August 28th 2006:rotemgear.com

1. what do you like about creating t-shirts? I love the process of creating something that makes me smile, that "speaks" to another person and sometimes also speaks *for* them. It was interesting making the adjustment from print and web design to t-shirt design. The space considerations and medium are so different and I didn't realize that in the beginning. I also discovered that t-shirts are, in many ways, personal billboards, whether they have a text message or a reproduction of art. Either way, they say something about the person wearing it. For me, I love finding that common ground between me and the wearer, and creating a message that is delivered via some aesthetic and/or fun vehicle. It is also important to me that humor be intelligent and yet never unkind. I know it all sounds a bit grandiose for a t-shirt. But it's all part of what I enjoy about the creation process, and hopefully what people enjoy about wearing them.

2. When did you start selling the goods you made? In 2002. I wanted to offer edgy designs that speak to the younger urban diverse Jewish community. At the time there were no such thing, or at least very, very few. I also wanted to use my background in Asian and Japanese studies to do the same for shirts that demonstrate appreciation of Asian culture, mostly for my own pleasure.

3. When did open your shop? Soon after I designed my first few shirts, I built the first web shop for Rotem Gear, which is still my main shop despite the changes it has gone through since going live. Over the past 3 years I've built other smaller shops as well, each with a different focus.

3. are you going to be a vender at any craft shows/faires? I have sold at some holiday boutiques, Peddler on the Roof, Fashion Co-op, and recently at a genealogy conference too! As for the near future I am not yet sure but hope to participate in some closer to the holidays.

4. How did you come up with the name for youre company/store? Somewhat randomly in terms of marketing, I'm afraid. "Rotem" is a Hebrew personal and family name derived from the word for a certain tree that grows in the desert. It stays green year-round and survives despite its harsh climate, and produces tiny flowers with an exquisite fragrance, so it is a symbol of strength and beauty. I've always like the name and it's not too far from my own last name (Roth.)

You can find rotemgear .rotemgear.com Item to check out ."Got Menudo?" Sticker (Bumper)