Many apparel decorators have experience creating and launching their own retail brand, or print for various retail clothing and merch brands. Those working in this world will likely agree that achieving success in it can be challenging.

Jimmy Bryant, owner and designer at Atomic Child located in Ft. Collins, Colorado, has been on both ends of the process. Bryant has experience in freelance graphic design, apparel decorating production, and now owns and operates a successful outdoor lifestyle brand that can be found nationwide, including in various REI stores.

In part one of this two-part video interview, Bryant joins previous coworker Jeremy Picker of AMB3R Creative, a Colorado-based apparel design firm, to discuss the journey of building a retail brand. For decorators that have their own retail clothing brand, Bryant has some advice to share. For those who partner and decorate for these clients, listen up! There’s plenty of helpful information to strengthen your role as a partner.

Key Takeaways

• For those looking to grow/expand their own brand: start small and ramp up
• Planning is essential
• Serve a niche/find your audience
• Patience and perseverance go a long way

Want to know more? Jeremy Picker shares five ways to elevate your clients’ apparel programs.