Today we’d like to introduce you to Cryptic Seal.
Hi Cryptic, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Cryptic Seal was founded by Jackson Ewing and D.R. Davis in a bedroom in 2017. Created as an outlet to showcase Jackson’s art. Using hand printed t-shirts and apparel to display his art. Throughout the years we noticed the difficulty to make progress as artists in Kansas City. With that we began offering our screen-printing services as well as the creation of Cryptic Seal Magazine. A KC-based magazine focusing on up and coming artists from the area. Created in hopes to be the platform and opportunity we sought after. We are now operating as a clothing brand, print shop, and creative hub. With more planned for the future we hope to grow and grow with the Kansas City art scene.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The hardest part about running a business is having the drive. Throughout the years motivation has come and gone. It becomes difficult to continue when there is no one else to make you except yourself. As we continue to change and adapt Cryptic Seal into what we desire it to be, we must also grow as individuals to fit the mold that we created.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We make our designs from not only our mind, but the materials around us. We can find something you wouldn’t necessarily think useful for a design process. We’ve used googly eyes, pipe cleaners, clay, glass, and other items either found around the house or at secondhand stores. Apart from our design process, although not entirely unique, we started our screen printing processes from the ground up. We used to hold screens down with our hands and knees on top of crates to print on shirts. Screens burned using a dingy chicken coop light. As time went on, we learned more, and saved our money to buy better equipment. Things will keep going in that direction of more knowledge, and better tools to put our skills to use. It goes to show that no matter what point you’re at in your creative process, if you have the will, you can make something or anything happen.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
In high school my art teacher (Jackson’s teacher) Mr. Person, helped me with burning a screen for a project I had in mind. He knew I had been working on Cryptic Seal in the background and changed my world forever by showing me the screen printing process. He continued to help me with my screen printing journey after high school. Invited me to his home to let me use his equipment and show me the proper way of doing things. He printed shirts for different things at our school and I had never thought anything of it up until that point. Even after we’ve acquired all the equipment needed to do things on our own he continues to show his support. I would have never gotten this far without his help and he is the greatest teacher I could have asked for.
Aside from the help of Mr. Person as a mentor, there are many others to thank. Our families for the help where needed and support. Our friend Brody who helps film videos and fills in anywhere he is needed. As well as all of the people, and creatives, we’ve met along our journey and all of those who will come in our future.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.crypticseal.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crypticseal/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Crypticsealclothingandprint/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@crypticseal
