Industry Insider Feature: Arkaik Clothing owner JORDAN ABIDOR

1. Where did the idea emerge to create Arkaik and take on the large task of starting your own clothing line?

When I was about 16 years old, I owned HUNDREDS of band shirts – I would go to shows literally JUST to get shirts – it was out of control! I was running an eBay store with my dad at the time, and I thought it would be fun to create my own clothing line, and print on a higher quality blank t-shirt, American Apparel, with designs that I wanted and liked. Thus, Arkaik was born!

2. When it came to designing a logo, what were some of the key factors in establishing the brand's identity?

We did a hoodie when I was 17 or so, that had a sweet mammoth on the front, and I suggested to the designer a Mammoth Skull / Cross Tusks to put on the hood of it, when I saw the design, I KNEW that would be the perfect logo to represent the Arkaik brand – and it has stuck with us for almost 4 years!

3. As far the legal aspects of the business, how did you go about learning about being "incorporated" and trademarking Arkaik?

My dad was a business owner, and he helped me walk through all the legal steps, trademarking, copyrighting, creating an LLC, etc! LegalZoom.com helped a TON with stuff like that!

4. Were t-shirt printing companies easier to access because of your affiliation with rock bands & labels or did you contact them? Who are you working with?

I contacted a printer I was friends with at first, Threadbird.com who printed for us for our first three years. Earlier this year, we decided to start using MerchNow because they could both PRINT our shirts and ship them for us! We grew from a brand that shipped about 100 shirts a month a year ago, to shipping over 7,000 shirts a month now – and we had to get a company like MerchNow to help us out, because it became nearly impossible for us to ship SO many shirts!

5. Was it a large investment from the beginning with paying for print designs and sending products to customers?

I honestly started Arkaik with a $1,000 investment from the sub shop I used to work at! It’s funny though, my old boss at my sub shop – his brother, Ryan, works with me now!

6. This year, you had tents at Bamboozle and Warped Tour, do you have any plans to expand to other festivals and/or expand overseas to Europe & Asia? Perhaps, working toward a collaboration with a distributor/printing company over there.

We DEFINITELY are looking at International festivals! UK and Australia are where we want to start doing International Festivals soon!

7. Estimating, what's your average yearly income?

I don’t pay myself, but Arkaik sells 5,000 shirts – 7,000 shirts per month, so you do the math :-)

8. How do you balance being a CEO at 20 years old? What's a day in the life of Jordan Abidor?

I’m also a FULL TIME business student at the W.P. Carey Honors Business School at Arizona State, so my daily life is pretty hectic!
9 AM – Wakeup, check my email, get breakfast, do a run to the office to get a workout for the day
10 AM – Get back to all my emails, come up with a plan for the day
11 AM – Work with Ryan on new lines, marketing plans, and working with bands
Noon – 4 PM – Get all my stuff done for the day, Post Office to ship packages, Facebook / Twitter posts, etc!
5 PM – 8 PM – I have class nearly every night, so I’m in class all evening!
8 PM – 10 PM – More Facebook / Twitter interaction, I try to respond to EVERYONE who wants to talk to me, so it is a full time job!

9. What's the next goal for Arkaik and/or Jordan Abidor as entrepreneur? Maybe another business venture.

I’m currently working on a second company, a record label, we are building a store in our offices to sell Arkaik locally, we are going to start sponsoring more tours, and there is even more that I can’t say ;)

10. Do you have any advice for the next generation of young entrepreneurs aspiring to start their own company?

My biggest piece of advice to any / all young entrepreneurs would be this: there are going to be TONS of people who tell you that you can’t do something, that you’re too young, that you don’t have what it takes – the only person that you have to prove something to is yourself, so just do what YOU love, do what YOU want to do, and follow your passions – it’s the only way to be happy!

ArkaikClothing.com
Facebook.com/ArkaikClothing
Twitter.com/ArkaikClothing

2011 Notable Entrepreneurs of the Music Scene: CALEB SHOMO

1. How did you get started as a producer and what's your background as student of music?

i got into producing through getting a small portable rig to demo songs on. i got cubase and a little interface. i remember the day i got it i literally was up for two days straight just writing music. from when i first opened the DAW and started tracking i was instantly on the search for the best tones on the instruments. i didn't have a clue what i was doing i just played around with things until i got it sounding good. i remember show a friend of mine a demo and him telling me he thought it sounded better that studios they've recorded at. i was pretty surprised to hear him say that, but i offered to do some demos for their band. they definitely sucked but i had fun! i was instantly hooked on mixing and learning all the mechanics of how to get a good mix. i've never been to school for any of it. most of it ive picked up from either trial and error, talking with friends who are producers, and looking up stuff on the internet when i didnt know what to do.

2. What's your unique fingerprint/signature move that let's people know that you produced an album?

i'd say i feel like my drums sound pretty unique. i did digital drums until this year when i bought my house and built my studio and actually had a legit good sounding live room. all of the drum tones on "this means war" were my own samples that i made from my kit, my room, my cymbals, my everything. i love knowing that my mix is all my own and nobody can replicate it, ESPECIALLY the drums. drums for me make or break a record. i also went balls out on the guitar and bass tones on this means war. i absolutely couldn't be happier with those tones. they're pissed but still very controlled. on my ticket homes new record i'm also really proud of those guitar/bass/drum tones. i LOVE how that record turned out and i cant wait for people to hear it. both of those records have so much passion in them.

3. Who are producers you've worked with that have inspired you and what's something you learned from them?

joey sturgis definitely changed the game for me. working with that guy and watching him work taught me so much about the digital aspect of recording and how to make recording sound as tight as possible. he's absolutely brilliant. he was for sure my inspiration to really take it seriously when i got my demo rig. working with john feldmann has given me so much inspiration to make my mixes and my recording unique and my own. making my own tones, and doing alot more things live and outside the box. he is an absolute producing powerhouse and an incredible songwriter. he has been beyond inspirational.

4. How do you balance taking clients versus your 'day' job in Attack Attack!?

attack attack! always comes first to me. but when i have free time i do my best to fill my schedule. i don't mix on the road at all. i try my hardest to completely separate my recording and touring. its like i'm always working, but i always have a break. when i'm on the road i don't even think about recording and i completely focus on the shows. but when i'm home recording is my priority.

5. As big boss of Caleb Shomo Recordings, do you handle mixing/mastering/engineering too? Any plans to bring on a full staff to be able to operate year round while you're touring?

as of right now the only person who works for me is our live guitar player sean mackowski. he interns for me doing things like editing and engineering smaller bands. he's also a hell of a songwriter so i've been having him really learn the ropes of engineering and writing with bands on smaller projects. he also has an amazing solo project that he records himself on my rig when i'm not working and its good practice for him. soon i'll be taking more interns for sure just because i get pretty swamped with projects and can always use a helping hand.

6. What bands have you recorded, thus far?

not sure if this is in perfect order, but hopefully close.

1. legion
2. the hi-fi horizon
3. my ticket home
4. lakeland
5. kyle kanzigg
6. dear christie
7. the words we use
8. my city my secret
9. twenty one pilots (none released but its SO rad)
10. the damage (buddy matty ensleys project. also never released but it's some legit rock n roll.)
11. beartooth
12. attack attack!

there might be some i'm forgetting. but all of that and a slew of ridiculous joke songs.

7. What's the most challenging aspect of running a business versus being in a band?

when your in a band there's other people that have input and ideas and make decisions. running a business on your own is a totally different ball game. you have to make all of the investments with only your money, you have to make all decisions yourself, and you have to work your way from the ground up alone. its hard work and its not easy, but its incredibly rewarding!

2011 Notable Entrepreneurs of the Music Scene: TYLER "TELLE" SMITH of Resist & Rebel

1. Where did the idea emerge to create Resist & Rebel and take on the large task of starting your own clothing line?

The Word Alive's headlining tour earlier this year had our friends in Abandon All Ships, to whom Andrew was a member of at the time (and has since joined Woe, Is Me). We just became friends and one day talked about a goal we had, and decided to join forces and start a clothing company. We've been working at it since March or so.

2. When it came to designing a logo, what were some of the key factors in establishing the brand's identity?

Andrew is more or less the creative director, I of course help in picking things and give my input. But for the name we both just took a lot of time discussing options. We had several one or the other of us liked, and when we came up with this we both just knew it was the right fit. As far as the logo, that is 100% Andrew. We're not sure if it'll be temporary, or for good. We'll see!

3. As far the legal aspects of the business, how did you go about learning about being "incorporated" and trademarking Resist & Rebel?

Well for all of that, between MerchNow and my Dad, we've been figuring it all out. It's nice having people we trust who can help us get established in ways we wouldn't have known otherwise.

4. Were t-shirt printing companies easier to access because of your affiliation with The Word Alive or did you contact them? Who are you working with?

It definitely helped that TWA has been with multiple companies. I do all the business stuff for TWA as well as R&R so when it came time to shop our line, I just sent out emails and after a lot of contemplation we picked MerchNow. Ian is one of the best people I know in the business. He's very honest, and very hard working. We decided to go with him because he was passionate about our plans and ideas.

5. Was it a large investment from the beginning with paying for print designs and sending products to customers?

Luckily, we found someone who believed in us enough to help us get started. Neither Andrew or myself had the funds to start a clothing line, especially one with any quality products. Ian believed in our mock ups, and I pitched our plan. He loved it and invested in our start himself.

6. Do you have any plans to expand overseas to Europe & Asia? Perhaps, working toward a collaboration with a distributor/printing company over there.

One day that would be great, for now our focus is online, growing our line and releasing quality goods, and merging into retail. We've had several stores interested so far, we just need to upgrade our product which we're in the process of doing now. Which is also why we hadn't restocked our online store.

7. We wanted to wait until we could put the best product out there. Estimating, what's your average weekly income since you launched?

I'm not sure how well exactly it's done, because every dollar that is made initially has gone to paying what we owed to start the line, as well as going right back into producing more products. We each took a small cut to help with Christmas presents, but everything else we put right back into the company.

8. How do you balance being a CEO and touring year-round with The Word Alive?

I'm not too sure to be honest, I am kind of obsessed with being productive. I tour full-time as well as doing all the business and planning for TWA, I produce bands, I manage a band, I help run R&R, and somehow have a life outside of all of that haha... I just know what I want in life, and I work as hard as I can to be successful at anything I do.

9. What's the next goal for Resist & Rebel and/or Tyler Smith as entrepreneur? Maybe another business venture.

For now I'm focusing on all of the things I have going right now, most notably R&R and producing bands. Once R&R and TWA are at a level where I can devote a little more time to the music business outside of my own band, I want to open a studio, produce bands, helps young bands record for a great price, and mentor and manage bands as they grow. Maybe even work at a label one day. Who knows :)

www.ResistandRebel.com
MerchNow

Facebook
Twitter

2011 Notable Entrepreneurs of the Music Scene: LEVI BENTON of VursaLimited

1. Where did the idea emerge to create VursaLimited and take on the large task of starting your own clothing line?

I always have been interested in art and advertising and wanted to create something that was my own. I ended up creating the idea of a limited edition company that strictly specializes in limited product and the experience for our customers.

2. When it came to designing a logo, what were some of the key factors in establishing the brand's identity?

Well I originally just wanted swords to symbolize a "V" for "Vursa" and then the three stripes in the handle actually stand for my favorite number "3". About a few days of messing around we finally came up with what we have today!

3. As far the legal aspects of the business, how did you go about learning about being "incorporated" and trademarking VursaLimited?

I am actually learning as I go. It is basically my baby and even surprises me that it gets as noticed as it does today! It has already passed my expectations and to this day is growing. So as for the legal and "business" side of things get more legit all I see is more paper work. But it will always have the fun and exciting factor for me and the fans.

4. Were t-shirt printing companies easier to access because of your affiliation with Miss May I or did you contact them?

I contacted everyone by myself and have built this with my girlfriend Jojo for the past year. Now today with over 5,000 shirts in circulation we are proud to be self sufficient.

5. Was it a large investment from the beginning with paying for print designs and sending products to customers?

I actually started with $400 borrowed from a best friend and have recycled that to over $100,000 in a year. Now I forever owe my best friend shirts for life ;)

6. This year, you had tents at Bamboozle and Warped Tour, do you have any plans to expand to other festivals and/or expand overseas to Europe & Asia? Perhaps, working toward a collaboration with a distributor/printing company over there.

We have had talk about all of these but we aren't wanting to move forward with our company until we are happy where we are. We still have room to grow with ourselves and ideas to carry out at home before we even think about a world wide take over.

7. Estimating, what's your average yearly income?

I never really touch any money from Vursa Limited I actually set it away in a account to recycle back into the company and its growth. By doing that we now have a office and employees on salary all around the world working to make this company grow. So in the long run it has paid off to not be greedy. But to answer your question we have grossed over $120K in 10 months as a "official" brand.

8. How do you balance being a CEO and touring year-round?

I really don't as funny as that sounds. I am writing this interview in the front lounge of our bus after a show at 6 A.M. after doing a ton of Vursa Limited emails and research. I hope that answers your question. But please don't forget the job is getting done one way or the other.

9. What's the next goal for VursaLimited and/or Levi Benton as entrepreneur? Maybe another business venture.

Well right now I have been researching a lot and exploring into things that will hopefully set us apart from a "clothing" brand and actually become a "company".

10. Do you have any advice for the next generation of young musicians aspiring to start their own company?

Don't use your face to push your company and do this to just make cash. Do it for the passion and the excitement of not only you but everyone else.

www.VursaLimited.com
Facebook.com/VursaLimited
Twitter.com/VursaLimited

2011 Notable Entrepreneurs of the Music Scene: SAM LINK of Collapse Studios

1. Where did the idea emerge to create Collapse Studios' Big Cartel account & sell limited edition band merch?

The idea originated last Holiday when, on tour, Kellin Quinn (Sleeping with Sirens vocalist/frontman) expressed interest in buying his girlfriend a ring in order to propose. I proceeded to take a single picture of him at a show, print 100 posters for $98 total and sold all of them within 8 hours for $35 per poster. The next day I approached him with $3,400 saying "Merry Christmas."

2. How were you able to connect with bands to collaborate on merch & sell them via your site? How has directing music videos/tour videos played a role in that?

While working and touring with bands, they decide they want cooler shirts and merch, so I design some and sell them on my store giving them a percentage rather than me giving them the design to print the shirts wrong and not sell as many as I would have, making both parties get less money.

Working more on tour and on music videos promotes the band more, as well as myself, making both parties more popular and thus more likely to sell more merchandise.

3. What are some of the limited items you've sold?

A lot of posters. I sold 4 different kinds of "Limited Edition" posters, 2 kinds of limited edition bracelets, a Christmas card based on a video series I do, and most recently, a T-Shirt completely self-released with an inspiring message I want to get across on it.

4. As a distributor of limited band items is there a legal aspect in conferring with the artist's label & management?

It's always a matter or band approval, as well as giving them percentages of profits.

5. Is it a large personal investment for you in developing product design and distributing to customers?

For me, it costs $0 to design the product, a decent amount for manufacturing and not that much on shipping, as I have the purchaser pay for shipping anyway.

6. With frequent sold out items this year, what's your estimated gross for 2011 of products sold through Collapse Studios?

During 2011, my first year of Collapse Studios actually selling anything, I've grossed an estimates $34,950. If we're talking about me and my studio/company as a whole (which includes photography, YouTube / Google Adsense, album art design, all the merch I've designed for Woe Is Me, Sleeping With Sirens, Memphis May Fire, etc sold through their stores, and surpluses from the budget from the 2 DVDs I've been collaborating with bands for, etc) it has grossed over $112,000.

7. Any future ideas to collaborate with other artists or launch a full line of merch?

Definitely. The ideas don't stop.

SamLinkPhotography.com
YouTube.com/CollapseStudios
Twitter.com/SamLink

Bring Me The Horizon guitarist, Jona Weinhofen, launches Macbeth signature line.

Full-time musician, part-time model for Macbeth clothing, BMTH guitarist Jona Weinhofen steps into the entrepreneur business game with promoting his new line of shoes, t-shirt, and snapback hat. Check out Jona Weinhofen's Studio Project, HERE.

Video Interview: Discussing creative marketing with The Devil Wears Prada

Interview with TDWP drummer Daniel Williams discussing the band's promotional marketing ideas for their Zombie EP which include the Zombie comic book and Zombie Slay video game for iPhone.

deadthrone.com
zombieslay.com