Name: Ginger Blackwell
Major: Graphic design
Year: Junior
Hometown: Ashland, OR
Ginger Blackwell is junior with a passion for pandas and screen-printing. She currently runs a screen-printing business with her own designs on them. These designs vary from a panda on a moon, dinosaurs, owls, to her first and most popular design: a panda peeking from a pocket. Blackwell prints her designs on sweaters, t-shirts, tank tops, and even onesies for babies. She has had success in multiple countries and around the USA.
HCO: When did you start your business?
I started my business in 2011 when I was in highschool. I started with only two designs.
HCO: What got you into screen-printing?
In high school, I made a silkscreen in an art class. From there, I decided I really liked drawing things and putting them on shirts for people to wear and enjoy.
HCO: How has your business grown since you first started it?
I went from having two designs in 2011 to having about 12. I started with shirts and grew with different articles of clothing. I have sold to eight different countries so far and over 30 states. My latest design is a version of my first one, a panda peeking out from a pocket, but now there is a usable pocket. I sew on the fabrics myself.
HCO: Why pandas?
I’ve always liked pandas! I thought they would be cute and fun to have peeking out of your shirt pocket. They are also very fun to draw.
HCO: Where do you see your business going?
I hope they become more popular! You can follow my work on Instagram and on Facebook. I am hoping to one day have them on sale in local stores and with more designs.
HCO: Where can I buy a shirt?
You can buy a shirt on my online etsy store.