Meet Jose Vidrio

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jose Vidrio a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jose , so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

“I had to grow up quickly, facing life’s challenges on my own. Over the years, losing people close to me taught me how valuable it is to find light even in tough times. I’ve come to believe that instead of being angry or frustrated at life, it’s better to see the good both in situations and in others. It’s all about perspective, learning from what we go through, and choosing to keep moving forward with hope. For me, optimism isn’t just a mindset; it’s a way of living and honoring the past while believing in the future.”

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

“My t-shirt business started as a way to capture memories for my kids, creating special designs whenever they asked. It’s grown into a true passion, though the journey hasn’t always been easy. When I was doing screen printing from home, we had to downsize, which meant letting go of my screen printing equipment. That shift led me to explore screen print transfers fully, and now, I’m working with Direct-to-Film (DTF) and incredible options like Supacolor transfers. One of my favorite techniques from my screen printing days was working with halftones, using just one black-and-white screen to create unique designs.

Recently, I decided to bring that love for halftones back, experimenting with transfers, knocking out black from the designs so that the fabric breathes better, which really adds to the streetwear vibe. I realized this was something not many were talking about, so I started documenting the process on YouTube to share my journey and help others. It’s been exciting to share my approach and connect with others who love the craft!”

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

“Looking back, the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are resilience, creativity, and adaptability. Each has been crucial in different ways:

Resilience – Starting and running a business has had its fair share of ups and downs. Resilience has been key to pushing through challenges, especially in the early days when setbacks felt bigger. For anyone starting out, I’d recommend building this quality by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating those wins. It’s a way to stay motivated and build momentum, even when times are tough.

Creativity – Creativity has fueled my business, from designing unique t-shirts for my kids to exploring new techniques like halftones and DTF. It’s helped me stand out in a competitive field. If you’re new, nurture creativity by experimenting with different techniques and styles and always being open to inspiration. Join online groups, watch tutorials, and don’t be afraid to try something completely new—it’s often where the best ideas come from.

Adaptability – The ability to adapt, like when I moved from traditional screen printing to screen print transfers, was essential. The business and the industry evolve, and being open to change has allowed me to grow. For beginners, focus on learning and keeping an open mind. Technology, especially in creative industries, changes rapidly. Embrace the tools that can make your work more efficient or unique.

Ultimately, my advice is to stay patient and persistent. Building a business is a marathon, not a sprint. Small, steady improvements over time create the biggest impact.”

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of the biggest challenges I’m facing right now is scaling my business while balancing a full-time job. I’m incredibly passionate about t-shirt design, but finding time to grow my brand, create new designs, and manage the business side is tough when I’m juggling other commitments.

To overcome this, I’m focusing on streamlining processes and leveraging efficient tools like DTF transfers and services like Supacolor, which help reduce production time without sacrificing quality. Additionally, I’m investing in digital marketing to reach a broader audience online. Creating valuable content on YouTube has also been a priority sharing my experience with others has not only connected me to a supportive community but is also helping build the business organically.

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Image Credits

“Celebrate the holiday season with festive designs! This Christmas-inspired design was created with Kittl, featuring vibrant colors and holiday cheer. Perfect for adding a personal touch to your seasonal creations. Whether you’re designing t-shirts, cards, or other custom apparel, let the spirit of Christmas shine through with this design.”

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