So something pretty spectacular happened recently. I have had my little side hustle, Blood Sweat Tears Cosplay Apparel for a couple of years. I started it because I wanted some cool and subtle t-shirts and hoodies for me and my cosplay friends to wear ‘off duty.’ Something a bit more under the radar and subtle than rocking a Marvel shirt (though there ain’t nothing wrong with that!)
I was just starting to gain momentum and was planning on tabling at a small local con. And then...well, we all know what happened next. I ended up paying for site fees for months with no sales before finally throwing in the towel and suspending the site. The site fees ate through the tiny profits I had accumulated up until that point, and actually put me in the hole. Recently, I had to reactivate the site temporarily to renew my domains. And well, a little show called Our Flag Means Death came out and took over my brain and the brains of many, many other people. I had ideas for designs, and my site fees were paid up a little longer, so I decided to toss a few designs up. If nothing else, I’d have them for myself!
Vico Ortiz, who plays Jim on the show, posted a PO box on their Instagram a few weeks ago. On a whim, I decided to send them the above shirt design. I wasn’t expecting anything, and for a little bit was terrified they’d hate it. Imagine my surprise when a few days ago, they posted on their Instagram. Not only did Vico not hate it, they wore it (and styled it amazingly) to a Trans Pride LA talk! I was so flipping over the moon and honoured that they’d wear it to an important conversation. A few people have found my collection and bought their own. It’s been a pretty small amount, but it has helped dig me out of the hole. More than that, I’m tickled that other OFMD fans might do their own version of Vico’s outfit. We’re so lucky to have this cast and this fandom, and I’m so honoured that Vico gave me a little shout out.
