Meet Mikel Galati of Modest Merch Screen Printing

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mikel Galati.

Mikel, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This business essentially grew from my passion for music. I have been playing in bands since early on in high school. Eventually, being in active and serious bands, we’d get merch printed to sell at our shows. This is what sparked my interest in screen printing enough to actually make the moves to start. My goal was to print my own band’s shirts/merch to sell at our shows. Cut out the middleman, be able to make what we want and when we wanted to. As well as do it in a more affordable manner. I was in my early 20’s with a part-time job. I took most of the money I had saved and bought an entry-level/beginners setup. From there, through tutorial videos, youtube and endless late nights of trial and error, I taught myself how to screen print. I learned the basics and loved every second of it. I did all of this out of our spare bedroom in our tiny apartment. About six months in, I got a job at a record label as a floater in the print shop. I was essentially the shop hand that did just about everything, aside from routine printing. I shadowed printers, I asked questions, I just worked my way around the shop and learned as much as I could.

While working at this shop, I was printing on the side at home. I’d work days at the record label print shop, go home and print nights and weekends for friends bands, artists and things of that nature. I worked at the shop for six months before I decided to quit. This was one of the best decisions I ever made and I couldn’t be more happy with the choice to leave and venture out on my own. That was a little over six years ago. In that time, I’ve had three different shop locations. Countless upgrades in equipment and learned more than I could have ever imagined. I’m currently located on the North Side of Chicago and have been in this shop/warehouse space for the last four years.

Has it been a smooth road?
As with most things in life, it’s been anything but smooth road. A constant problem is equipment malfunctioning or reaching the end of its life. I’ve owned pieces of equipment older than me and sometimes they call it quits. I use plenty of heavy duty, industrial equipment, many of which I’ve had to fix or replace under less than ideal circumstances. Sometimes, I’d come in on a Monday, with a full week ahead of me, only to be stuck fixing equipment for eight+ hours. The craft itself also proposes obstacles and challenges as well. I learn something new all the time while working. Sometimes, a certain method doesn’t work properly and I have to adapt to achieve the final product. It’s a great way to grow as a craftsman and is part of the fun. While they may be difficult to deal with while they are happening, all the bumps along the way got me to where I am today.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m Modest Merch and I offer custom printed t-shirts and apparel. I work with businesses, brands, schools, teams, events, bands and just about anyone that could utilize my services. Within my craft, I wouldn’t say that I specialize in 1 single thing. However, I do take pride in and would say that I specialize in working with musicians and artists. I do my best to provide all my clients with the same experience, but I am very well rounded with these clients because I can relate to them 110%. They are the reason I am where I am today and my shop is what it is today. I’m extremely proud of all the work I put out and the fact that I’m able to do it myself. If I’m not proud of the work, it won’t reach the client’s hands. I would say that the fact that I’m a 1 man shop does separate me from the others. I’m the person responding to your emails, prepping your art, printing your apparel and handing it off to you. I put myself into my business and all the work I put out.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Chicago is a great place for a business like mine. Many shops that offer the same or similar services thrive here in the city. Both small in size, like me. As well as many larger automated shops. Starting a business can be difficult, especially in a big city like ours. My best recommendation would be to have a strong game plan with what you want to do and what you want to achieve. Goals, deadlines and a motivation to keep moving forward and growing.

Contact Info:

• Address: 6211 W. Touhy – Unit B, Chicago, IL, 60646
• Website: www.modestmerch.com
• Phone: 1773-344-0380
• Email: modestmerch@gmail.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/modestmerch
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/modestmerch

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