When it comes to getting merch, t-shirts or apparel produced for your company you have lots of options as a business owner in North Vancouver. You can do drop shipping, get things printed locally and have a stock of items, and any mix of these ways of doing things. Great merch sells itself and lasts forever and not everyone can execute at a high level.
We are on a path to dig up the best community stories about businesses and people here in the Lonsdale Avenue corridor of North Vancouver, which is why we are so excited to have an opportunity to interview Adam Caouette who is the production manager at Orion Screenworks in the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District. Many North Shore companies use them for printing needs and you should consider them too, learn more below.
How did Orion Screenworks get started, how did you name the business and what do you like about operating in North Vancouver?
Orion Anthony is the company founder and president; he started screenprinting on the North Shore in 1988, and opened the shop on East Esplanade in 1998. We feel extremely fortunate to live and work on the North Shore. We are surrounded by a wide range of established and emerging businesses, and are thrilled to help them meet their needs for custom-printed apparel.
In a very real sense, our clients’ goals are our goals. Perhaps they need to identify their staff or crew, or they need retail merch to give their brand real-world visibility. Perhaps they are starting a clothing line and need help to prepare and actualize their designs. They have a message, and we can help spread it. We have a wealth of experience with various print techniques and garment styles, and can provide full graphic design and consulting services at every step.
What are the products and services that you offer to locals in the Lower Lonsdale Shipyards District?
We provide custom screenprinted t-shirts, longsleeves, sweaters, hoodies, windbreakers, jackets, golf shirts, tote bags, beer koozies, patches, and more for businesses, bands, brands, events and more on the North Shore and beyond. We also provide graphic design and product development services, helping our clients actualize products that literally bring their brand to life.
What are some of the trends for 2020 in printing merchandise?
As far as garment colors, peach is a top pick right now, and we have great selections in T’s and fleece sweaters in that and many other on-trend colours. We’re seeing a lot of exciting choices as far as print placement and scale from our designers as well – it doesn’t have to be a big print front-centre any more! Discharge ink printing continues to be very popular for our clients looking for a soft, breathable print – it’s an awesome choice for printing on lighter, softer garments. We also just finished an order for a streetwear brand with all designs printed black ink-on-black shirts and white-on-white – the designs looked awesome and the clients were thrilled!
In your spare time outside of operating Orion Screenworks, what do you get up to for activities?
Both Adam Ferris (print manager) and myself are busy parents, raising young families here in North Van and enjoying all the excitement that entails! As well, we are both involved in the Vancouver music scene and have the opportunity to collaborate with many talented Vancouver artists, in screenprinting and otherwise!
Lastly, is there anything else you might want our readers to know about yourself or the business?
Whether it’s your first time delving into screenprinting, or you’ve had work done in the past, don’t hesitate to contact us any time. We’re always happy to discuss options and provide quotes as needed. A lot of times designers have great ideas or concepts for their brand, but are a bit daunted by the print process, or don’t know where to start. We’re here to help. Nothing makes us happier than seeing our clients thrilled with the merch they’ve received, and knowing their brand message has been brought to life in the best way possible!
If you would like more info you can visit their website or connect with them using social media on Instagram and Facebook. The physical address location of the print shop is 246 East Esplanade in North Vancouver. You can contact customer service with your questions – orionscreenworks@shaw.ca
Photos of Orion Screenworks
