Freshies: Akinz
Akinz T-ShirtsAkinz is a streetwear company based out of Steamboat Springs, CO. Founded by snowboarder & wakeboarder Suzanne Akin, this independent apparel company always has something new to offer, from t-shirts with unique original graphics, to a variety of fun accessories. We talked to Suzanne about her inspiration and plans for the future.
How did you come up with the idea to start making t-shirts?
Well, I went to school for fashion design, but hadn’t been able to figure out how I wanted to apply it until I started riding, then suddenly I knew where I wanted to be. I basically started the brand after I got bored one afternoon and designed my first shirt… I ordered it through one of those cheesy online companies that people use to make their family reunion t-shirts.
What’s the inspiration behind the “wings” logo?
I started in wakeboarding, so Dallas Friday was one of my idols. That same boring afternoon, I was sitting at my computer trying to think up a name and logo. My computer background was one I had made from a pic of Dallas doing a raley where it looked like she was weightless. I had added the caption of, “Someday I’ll fly” coming out of a thought bubble of a pic of me laying on the boat. After staring at it for about an hour, suddenly the wings and the slogan, “Find your wings on the way down” just clicked.
Who does all of the artwork for the t-shirts?
I do all the artwork myself, although I get input from friends and customers.
We dig the new pendants and earrings - any other crafty projects in the works?
I’d like to dig a little deeper into the jewelry making field. It was fun adding something new to the line. Right now, I am hand-knitting and hand-crocheting some beanies that you can expect to see on the site soon.
What’s your favorite design right now?
Well, I’m always the most excited about whatever is newest, which happens to be the mens and womens ‘Slice ‘n Dice’ t-shirts.. I’m waiting on some new stuff right now, so I’m sure that will be my favorite soon.
How often do you come up with new designs?
I come up with designs a lot, it just depends if it makes it into production or not. Akinz is self-funded, so when the orders come in, the new stuff comes out.
Any plans to make some more technical snow apparel?
I would absolutely love to make some snow apparel. As a rider, I always know exactly what I’m looking for but am never able to find it. I would love the opportunity to put what I want out there and hope that other people get excited about it. But, the words ‘technical snow apparel’ are just laced with money, and being self-funded doesn’t really work too well with that. We’d have to get some outside funding which is hopefully something that could happen in the future.
Pirates or Ninjas?
Dressing up, pirates/ gaining powers, ninjas
Final thoughts?
If you wanna join our street team, Akinz Army, to earn points for merch or money, either join our mailing list on our homepage, or keep an eye on our blog at http://www.akinz.com/blog
Posted by Kelly Vance on 11/24
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