There’s a lot of information circulating on the internet when it comes to education. For example, want to learn how to clean out that Traeger smoker you bought during COVID? Head on over to YouTube. Need to learn how to apply the infamous cat eye makeup using top-quality eye liner? Places like YouTube, Tik Tok, and even Instagram have videos that can leave you feeling glamorous.

In a technically governed industry like apparel decorating, there are boundless ways to source information when you don’t know how to do something. From screen-printing tips to how to set up your new direct-to-garment printer, it’s easy enough to type a search into Google and off you go.

But how do you know the information you’re reading, watching, or listening to is reliable and correct? Sometimes, especially if you’re a beginner in the industry, it can be hard to tell the difference between what’s right and what’s wrong. Thankfully, there are plenty of people and groups out there who know what they’re talking about when it comes to pulling a squeegee or setting up a business.

We call these people the influencers of the apparel industry, but they are far from the Kim Kardashians of the world. Instead, they’re influencers because they have a solid following based on providing top-notch education. Here’s a little glimpse into who they are and why you should follow them if you aren’t already.

The Business Side

Oftentimes, decorators are creative and have little to no training when it comes to running the business. Things like bookkeeping, hiring, and setting prices can be daunting. The even tougher part is so much of this information in the decorated apparel industry is fluid.

Many of the influencers on our Top 10 Influencers list help with this side of the business. A couple of influencers who specialize in this side of things include:

  • Marshall Atkinson, Atkinson Consulting
  • Aaron Montgomery, Our Success Group

If you’re looking for business management guidance, these are just two gurus you must follow and connect with. Whether you’re brand new to apparel decorating or are scaling rapidly, these topics cannot be ignored.

Technical Training

Maybe you’re looking for some technical training. You’ve just upgraded from a manual to automatic press and you’re not 100% certain of how everything works. Manufacturers often provide excellent training and support, but having access to additional guidance at the click of a link can be invaluable.

Nearly every influencer on this list can help with different technology, from screen printing to sublimation. Guys like Richard “King” Tilley have made it their goal to “serve as many people as I can, whether it be through education, how-to videos on YouTube, daily mindset motivation, business advice, and perspective!”

Tilley, as well as others on the list, can be found across multiple platforms, so if Instagram is your thing and you avoid Facebook, you can find him there without having to set up another account. If social media isn’t your thing at all, you can find these groups on their own websites, speaking at events, and teaching classes on-site (like the folks at MADE Lab located in Texas).

Building a Community

The common theme, or goal if you will, of every member and group included in the Top 10 Influencers of the Decorated Apparel list is the emphasis of community. It’s not about how many followers each has or whether they have more than someone else.

Instead, it’s about connecting with individuals in the space who want to do better, who have a desire to learn, and want to network with their peers. “[Sometimes] we are not the ones that have the skills or resources to do something, but we know who does and we have invested in relationships with these amazing friends, customers, and partners so we can reach out and ask, connect, and build a stronger ‘thread’ throughout,” says Ryan Moor, partner at MADE Lab. “Community involvement (we prefer ‘community’ over ‘industry’), both online and through participation in the events such as trade shows, conferences, and workshops, is the secret to personal and business development.”

Download the Top 10 Influencers of the Decorated Apparel Industry, which includes a list of where you can find each influencer as well as their advice to the decorated apparel community.