Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Kinsella.
Sean, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I learned the basics of screen printing in high school about ten years ago. Since then, it has always been my dream to print band tees, combining my passion for art and screen printing with my love of music. As life kind of got in the way of my dreams, as it does in your mid-20’s, I tried several different jobs to make ends meet until about May of 2016, I bought a small, tabletop screen press and started to slowly build a workspace in my basement.
At that time, I was working at a bookstore in the south station and met a local artist and musician Sami Martasian of the beloved local band ‘Puppy Problems’. We started with some simple shirts that they designed and we kept the ball rolling with other bands and musicians Sami knew.
From there, I built up my social media presence and started coming up with different deals to help local bands, businesses and benefits get affordable merchandise printed by, not only someone local, but someone who really cares about the community of artist and musicians that we have in the city.
Now, I’m printing for all sorts of Boston based bands and starting to print some original merch featuring my own artwork as well as continue building upon my shop to improve the quality of my work and provide the best service I can.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I’ve been very fortunate and have met some great people recently that have been really helping promote the shirts that I print for them.
However, it is obviously difficult to build a presence in a big city when you basically start from nothing. That would definitely be the biggest struggle, gaining a following.
Speakeasy Print Shop – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Speakeasy Print Shop focuses on the custom small batch, hand screen printed merchandise like t-shirts and tote bags for Boston area bands, businesses, and benefits.
As well as original shirts featuring artwork and designs by me, which can be purchased on our website. Everything is printed in my basement studio in East Boston and I usually hand deliver the custom orders too! I love helping bands so much! We have provided merch for a lot of Boston bands and are well known in the DIY scene.
I feel like independent music has so many tiny moving parts that fit together and some people play music, some book shows, others record bands, and I want to be the one to provide you with merch so you can get your name and or message out to the streets.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is always moving forward and continuing to grow, with each new job or client, I feel successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: Speakeasyprintshop.com
- Phone: 7818644928
- Email: speakeasyscreenprinting@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasy_printshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/speakeasyprintshop/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/speakeasy_sean/
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