Tara
Owner, Illustrator, Customer Service
Behind the Scenes
Whimsical, Wearable Art Inspired by Nature. Illustrated and Handmade in Seattle. Eco-Friendly Production Since 2007.
You Inspire Me to do what I do!
I am thrilled that everyone who wears Revival Ink Shirts knows they are getting a unique product worthy of those who dream big!
-- Creator Tara Smith
-- Creator Tara Smith
The Revival Ink Story
Before I created Revival Ink, I was a struggling to put myself through college for art. I had just moved to Seattle from a small town, and didn’t know anyone. I was working a lot, in addition to classes, and wondering how I would have time to meet people.
Then one day, I discovered screen printing. I was in love with the process. I found a direct way to get my art out there, in front of others. I started wearing my shirts to school. People noticed them, and it became a conversation starter. I started making friends.
I was overjoyed. I wanted to make more of my funky shirts, but due to my heavy work-load, I kept missing the printing class. I needed to purchase my own screen printing equipment so I could print whenever I found time (which was usually in the middle of the night). A lack of funds made this dream seem impossible.
But then... My teacher and some of my new friends encouraged me. I realized I was on the right path after all. I was able to use my tax refund to purchase a simple screen printing setup.
It turns out... the road was more difficult than I imagined. I started out printing on shirts from the thrift store, but soon people wanted new, stylish shirts. Quality shirts were hard to come by, and expensive! I worried my customers wouldn’t pay enough for my shirts to cover these costs. I didn’t know how to find more customers, so I could meet the order minimums required by shirt suppliers.
But then... A friend of mine told me about a farmers market where I could get a booth for a low fee. I took the risk, set up a tent, and had a very successful first day. I made enough to pay for my first box of shirts. I have been selling at local markets, and festivals ever since.
For over 12 years... I've been sharing my wearable art with people all over the world. I even had a brick and mortar store in Seattle for 6 years. Eventually I sold my store, to re-focus on what I love most: illustrating unique shirts for the wild at heart, like me. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but through it all, my customer response and engagement has been amazing. That is what keeps me going: creating smiles, encouraging others to be adventurous, and finding so many special friendships along the way.
Thank you all for your support!
Then one day, I discovered screen printing. I was in love with the process. I found a direct way to get my art out there, in front of others. I started wearing my shirts to school. People noticed them, and it became a conversation starter. I started making friends.
I was overjoyed. I wanted to make more of my funky shirts, but due to my heavy work-load, I kept missing the printing class. I needed to purchase my own screen printing equipment so I could print whenever I found time (which was usually in the middle of the night). A lack of funds made this dream seem impossible.
But then... My teacher and some of my new friends encouraged me. I realized I was on the right path after all. I was able to use my tax refund to purchase a simple screen printing setup.
It turns out... the road was more difficult than I imagined. I started out printing on shirts from the thrift store, but soon people wanted new, stylish shirts. Quality shirts were hard to come by, and expensive! I worried my customers wouldn’t pay enough for my shirts to cover these costs. I didn’t know how to find more customers, so I could meet the order minimums required by shirt suppliers.
But then... A friend of mine told me about a farmers market where I could get a booth for a low fee. I took the risk, set up a tent, and had a very successful first day. I made enough to pay for my first box of shirts. I have been selling at local markets, and festivals ever since.
For over 12 years... I've been sharing my wearable art with people all over the world. I even had a brick and mortar store in Seattle for 6 years. Eventually I sold my store, to re-focus on what I love most: illustrating unique shirts for the wild at heart, like me. There have been a lot of ups and downs, but through it all, my customer response and engagement has been amazing. That is what keeps me going: creating smiles, encouraging others to be adventurous, and finding so many special friendships along the way.
Thank you all for your support!
Our Approach
We believe in making quality shirts with original artwork. Made the old fashion way, by hand. Our shirts are made for the WILD at heart: passionate souls who love the outdoors, animals, and travelling. We make shirts so that you can reminisce of adventures gone by, and inspire new explorations into the Wild unknown.
Our process is Eco-Friendly from start to finish so that you can feel good knowing you're wearing clothing made with our Earth and animal friends in mind. Our shirts hold up to any challenge you throw at them, so grab one for your next camping trip or a casual day at the office.
