nike was first up on the chopping block. My sewing isn’t perfect, but it was fun (and frustrating!) piecing together a one-of-a-kind garment all by hand. I can’t wait to rock my new creation around town.
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Also, (only fair) I made sure to print on a blank that I know the ladies dig (AA’s Tri-Blend Deep-V). Both designs came out great and interact well with the V’ed necks of both shirts.
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Well, it finally happened. With the iconic Mac mail ‘ding’, BKNY received its first order! Pictures above are of my poster prep for mailing. Hadn’t really thought about mailing labels, but I quickly threw one together, a little ink-jet hand stamp combo. They look great on the kraft tubes.

I have a feeling the word spread after giving a wayfarer print set to a certain bday girl (thanks Lauren!). But anyhow, it’s a great feeling knowing that someone will be enjoying my art on their apt walls. Not to mention, BKNY is on the map (as I tape up a dollar to my bedroom wall).

As for updates, I have been really concentrating on photography for my products. Can’t say how many times I have been switching pictures around but I’m getting more efficient as I become more familiar with my camera. I’m planning on printing (yes you heard it right, me and my hands!) my new design Friday. So expect it to be up for sale this weekend. I also came up with a real dope pillow case idea while napping (go figure). I’m thinking that will be my next thing to move on once my new shirts are up and running…one thing at a time.
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