AIGA Santa Barbara Hosts Tour of Art Apparel Studio in Funk Zone

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - March 14, 2013 - PRLog -- The Santa Barbara chapter of the American Institute of Graphic Arts, AIGA, is hosting a night of wine, art and design in the Funk Zone with up-and-coming  CMND-Z (http://www.cmnd-z.com/) the American-made, art inspired clothing brand.

AIGA Santa Barbara is joining CMND-Z as they open their doors for a full tour of their art apparel, screen-printing studio with insight into the fashion label from founder and artist Lindsey Mickelson. CMND-Z and studio partner, Shannon Jayne Photography, will give local-area designers, photographers, illustrators and artists an inside look at Santa Barbara’s screen printing and fashion house.

The CMND-Z tour, from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27 at 22 Anacapa Street, Suite 6, will include live screen-printing of custom AIGA Santa Barbara (http://santabarbara.aiga.org/) shirts (included with entry), local Funk Zone Pali Wine Co. (http://www.paliwineco.com/) wine and appetizers.

CMND-Z, founded by 29-year-old Mickelson, combines comfort, sex appeal and original screen printed art to create unique clothing, fine art and graphics. Made at the hands of the artist, the screen prints originate from fine art and travel through a multitude of media, conversions, and re-births using canvas, bamboo blends, screen print and airbrush to create the apparel designs.

“By combining ethically made quality apparel, technical screen-printing, and a hands-on painterly approach, our clothing line will become the premiere of the industry,” Mickelson said. “The goal is to provide fashion to those who seek unique designs that reflect their own individuality without compromising ethical or moral concerns.”

The young company, with a team all under the age of 30, operates out of the print shop on a private label. They share the studio space with photographer Shannon Jayne, who often collaborates with Mickelson. Together, the shop provides art, photography, printing and design service to local businesses in and around Santa Barbara County.

Jennie Jacobs, AIGA Santa Barbara Membership Director, is looking forward to the studio tour and gaining insight on the genius behind CMND-Z art apparel, she said.

"Lindsey and CMND-Z is the epitome of what gets me excited about design in Santa Barbara. Her fresh take on graphics and fashion is paired with an immense entrepreneurial spirit,” Jacobs said. “Her ability to create the career she wants and carve out this amazing business is a great example to the youth of Santa Barbara."

Tickets to the CMND-Z studio tour are $15 for AIGA members and students, $22 for non-members, and include a live printed shirt. Please purchase tickets online at santabarbara.aiga.org.

About AIGA Santa Barbara:

AIGA, the professional association for design, believes designers serve a critical role as communicators, educators and innovators. AIGA sets the national agenda for the role of design in economic, social, political, cultural and creative contexts. Founded in 1914, AIGA is the nation’s largest professional association for design, with 24,000 members. AIGA Santa Barbara is one of 67 chapters and has a Board of Directors consisting of 9 people, dedicated to developing diversified programs and connecting AIGA members with people in the community with design needs. AIGA Santa Barbara serves as a resource for local designers in all stages of their careers.