Vendor of the Month: Avant Pop
When I first heard about Avant Pop through their website, I learned that it is a “make” company. After reading more about the company, I had tons of questions for Jeff Sanner, the brainchild of Avant Pop. My main question was something along the lines of ,“what is a ‘make’ company and what sets it apart from other companies.” Through Jeff’s response, I realized that I was reading way too much into the term “make” company as he simply defined it as, “we are makers of things.” This means that Avant Pop doesn’t specialize in producing one specific product. Instead, the company constantly creates new products to add to the collection. At the moment, Avant Pop is producing limited run poster prints, t-shirts, and buttons. However, Jeff suggests that more cut and sew items and 3-D printed pieces are in the company’s future. Intrigued by the endless possibilities that surround this “make” company? Check them out at the next Art and Flea at Fresh Cafe!
How would you describe Avant Pop and what you do?
A-Pop is a "make" company… We are makers of things. Avant Pop is the brainchild of Jeff Sanner. Currently A-Pop is producing limited run poster prints—concert related and others that are more arty. Limited edition t-shirts (very limited—some have only 8 prints total). There is also a collection of 1" buttons that are constantly changing (they sell fairly fast). In the near future we are planning on adding more cut and sew items as well as 3D printed pieces—charms, cookie cutters, figurines, coasters and maybe even self-portraits (we are working on that process right now).
How did you begin working with prints?
While in High School (some 20+ years ago) I won best in show award with a multiple color screen print project. It was at a graphic arts convention and ever since then I have been making prints (off and on). When I started college I wanted to be a print major but eventually switched to graphic design. I have a BFA in graphic design and am currently employed full time as an art director for Waikiki Magazine and am also a freelance graphic designer. I work in the corporate design world so often that it sometimes takes away from creative expression—Avant Pop fills that void.
Where do you draw inspiration from to create each print?
Inspiration comes from may places; bike riding, pop culture, history, art, music, movies, dogs, design, learning new things, architecture, travel, technology, whatever. It starts when something for some reason "pops" into my head and thats where it begins. I make a note. if I remember the idea when I am in front of a computer I sometimes try and do some designs if I am not in front of a computer I sketch. I eventually come up with a design that I like and usually make a button of the idea at first. After a few months if I still like the design/pin and may make a tshirt out of it. For posters it is usually more design angled. it is most likely based on something about the band I can latch onto and I turn it into a print.