Screen Shot: Flaash Apparel

Website: www.Flaashapparel.com

City Based: London, UK

What inspired the brand name?

Tattoo flash sheets. Which is the inspiration behind most of the artwork.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

I've been coming up with brand names and logos since I was a kid in New Zealand. Finally I met some cool people here in London that helped me a lot with ideas and logistics.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Scrawling vintage Tattoo flash sheets. There's a good reason why skulls, roses, tigers and panthers etc have been tattoo staples since the early days.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

I was living in a damp old London basement flat when I first started and I kept all the stock in my bedroom. Was fine until I found out the stock was getting damaged from the damp. Keep everything in a dry warm area folks.

What is the biggest success you have had?

The very first design collaboration with Jelle Soos was a big bold Eagle on the back of a tee. Having a successful and popular tattooer behind the brand from the start really helped people take us seriously.

A source of inspiration people may find weird?

I guess other brands don't use vintage tattoo flash. But I also love old Vintage NFL and NBA tees. The big crazy graphics are super cool.

Favorite color to use?

It's boring but I love White tees. Designs just pop off them. We did a black and jade green design on the 'Dolly Dagger' and I really like how those colors worked.

Are there any retail shops you would love to see you brand in?

It's a work in progress :)

Another Brand that inspires you and why?

I always look at Stussy and Obey. I can relate to there style and they've been so consistent at bringing out quality designs over the years.

Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?

I hope to be doing this full time by this time next year. I still juggle a 9-5 at the moment. In 5 years.. Who knows! I can't plan that far ahead.

In 5 words or less describe your brand?

Traditional Tattoo Inspired Apparel. Sweet.