How did Hype Type start?

We started in 1999 in my bedroom, I had just returned from working for three years in San Diego for an agency called Imagewerks Inc, the company was owned by Andy Howell and specialized in Youth Culture Branding.

How many of you are involved?

There are two of us involved, me and Barrie Bloor, I handle all creative and Baz is studio manager.

How did everybody meet, did you know each other before working together?

We have been friends since we were at school, we grew up skateboarding together. When I set up the company I worked on my own for a few years then when it was time to expand I approached Baz who had just finished a business degree and he came on board.

Does anybody skateboard in the company?

Yes we are all connected with skateboarding here - we have been skating since we were about ten and have been ever since! The connection with Andy came from him seeing some work I had done many years ago. He had just set up an agency in San Diego working for many big brands and offering unique expertise in Youth Culture Branding. Andy wanted me to work with him and his company so he flew out here, interviewed me, made me an offer and I went back on the next flight with him, bags packed and lived and worked with him for the next two - three years. We have been working together on building brands and many exciting projects for the last eight years.

How did you get involved with Science?

Hmmm, can't quite remember - think I just sent an email, I liked your stuff and the direction that the company was taking - it was unique to all other companies, that look the same with uninspiring concepts and little direction apart from latching onto current trends, yours stood out so I think I dropped you a mail.

Just exactly who are the representatives of Hype Type's Go-kart Elite?

To be honest, very few! Haha. We were stoked from the go-karting invites and have both got pretty good - it's just a bit of fun once a month. Actually last weekend we competed in the British 24 Go Karting Championships - we had a team of five and were racing against Honda, Williams, Benetton amongst others, we did really well and came in 12th out of 30! Considering these guys do a 24 hour race each month all over the world we were stoked!!!

Can you tell me about Hype Store?

Hype Store began as an outlet to sell some of our Hype Type t-shirt designs that we just used to give to clients as promo. We soon realized that there was a small market to sell some of the shirts to non clients and they sold like hot cakes! We use the site to sell any limited edition and collaboration pieces that we make, such as t-shirts posters, brochures etc..

Who are your favourite artists that inspire you?

Andy Howell, Dave Kinsey, Jose Gomez, Ted Newsome, Sam Flores are some of my favourites - both for their amazing art and for the huge impact they have all had in skateboard and youth culture worldwide.

What advice would you give to young aspiring designers who want to be involved with other like-minded people and start working together and form a company?

I guess you just have to believe in what you do and know what you want, don't give up, make good connections, get clients and build relationships with them. It's hard work every day, but can also be the most rewarding, knowing that you don't report to anyone but yourself. Be prepared for lots of late nights, no sleep, tons of pressure and no regular income! Haha - but I wouldn't trade it for anything!!

For more information
www.hypetype.co.uk