Designer Interview - 3L Apparel (By Michaela)

We're loving 3L Apparel, our newest addition to the array of indie brands we have at the shop, with its vibrant look, local spirit, and laid-back attitude. Michaela recently interview David Abarta, one half of the design and creation team behind 3L Apparel.

When were you founded, and what was the inspiration behind starting 3L?
We were founded at the beginning of 2009.  The inspiration behind starting 3L came from a sketch that my partner colby did, we turned that into our first tee and just ran with it. 

Michaela: Do you have a personal favorite tee that you produce?
David: My personal favorite would have to be the Peace tee. 

Do you screen-print locally or outsource?
Locally, of course.

Would you like to only produce tees or branch into other apparel/softgoods, etc?
We have a lot of ideas, and our plan from the beginning has been to eventually branch out into other apparel/softgoods as well as some other projects, a little down the line of course.  We want to make sure we always put a lot of time and thought into each design and product that we put out.  

What are your inspirations for your designs? Do you and your partner do all the designs?
Inspiration for our tees comes from everywhere.  My partner and I do all of our designs, and we're stoked that we fully control the creative process and can make whatever we want, however we want it. 

How would you describe your personal style?
I think personal style is whatever makes you feel confident and good about how you look, whatever that may be. I would say that my style is constantly changing, evolving, and is just whatever im personally feeling at the time. 

In 5 years, where would you like 3L to be?
I see us hopefully growing as a company over the next 5 years, getting more accounts, doing some collaborations, and producing things other than just apparel. Just stayin' loose and enjoying the ride.  

ALSO CHECK OUT:
This Just In - 3L Apparel - new arrivals from 3L at Thriving Ink & Co.
3L Apparel's blog - awesome photography, skate videos, and 3L news