The Next Big Thing: Revival Ink
Tara Smith, the owner of Revival Ink, says she “plans to stay a small, grassroots company interested in eco-friendly ways of doing business.” While I definitely see Revival Ink continuing to pioneer this country’s eco-revolution, I don’t think they’ll stay small. Their screenprinted designs are a bit too interesting for that.
I’ve seen a few of their designs before (Sarah, this site’s oftentimes photographer, bought my boyfriend this bamboo forest roots tee for Christmas) but they really brought it all out for the Green Festival. Instead of merely printing on t-shirts, Revival Ink also does wraps, tunics, skirts, babydolls and more – they even had a line of kids stuff.
One thing I really like about Revival Ink is that their designs are streamlined, like a larger company, but still varied, like a co-operative. (Think Threadless, but smaller and more selective.) My two favorite designs are totally different styles: one’s a pretty purple organic t-shirt with dandelions blowing in the breeze, and the other is a skirt featuring a funky mechanical bird. I also really dig her more subtle, coy designs:
Way better than a plain old “buy green” type tee, right?
I did notice that Revival Ink ocasionally prints on American Apparel t-shirts (a brand that I’m wary of, as their employment practices have come under fire in recent months), but they also print on organic cotton and bamboo, which is a-okay by me. They’re also completely local (out of Seattle) which is another eco-conscious benefit for all of us pacific northwesterners. So, if you get a chance, check them out online, or if you’ve a Seattlite like me, swing out to one of the many stores that carries them and browse away. If nothing else, you’ll fall in love with how soft their bamboo t-shirts are – when my boyfriend wears his, I can’t seem to stop touching him.
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Great post! I’ve heard about Revival Ink lots of times but never really got the chance to say hello to Tara. I was hoping to be able to at the green fest..but didn’t get to yet again. I would love to get her to print on SPUN clothing. I think her beautiful art would look fantastic on our organic tops and dresses! Her designs are gorgeous and she sounds like a great lady!
Okay, now THAT is my dream casual wear: Revival Ink printed on SPUN. Can we make this happen, please?
Mmm, I love how bamboo feels. I have bamboo sheets and would never dream of sleeping on anything else now.
Kristy’s last blog post..Enjoy the Weather!
Hi Jennifer,
Thank you so much for featuring Revival Ink. Sorry I missed you when you came by the booth. I was so happy to be a part of the Seattle Green Festival. In fact, I’m going to be at the San Francisco one in November too!