Today we’d like to introduce you to Matt Verdier.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve been making graphics and drawings for about ten years now, but my love of the screen printing process came from wanting to make shirts for my band in high school (RIP). Through many errors and experiments, I managed to teach myself the process with a starter kit from Michael’s.
I majored in graphic design, but the printmaking classes I took in college taught me a lot more about the process and gave me access to infinitely better supplies and equipment. That knowledge served as a jumping-off point that allowed me to start creating my own studio and producing high-quality prints.
I began Just Okay in late 2017 with four shirt designs that were attempts at witty pop culture references. I quickly decided I was more interested in exploring my own weird design ideas and attempting to spread a message rather than capitalizing on content that already existed. Over the last year of growth, I think I’ve created a brand that relates to people and also allows me to make the kind of art I want to.
Please tell us about your art.
As Just Okay Co., I make mostly hand-printed apparel, various accessories, and prints. I personally print and package everything to ensure quality.
The goal of my designs is to promote self-acceptance and sprinkle sweet affirmations on your t-shirt (as well as other absurd designs I feel like making).
More specifically, that it’s okay to be just okay in regard to everything. Your mental wellness, your craft, or situation are all things that aren’t always going to be perfect, but we can be working on bettering them. Accepting that things can be just okay is a positive mindset that puts us in a better place for self-acceptance and improvement.
Ultimately, I want the art and products I create to make others feel validated and motivated.
Given everything that is going on in the world today, do you think the role of artists has changed? How do local, national or international events and issues affect your art?
I think art has always been political, but it does seem like art and design are adopting a more political responsibility recently. Though I don’t think any artist has the responsibility or obligation to intentionally be political or provide social commentary, it happens organically and in smaller ways.
Personally, I think politics is a very dividing force now. People have strong (uninformed or otherwise) opinions that make them inclined to hate or reject opposition. Political discourse is obviously necessary, but I personally don’t want my art to lead to any kind of violence. I have to be more mindful of that because when you put something controversial on a shirt, you’re allowing your art to create a specific human target for potential hate. It’s different than street art or a gallery piece where people might type in caps to the artist on twitter.
As a designer, I definitely have to think about how the art I make fits into the social climate and what connotations it can have when juxtaposed to current issues. As far as my brand goes, I’m most concerned with being inclusive and promoting love and community in the face of the awful stuff happening rather than specifically commenting on it.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I try to do pop up shops as often as possible in different places.
Everything is always available online at justokay.co with free shipping (just like Amazon!)
Honestly, the best way you can support any artist now is to share and engage with their content on Instagram/Facebook/SoundCloud/venmo(?); odds are a lot of your friends will be into the same thing as you.
Contact Info:
- Website: justokay.co
- Email: justokaythings@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justokayco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustOkayCo/
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
