Last time junior hockey forward, Mike Borisenok, and his athletic sports line, Greater Than Sports were featured on Her Campus they were in a much different place than they are today. Just one year later and GTS is all over not only the UNH campus, but also others around the nation. The stylish gear has blossomed among men and women athletes, gym goers, and your everyday student. Her Campus UNH got the chance to interview Kelly Sullivan, the artist behind the style of GTS.
Q: How did your role with GTS begin?
Freshman year I met Mike and it wasn’t long until he approached me about his idea for Greater Than Spots. The initial request was for a logo, just something GTS could use to identify itself against other brands. I came up with a page full of different designs and it kind of seemed everything I was creating was already too similar to other company logos. After many revisions we finally came up with the logo we have now. During freshman year there is only so much you can do from a dorm room so I think a lot of the time was spent researching products and brainstorming ideas.
Q: When and for what reason do you think GTS started to take off?
Before sophomore year Mike approached me with an idea for a design, something that had to do with a horse and the slogan “work horse.” That’s when I think GTS really started taking off. The original “work horse” design was being printed on shirts for months out of Mike’s bedroom on a small screen-printing machine, but it didn’t stop the demand of people wanting it. A lot of guys on the Men’s Hockey team were quick to start purchasing not only to show support for Mike, but because the design was original and cool. Since then the customer base has expanded but I think it was a great way to get the ball rolling. Having athletes purchase and wear the trendy athletic apparel was a perfect way to get the creative ideas out in the public.
Q: How does your art background translate to GTS?
It has been really fun and easy working for GTS because ideas are always flowing. Since I am a painting and drawing major it is easy and fun for me to come up with a design based on what Mike wants. We bounce ideas back and forth until we get something that will really work. I think Mike values my opinion because my artistic background makes it easy for ideas to come alive and actually look good on the products. It is not just about drawing up a design but it is also about making it work on the product along with it being fashionable.
Q: How important is it to have a girl’s view and input when involved in a clothing business?
Having a girl on board definitely helps expand our customer base because I tell Mike about things I would want to wear. I make sure that girls have the option not just of a baggy guy’s sweatshirt or pants but products that are fashionable for us too. Half zip lightweight hoodies, headbands, and yoga pants are just some things that need a girl’s opinion on fit, comfort and style.
Q: What can be expected next from GTS?
GTS offers a variety of products and is always willing to work with you to make it custom to your style. On a campus where everyone is strutting to class in sweats and still trying to look good, I think GTS fits right in. Now that it is prime hockey season we thought it would a great idea to help spread the interest in GTS by creating original “White Out the Whit” shirts for the UNH vs. Maine game February 4 & 5. When people see the design and start to see GTS over more and more people’s backs, I think it will take Greater Than Sports on to the next level of success. Seeing all of the shirts at the game was great and we hope we have more to come!
(Hey look it’s your campus correspondents, Laura and Stephanie!