An array of wild and wacky pieces from Boy-Girl Tees

Founder of Boy-Girl Tees Tracey Glick has based herself in San Francisco, having studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design. She started her work back in the 80s aside from her role as art director of Rolling Stone Magazine, and then joined Etsy in 2009.

Are the designs all your own or are there multiple designers? Do any designs come from outside of the brand?

All my own designs.

What is your favourite era for design and why?

Sixties. I love the shapes and colours.

What has been the highlight of your career so far?

Getting a full page in Vogue magazine with Christy Turlington wearing one of my t-shirts.

Which of your current designs is your favourite?

My Dinosaur Planters. They are also the most popular with customers.

What’s the story behind the dinosaur/animal vases?

I was originally going to chop off the tops of dolls heads and have the plants be the hair, but the dinosaurs seemed funnier and I thought had a broader appeal… making people smile is usually the objective.

Would you say your work is directed at a particular trend or group of people?

All ages seem to respond. I try to make things that everyone can enjoy.

What is your favourite aspect of your job? Are there any negatives?

 A lot of alone time – that is an honest answer for both!

Who would you most like to collaborate with?

Jonathan Adler.

What are a few of your likes and dislikes in terms of design and style aesthetic?

I like simplicity and love working with one colour. If it works in one colour you know it is a darn good design; I dislike overly thought-out designs.

Please tell me about the creative process that went into your current collection. What techniques were used?

Lots of imagination, lots of scavenging, lots of trial and error!

What is your favourite sort of thing to design?

Fun objects that make people smile.

How would you describe your personality, and is this reflected in your work?

I’m a loyal goofball! I have fun but work hard at the same time, and I think my work is a direct reflection of who I am.

What is your one fashion vice?  

I love wearing fun, printed socks.

Do you have a team working with you to help manage the brand?

Nope, just elves that help with shipping at Christmas and a professional photographer who takes really nice quality pictures for me.

What made you decide to expand beyond just t-shirts on Etsy?

I am a toy collector and plant lover, so it just made sense and the products overtook the t-shirts immediately.

Have you any plans for the future? When can we expect your next collection and where do you hope to be in five years?

More fun objects for the home. I try to do a few new small collections throughout the year – hopefully I’ll be in the same place in five years.

Elizabeth Finney

For further information on the collections and on Glick’s other work, visit the Boy-Girl Tees Etsy page or her own website here.