Design It Together: Ben Karis-Nix and Taylor Gillis

Design it Together is a design studio based in Troy, NY featuring original artwork & clothing designs as well as providing graphic design services to clients. The artists behind this collection are Ben Karis-Nix and Taylor Gillis. Ben came up with the idea of designing an original line of screen printed apparel when he was touring with his band, performing, but also designing merchandise for the band, and other musicians. He admired the work of some of the artists who were vending in the circuit, which he describes as t-shirts which have “constructive messages that young people would be interested in.” Having just moved back to rural upstate, NY, he was inspired by his surroundings and decided to populate the line with designs that spoke to themes of nature and renewable energy.

Ben and Taylor met when they were both at in-between points in their lives. Ben's band had just broken up, and Taylor, a graphic designer, had been sharing a studio with other freelance designers whom had just disbanded. Working together at the St. Rose bookstore led them to build a solid friendship and go into business together. Taylor brought more graphics to the collection, and the line is now expanding to bring even more artists into the mix. When you visit their website, you can vote on which latest design will go into production and be available for sale.

With Taylor's background in graphic design, and Ben's in fine art, the team started working on other projects together. Last summer they established Design it Together, a design studio cooperative, and completed some projects you may be familiar with. They recently designed and launched the Anchor No.5 website, and are helping Petra realize her vision of branding the store, including the boutique's mascot, a flirtatious, sailor, pin-up girl. Ben and Taylor describe Petra as their typical client, a small business owner who's shop has it's own style and persona, but needs help executing the necessary marketing materials. Ben and Taylor function as creative directors who work with a network of designers, artists, and programmers to tackle a variety of projects.

Their latest, very exciting expansion is the addition of a new printer. Not many studios in the U.S. use this type of machine, which produces a very unique and unconventional look. They hope to use it for their own work, the work of other artists, and for the printed material they produce for clients. We will undoubtedly see more great things to come from the Design it Together team, Ben Karis-Nix and Taylor Gillis. Make sure you stop into Anchor No.5 Boutique this Friday for Troy Night Out, or any time in April to check out the featured t-shirt line, Run We Must.

Kristin Gallo
revelinart.com

Welcome

If you've had the pleasure of visiting Anchor No.5 Boutique in Troy, then you already know that it features over 50 designers from the Capital Region, who create a wide range of stylish products. Starting in March, Anchor No. 5 will feature a different artist each month, and this is the place to find out about them.

Here you can find out who the featured artist is, what kind of products they create, and all of the reasons you will love their work. This blog will be published the Monday before Troy Night Out, and will allow you to get to know the designer and their collection, which will be featured in the Boutique for the next month.

My name is Kristin Gallo and I am the designer behind Revel, a collection of original artwork for individual style. My line includes wallets, scarves, and bandannas, all made from hand painted fabric, plus a unique set of bottle openers.

I met Petra Jancovicova in a sculpture class at The University at Albany, where we worked side by side in the wood and metal shops. I remember her showing up to class after staying up all night to fill orders as her handbag line, Petra, was growing in popularity.

Petra continued to successfully design and produce Petra, diligently studying and building on the latest trends, and selling them throughout the region and beyond. While doing this she built a vast network of artists and designers from the area, which made her next step clear, a place where all of their hard work and talent could be showcased, Anchor No.5 Boutique.

We are a community of artists who admire and support each other, while hoping to better our broader local community. At the same time we hope that the community will return the favor. Read this blog to learn more about us, yell at us on the street if you like our work, and celebrate with us at Troy Night Out. Visit Anchor No.5 and see the ever changing and growing inventory. Petra is constantly shaking things up and pushing herself to come up with more creative and chic in store and window displays.

Hope to see you there.


Kristin Gallo
RevelinArt.com