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 right here in Yorkshire.

Beyond the graphic tees and art, I believe in the importance of building a more sustainable future for fashion. The fashion industry, as much as I’ve always loved it, can have a significant impact on our planet. From overconsumption 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 (look at Pinterest for outfit inspiration!)

• Before buying something new, ask yourself, "do I really need this?" "how often will I wear it?" - this is one I need to do more!

  
  

Right now, sustainability for me, means carefully choosing our packaging, like using eco-friendly mailing bags made from sugar cane, and using 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 - it’s a work in progress!

Hand printing t-shirts that are made to last

When I make my t-shirts, it all begins with sketches and mood boards, then develops into digital designs that are ready for print. Once I have the designs printed onto acetate, I coat the screens in my DIY ‘darkroom’ in my bathroom, using a light-sensitive emulsion. 

Using sunlight where I can (depends on our lovely English weather) and sometimes a work light, I expose the screens. Now ready for 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, it makes it even more special 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 craftsmanship. The conscious choice of shopping small is a direct fight against the fashion industry’s focus on fast production and disposability. By valuing the handmade nature and durability of each piece, you’re actively choosing an alternative that prioritises quality over fleeting trends.

Thanks for being a part of my journey!

I originally wrote this blog for the amazing Craft and Flea, you can read it here.