Lifted Creations
Zach Franck interviewing Walker Rice
Q:What was the original goal for Lifted Creations?
A: My original goal for Lifted Creations was to produce art for bands that I love to allow me to travel throughout the county on my off time from school. I wanted to have a way to legally fund all of my traveling and musical endeavors without being stuck at a 9-5 job.
Q: Why did you create this type of company?
A: In Novemeber 2011 when the idea of Lifted Creations became a reality, I decided that the market for the products I wanted to sell was still not overcrowded and I knew I could become very successful at what I wanted to achieve.
Q:How did all the pieces fall into place?
A: I produced my first pin for a 2 night Lotus run in Baltimore, Maryland back in November 2011. After the success of my first design, I instantly realized that what I had going had lots of potential to be great. I dedicated every minute that I was not in the classroom to working to make Lifted Creations bigger and better. I began heavily trying to establish my brand throughout the country via both word of mouth and social media. I proceeded to make designs for events for the next several months and saved money for my move to Denver, CO. In May 2012, my girlfriend (Presley Mullinax) and I moved to Denver to pursue our dreams. We have been living out here ever since and things have only continued to get better.
Q:What products does Lifted Creations currently carry?
A: We currently offer a little something for everyone. We are in the process of clearing out our summer inventory to bring in an all new fall/winter selection. Our catalog currently contains patches, lapel pins, hoodies, t-shirts, hats, gem and minerals, jewelry, zipper pulls, etc.
Q:How do you do most of your sales? Online or vending?
A:We do a fair share of both. I love the convenience of internet shopping but going out and meeting people face to face is one of the best parts about my job. I love interacting with people who share the same love of music and art that I do.
Q:Where do you usually obtain your wire-wrapped jewelry from?
A: We try to mix it up and support as many artists in the community as we can. We feel that is very important to keep our cash within the community. Some of our favorite wire-wrappers are: Zac Cobb, Ben Claus, Buddy Austin, etc.
Q:Where can people see your work and products?
A: We post on our Facebook ALOT. This is where we predominately do most of our new releases, free giveaways, product launch information, etc. We also have a blog on our website that we are still in the process of updating.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lifted-Creations/270416619667924
Website: www.liftedcreations.net
Q:What truly inspires you to do this?
A: I think there are two things that truly drive me to do this: the music and the people. I love making people happy especially through art. Its a way to entertain myself and also express my love for these bands and artists.
Q:Does music have a big influence on you?
A: Music is my MAIN influence when doing this. I love exploring new genres of music and discovering new artists to inspire me while creating art for my customers.
Q:Who are some of your favorite artists?
A: The String Cheese Incident, Lotus, The Disco Biscuits, Furthur, The New Deal, Twiddle
Q:Do you plan on continuing to operate out of CO for a while?
A: There has been some talks about moving out further west but we just got a new home in CO so I do not see myself going anywhere anytime soon.
Q:Where do you see Lifted Creations in a year?
A: I hope to have expanded to even bigger and better merchandise. I am currently working on a few new artists series with some of the best artists in the world. Keep an eye peeled over the next few weeks for some AMAZING new drops!!
Q:What have been some of your biggest achievements so far? Lets say 'Top 5'
A:I would have to say my top 5 achievements would be the ones listed below (they are not in any particular order)
1.) Working with some of my favorite bands on official merchandise (i.e. The Disco Biscuits, Lotus, etc.)
2.) Working with some artists like Alex and Allyson Grey, Luke Brown, Kurt Redeker, Android Jones, and other artists who's work has been a huge inspiration for me since day one.
3.) Having an opportunity to team up with some of the biggest music festivals in our scene like Wakarusa and Camp Bisco and being able to create designs and merch for them.
4.) Establishing such a loyal customer fan base because without our customers we would not be able to do this day in and day out. If we did not get the support that we get from all of you on a regular basis, there would be no Lifted Creations. So a special thank you goes out to each and everyone of you for helping keep my dream alive!
5.) Being able to make a name for myself within the community and to be recognized for some of the handwork and dedication I put into Lifted Creations. That means the most to me to see someone's face when they get a new piece of my art.
Since our move to CO we have had the pleasure of meeting some off the most inspirational people in our scene. We have done production and design with/for multiple big names including:
Wakarusa Music Festival
Camp Bisco Music Festival
The Disco Biscuits
Bassnectar
Lotus
Umphrey's McGee
Railroad Earth
The Magic Beans
The Werks
Spring Pickin Music Festival
Alex and Allyson Grey
Kurt Redeker
Luke Brown
moe.