YSK Print House

CEO
Sustainably minded print shop
Thumbnail image for the Care Companion app featuring the app name and a tagline, 'The Easy Way to Manage Your Doctor's Appointments.' The thumbnail includes small previews of various app screens such as the home screen, login menu, search menu, appointment booking screen, and confirmation screen, arranged around the central text to showcase the app's functionality and design.

ROle

YSK Print House is a full-service print shop, focusing on quality and sustainability. I started this business while an undergraduate at the U of O. My cliental has grown to include local businesses, event marketing, student clubs, and community organizations.

Overview

YSK Print House is a full-service print shop, focusing on quality and sustainability. I started this business while an undergraduate at the U of O. My cliental has grown to include local businesses, event marketing, student clubs, and community organizations.

Approach

YSK Print House emerged from my dual aspirations: to embark on my graphic design journey at a professional level and to address the alarming waste generated by commercial printing practices. As a sustainably minded full-service print shop, YSK Print House is dedicated to reducing waste and raising awareness about corporate environmental impacts. Having worked in commercial screen printing, I witnessed firsthand the excessive waste plaguing the industry and recognized opportunities for positive change. By immersing myself in every facet of the business, from design to management, I've gained invaluable hands-on experience navigating the complexities of entrepreneurship. This immersive approach has equipped me with practical insights into budgeting, fostering customer relationships, devising effective marketing strategies, and adapting to dynamic circumstances.

Client Portfolio:

As the sole operator of my screen printing business, I've had the opportunity to collaborate closely with a diverse range of clients, spanning from local startups to established brands. From crafting custom merchandise for large events to producing promotional items for marketing campaigns, each project reflects the tailored approach I take to meet the unique requirements of every client.

Founded Vintage

Designed and printed custom branded T-shirts and Crewnecks for Founded Vintages' summer "Flea Market" event.

A close-up view of a green t-shirt featuring the text 'Founded Vintage' in bold, vintage-style lettering with orange and yellow accents. The shirt is displayed on a clothing rack with other colorful shirts in the background, showcasing a bright and inviting setting.

ORCYPAA

Produced a large assortment of custom merchandise for the 2024 Oregon Regional Youth AA Campout.

Construction Companies

I have partnered with multiple construction companies in the area to produce their work apparel, including and not limited to t-shirts, safety vests, etc.

Stonewood Construction Co.

Helikson Brothers Construction Co.

Elade Lawn Care

Quality and Craftsmanship:

Quality is paramount in my screen printing business, and I've taken it a step further by prioritizing eco-friendliness. Witnessing firsthand the significant waste and pollution in the industry, I analyzed its pitfalls while working in large commercial print shops. This led me to implement waste-reduction policies, meticulously source environmentally friendly chemicals, invest in top-of-the-line equipment like ink filtration devices, exclusively partner with fair trade wholesalers for garment purchases, and use non-toxic inks. These efforts have not only reduced harm but also fostered a more sustainable environment within our industry. Importantly, these practices haven't compromised affordability or quality; instead, they've been reinforced by initiatives like our 5-10 minute rule.

Customer Satisfaction:

"Great work! Get's the product finished in a timely manner and is very professional to work with, they provide us with all our sweatshirts and shirts and we are always happy with the outcome. Us at Stonewood Construction, Inc. really appreciate YSK print house!"

Tess Stolle - Stonewood Construction Inc.

"Drew at YSK Print House puts sustainability and craft first. So stoked about the gear we got for club merch, and recommend the speedy AND high quality work. And super easy to communicate with."

Charles Boiler - UO Rising Project

"We had some uniform T’s printed up by Drew at YSk Print House- we LoVe them! All our customers have commented on how great they look, and the quality of the shirt is comfy and good quality material.Drew was prompt and professional.I highly recommend YSK Print House for your printing needs."

Leslie Wallace - Active Life PT

Community Engagement:

Establishing YSK Print House has empowered me to cultivate meaningful connections within my community. Embracing a grassroots approach over traditional marketing methods, I've focused on building genuine relationships. Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as the Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, and the Oregon Regional Campout for Youth in AA has been pivotal in my entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, I've had the privilege of working with various K-12 schools around Eugene, OR, including the Asian Pacific Islander Student Union at Cal Young Middle School and the Sheldon D. Henry National Honors Society. I've also engaged with student clubs at the University of Oregon like Oregon Innovation Club, UO Rising, and Divisi. My efforts have garnered recognition from multiple groups at the University of Oregon; The Daily Emerald featured an article on my clothing brand and its sustainability initiatives, while UO Rising showcased my involvement in their Sustainable Merch Program. This led to a collaboration with Rennie's Landing, a local campus bar, for their sustainability-themed trivia night. This journey hasn't just strengthened my ties to my hometown; it's also been a transformative personal adventure, enriching me with invaluable skills as I continue to grow.

Professional Development:

Through my journey with YSK Print House, I've actively pursued professional development, honing a diverse skill set crucial to both business management and graphic design. Collaborating with clients and wholesalers has strengthened my interpersonal and negotiation skills, while effectively communicating ideas and requirements has been paramount. Managing day-to-day operations has sharpened my proficiency in budgeting, inventory management, and customer relationship management. Additionally, I've mastered tools like Excel for financial analysis and data organization, ensuring timely delivery and client satisfaction through adept time and project management. In the realm of graphic design, I've expanded my expertise to encompass web design, production design, branding, and marketing strategies. This multifaceted experience has not only bolstered my confidence across various fields but has also facilitated personal growth, socially and professionally.

Starting YSK Print House was a steep learning curve, encompassing myriad aspects of business management previously unfamiliar to me. Transitioning to a self-directed work environment required mastering financial management, from expense reports to profit-loss statements, alongside creating pricing scales and quote creators. Engaging with wholesalers and distributors, navigating licensing and trademark applications, and developing marketing strategies have further broadened my skill set. Socially, working with clients pushed me beyond my comfort zone, while problem-solving on the press and self-teaching production design techniques like bitmapping and simulated process printing have expanded my technical proficiency. Collaborating with chemical manufacturers to adopt eco-friendly solutions underscores my commitment to sustainability. This transformative journey has propelled me to unforeseen personal and professional growth, shaping me into the individual I am today.

Understanding the User

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