Sustainable Fashion, One T-shirt at a Time

Hey! 

I'm Amy, the artist behind Indie Ink Apparel, a small independent business based in Yorkshire. Using my background in painting and graphic design, I create comfortable, vintage inspired graphic t-shirts from premium heavyweight cotton, proudly designing and printing every piece here in the heart of Yorkshire.

Beyond my art and graphic tees, I believe in the importance of building a more sustainable future for the fashion industry. I’ve always loved it, but the industry can have a significant impact on our planet. From over-consumption to unnecessary waste, the challenges are ever-increasing. 

Every little step counts, and I believe valuing handmade, quality craftsmanship that’s made to last, means we can all contribute to a more mindful (and unique) way of enjoying fashion. By choosing high-quality and durable materials, your apparel will be able to be worn and loved (and maybe passed down!) for longer, moving away from the constant fast-fashion cycle.

If you do just one of these sustainable fashion tips, you’re helping a bigger cause:

• Choose quality over quantity
• Look at charity shops, vintage stores and online marketplaces
• Embrace what you already own (Pinterest can be great for outfit inspiration)
• Before buying something new, ask yourself things like, "do I really need this?" and  "how often will I wear it?" - this is one I need to do more!

Right now, for the business, sustainability has meant carefully choosing our packaging. We use eco-friendly mailing bags made from sugar cane, and use recyclable paper materials wherever possible. I also use high-quality t-shirt blanks and durable materials to make sure my products are made to last. I’m always on the lookout to make my business as eco-friendly as it can be-  but there’s always room for improvement and it’s a work in progress!

Hand-Printing T-shirts That are Made to Last

When I make t-shirts, the designs I print begin with sketches and mood boards. I print the final designs printed onto acetate, then I coat the screens in my DIY ‘darkroom’ in my bathroom, using a light-sensitive emulsion. 

With a combination of sunlight and sometimes a work light, I expose the screens. I try to use the natural sunlight where possible, but the lovely British weather sometimes says otherwise! Now this brings me to my favourite part - washing away the exposed emulsion, leaving behind my design!

Once the screens are fully dry, they’re ready for printing. This is always so much fun getting to see my designs come to life.

Screen printing is a very hands-on process, from the initial drawing to the final tee. Knowing that each tee has gone through this journey in my little home studio makes them feel extra-special. I’m constantly learning and really enjoying the process, and it really makes it worth it when I see you guys wearing them!

Supporting a small business like mine, means you’re not just buying a t-shirt; you're supporting a passion, a creative process, and a little bit of Yorkshire’s craftsmanship. The conscious choice of shopping small is a big step in the fight against fast fashion. By valuing the handmade nature and durability of each piece, you’re actively choosing an alternative that prioritises quality over fleeting trends. After all, we only have one planet to take care of, so it’s important we make small changes as consumers before it’s too late!

If you’d like to see what apparel we have to offer or learn more about my shop, visit my website: www.indieinkapparel.co.uk

Or keep up to date with my small business on Instagram @indieinkapparel

Thanks for being a part of my journey!