FREE IDEA CLOTHING!

DANGER DANGER

2010-12-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

Sticker packs are in the mail and will be here in a few days.

The new line is READY to be dropped. yeah you hear that? its ready.
now im just being that guy to make you wait a little longer and bide my time to blow up on something.

keep your nose clean.

Stickers stickers and stickers!

2010-11-22T07:45:00.001-08:00

stickers packs will be in next week. (monday?)
get them while you can.
also If your around New York City. play "spot free idea" after this saturday.

The ending of a Generation.

2010-11-18T11:52:00.000-08:00

I am now 22 years old, I remember when i was in 5th grade i read the first harry potter book and i was hooked. in 6th grade, the first movie was released in theaters and I went on a afterschool trip hosted by B.F Brown middle school to see the movie. Tonight at midnight i will be waiting inline for the first showing of the 1st part of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. Depending on where you stand. The Harry Potter series, Has been a LARGE monument in most of our lives, i for one, am really bummed out sometimes that i was not born a wizard. (fml right?) but tonight i will be here. and tomorrow i will post why Harry potter has been such a large contribution to our Generation.

The last couple of Months.

2010-11-18T11:41:00.001-08:00

I would like to be the first to say, that I have not stopped Free Idea in any way. in fact! i have been working in this secret laboratory (like dexter) cooking up new ideas, ways to make you guys enjoy every little thing about what your apart off. little collectibles, even more collectible shirts, and just new items. The New line will be releasing shortly after thanks giving. and i promise it wont be a let down. and when you order your packages. they will be full of goodies even more than shirts, and everything else. Ive been taking inspiration from the people i have surrounded myself by over the past couple of months. going different places, realizing different scenes that i didnt want free idea to be apart of. Just everything in general to make the line even better.
the last release Free Idea has had was back in March. so be ready for something epic.

1978

2010-10-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

I never lived through the year 1978, nor does it have any importance to me. I have no idea what was going on in my home town in 1978. I don't know anyone who made some kind of difference in that year or anything. But to someone 1978 was an important year, a period in time that could have changed somebody's life. I don't know why I chose this year right now while posting this right up. It means nothing to me. But it is now towards the end of 2010. Only 2 and a half months left and we will be in a new year. Where we will meet new people, maybe work a new job, start at a new school or move to a new place. Thinking about it makes you wonder what have you done in this year. Who have you met, where things happened. or what there is coming.
In this year I have made alot of changes from the people I have surrounded myself with, what motivates me, how the line is, where it is going and what i want to do. but most of all. Its the people that I have surrounded myself with. Ive brought back old friends, started new relationships, and ended ones that didnt work. Im basing this entire post off of a thought that popped into my head after opening a fortune cookie. "what have you done that is so important?" not really a fortune so someone should be getting into trouble at there job.

but its a thought. and a rant.

sorry awkward post.

Umbrella Gallery - The Truth

2010-09-26T09:30:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday Was the closing night for the Umbrella Gallery here in FItchburg MA. I have posted alot about Umbrella, but i dont think i ever went into depth on what it entailed.

The Umbrella Gallery opened its doors a few months back, holding a spot in the back of Design at 639 (a furniture refurbishing shop) on main street in fitchburg. There goal was to have an open art space. non judged art work hung the walls, if you made music, you could set up a show here any night of the week. You where always welcomed back no mater how many people came to see you. If you had an idea, umbrella would make it possible for you to do it. you wanted to learn how to play an instrument they had it for you to learn. Ryan Scott and Brigitte Ferrante where the two main owners of the gallery And they made you feel right at home when you went in, no matter who you where.

Over the short time Umbrella was open it Quickly became a staple within weeks for the Central MA music scene. with there "we wont deny anyone" aspect on everything. Go there one day and it would be a full on Acoustic show, another night, all about Harsh Noise, come back and the place will be shoulder to shoulder packed for a hardcore show. But what really made umbrella stand out was the People who where always here, and the attitude that filled the gallery. When you walked in for an event, you knew that it was a complete drug and alcohol free place, even though some losers did like to brake that from time to time. and there was always the golden umbrella rule of "treat others how you want to be treated" but with there own twist. you came in. acted up and started a mess, Ryan and Brigitte would have you leave. but they asked you nicely. if you didnt then other people would make you leave. Even groups of kids who would show No respect for other places. would show respect in the gallery, which i believe is from the built of atmosphere of the Gallery. But, over time things did get out of hand and leading to a kid being put through a window. the gallery was forced to close.

THE THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOW.

Since the start of the Gallery, They had an ongoing support from the small but growing art community. But where constantly bullied around by some of the City of Fitchburg's council members. who dont believe in a art community. and want nothing on main street that dosnt have to do with what they want. which is nothing. hence why fitchburg has been in such turmoil for such a long time. With the bullying from some of the city officials (who i believe should be tied to a post and beat with a bully rag) The umbrella gallery was forced to shut down some of there main events. Such as FLASH, a 16+ dance party that was held on wednesday nights, which created an outlet for kids who didnt have anything else to do. ..again pointing out how amazing Umbrella was for keeping kids in a positive area. Also from shutting down events, The Gallery was forced to no longer charge for Shows. (average show was 3-5$) which was used only for bill payment. for electric, and rent. Never actually breaking a profit since the start. (Go City of Fitchburg council members for fucking that up)
From there Umbrella did donation shows with no suggested donation. some nights there was nothing. but other nights was a good turn out.

Over all of the turmoil, from city council bullying, and the quick fights that broke out, the umbrella gallery was a home for everyone. and its really all thanks to Ryan and Brigitte, and members of Most of the bands that played the gallery.

Umbrella will be opening up in a new location soon. and will be staying open as long as they have support.

-Kris

Free Idea clothing Release date set!

2010-09-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

NOVEMBER 1ST! Free Idea will be releasing 2 tees and a long sleeve.
BLACK FRIDAY (day after thanksgiving) Free Idea will be releasing the Windbreaker and Another Tee

December holiday season TBA

The New releases will hit carried shops within 7 days of release date.
the new shop list includes the Following Cities

BOSTON
NEW YORK CITY
OAKLAND
MIAMI
TORONTO (CAN.)
YOKOHAMA (JP)
MANCHESTER (UK)
PARIS (FR)

Little words of inspiration.

2010-09-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

I am in the middle of booking a whole bunch of Lectures at different school in different parts of Massachusetts. Going over the Free Idea story, Some personal stories, and how its never good to compete with people because they can be a good help to you doing good. If you have a school that you would like me to speak at. Shoot me a email at Freeideaclothing@hotmail.com

Also. See that little banner that says "STREET COLLECTIVE" right up there ^^^^^
If you are wondering what that is, That is a big project underway A web magazine, and a Retail shop being built by Myself and Katie Stocking (Bandit Clothing/ Free Idea intern)

We will be opening the doors to the FIRST Street Collective shop very shortly in our hometown it Fitchburg, MA. please take note to where it says FIRST. remember that NYC blog post about a month or so back?

Dear Fitchburg Massachusetts

2010-09-12T22:56:00.000-07:00

Im looking for something a little bit more permanent, ..see you soon. ::add in wink face::

THANK GOD ITS 40

2010-09-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

So Free Idea sponsored Hip Hop Artist, 40 $TACKS put out yet another crazy track, yet again proving he has some very amazing flow. He even threw a show out to Me and Free Idea in this track 4 THE KILL. <--click that to listen

YOUR COUNTRY, YOUR PROBLEM

2010-08-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of post latelly, more post will be going up daily i just havent had much to blog about latelly.

Yesterday i was online checking out my flyer miles credits and filing paperwork out for a passport. Why do you ask? Sometime within the next couple of months. (not sure an exact date) i will be doing a 7 day tour of Europe for a Free Idea campaigne entitled "Your Country, Your Problem" I will be spending 1 day in each country. just walking around and slapping up stickers. visiting potential shops as well as stopping into shops that carry the line or once did. 7 countries, 7 days and about 4,000 stickers handing them out to locals, travelers, shops and of course covering sections of the Cities.

First stop. LONDON
there will be more updates over time about this project along with an actual set day. so stay tuned.

ROEBUS ONE SIGHTING

2010-08-17T09:04:00.000-07:00

My Buddy Roebus One got a spotlight on CollegeDJ.net check the video. he was spotted wearing the TRUE TO YOUR ROOTS tee. (now sold out)

you have to love it when a friend is getting the spotlight they deserve.

Just a little late night post. maybe a ramble

2010-08-09T22:28:00.000-07:00

its 1;30 am the blog is going through some changes in appearance that I will probably not like tomorrow afternoon and i will start to change it... again.
I have been going through the process of getting the new line all set and ready for printing and setting an official release date. which is going good. but lets not talk about that.
Better yet! lets not mention free idea for the rest of the blog. Sometimes i feel like i talk about it to much even on this which is setup for me to talk about it.

I am going to ignore the fact that i am VERY thirsty and the room I am sitting in is very warm and stuffy, I currently have no shoes on or socks. recently i discovered i Only own 3 pairs of socks. During my move into my apartment i mysteriously lost all of my socks and every time i am at Walmart it never crosses my mind to pick some up.

I take my girlfriend out on a lunch/dinner movie date every week or every other week if my budget is tight. Sunday we seen Charlie St. Cloud which was amazing. I have taken courses on film structure and I have very good judgment on movies.. Go see this if you havent. I dont want to give any spoilers so here is the trailer

It was my Moms birthday this past Saturday and we celebrated it at my brothers new house in Leominster MA which was perfect because his house sits right across from Doyal field where they held starburst so we got a nice firework show.

I think this is enough for the blog right now i need some liquids
enjoy some Anthony Green.

LEGROTRON

2010-08-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Tim Legros, is a local Artist from my area. He is a guest designer for some of the upcoming free idea projects. Thought i would make a post about this rad dude to give you guys a little more insight to who he is and why ive chosen him to reflect himself onto the Free Idea brand.

you can Check out his blog at TIMLEGROS.WORDPRESS.COM

here is a short video that tim shot and cut.

Some tunes

2010-08-06T18:20:00.000-07:00

everyone loves music. this is just some stuff that i have been listening to on repeat lately

MIKE POSNER Evil Woman remix (ELO original)

Beastie Boys/ Matt and Kim mix by the hood internet.

Brian Owen covers. A local kid from my area has been booming with some music talent and its been going through my daily plays.

Right Click and Save - This kid contacted me A WHILE back when he was going by the name CRASH SEASON REMEDY and ive been following his music for a good 2 years now.

ok thats all for now just thought i would share some tunes

10 THINGS YOU DIDNT KNOW ABOUT FREE IDEA

2010-08-05T21:36:00.001-07:00

So like every day I go over to the Hundreds Blog to check out what is going on over there. This week Bobby Hundreds posted a 8 things you didnt know about the hundreds.. so i thought i would do 1 of my own.

so here we go

1. Free Idea's original name was going to be BAD IDEA CLOTHING, until research brought up that BAD IDEA was used as a Jean company name (no longer around.. i believe)

2. My first ever show setup for Free Idea was on February 22nd 2008 I was asked by Jimmy Hendricks from Flight of the Navigator to setup, It was one of the worst snow storms of that year. The drive to Athol MA, usually is about 40 minutes depending on your driving. It took me just about 2 hours to get there. I was releasing 3 shirts that night and it was the first time i was actually "releasing" a set of designs. through the whole night i sold 1 shirt to a drunk guy who made his sober friend buy it for him. That night after coming home i put the 3 tees onto the bigcartel site. Sunday night (2 days later) i checked if i had any orders. ..1 design was almost sold out and the other 2 where closely following.

3. The Sleepy Hollow halloween release tee. was the 1st ever free idea design that i ever made, And it wasnt released until after a year that i made it. This tee will be released and revamped just a tad for this upcoming halloween season.

4. Free Idea is known as the 2nd largest T'shirt line in Massachusetts based on sales and coverage(dont ask how, i dont even have a real website). in first Johnny Cupcakes
In 2008 I appeared on Johnny Cupcakes for his october halloween releases. His mom is a VERY good cook.

5. I have never payed a dime for advertisement space in any magazine, blog, or any publication But free idea has appeared in over 50 different publications, from blogs to magazines. My first publication was written up by a girl at Attleboro high school (now graduated) for the Attleboro MA news paper. where the paper said i was From Framingham MA instead of Fitchburg. This was the only publication that I ever said i was going to open a store. 1 year later i opened the Free Idea store.

6. My now good friend Dalton was the first person to order anything off of the online store. 3 weeks later i posed up on myspace that i need someone for a photoshoot and him and his mom drove just about 2 hours to come do the shoot eat pizza and then took off back home. till this day Dalton has been one of the coolest Free Idea supporters to date.

7. After Free Idea made it to a Year. i decided i was going to get my logo inked. I am one of 5 people globally to have a Free idea/free idea inspired tattoo

8. Every Year i COVER New York City' Times SQ with stickers for the ideal Free advertisement that it could bring. 100$ in high adhesive stickers roughly cost NYC 10,000$ to remove

9. Free Idea has sold to over 15 countries world wide. Yet I have never sold in Canada even thought its less than a 10 hour drive away. 40% of ALL INTERNATIONAL sales for free idea come from JAPAN. Nationally, MASSACHUSETTS, TEXAS, FLORIDA, CALIFORNIA, NEVADA, WASHINGTON, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK and OHIO are the top states that Free Idea sells to. but have at least 1 tee in ALL 50 states.

10. I Gave my first Lecture at Monty Tech high school on December 9th 2009, to a business class. in 2010 i have numerous lectures at high schools and some at a few colleges yet i have never taken a business course, a college course, and i missed 41 days my senior year in high school.

BOXING PAST TIME

2010-08-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

after surfing through old questions when i used formspring and on my girlfriends formspring. a common question asked was about me being a Boxer. Well its true. I started when i was 10 right at the start of summer that brought me into 5th grade. I was living in Leominster MA and i lived about a block away from the leominster boxing club. And i was there up until it moved. From there i switched to Lowell. and yada yada yada back and forth back and forth.

I became a Junior golden glove fighter at 15, Then at 17 i had to stop fighting competitively and couldent do more than train and spar due to a heart complication. So continued for 2 more years then when i was 19 i got into a little complication, a hit was made and I was put onto a court based suspension for 3 years from any boxing or fighting form. Now I have 8 months left until i can start up again and i cant wait.

but here are some of my favorite Boxing movie scenes and real boxing matches

ROCKY 3 - ROCKY VS CLUBBER LANG (MR. T)

ROCKY 5 - ROCKY VS. TOMMY GUNN

OSCAR DE LA HOYA (every fight = amazing)

MICKY WARD (MY FAVORITE FIGHTER OF ALL TIME) VS ARTURO GATTI
(GREATEST FIGHT OF ALL TIME)

ANd of course a legendary fight
MUHAMMAD ALI VS GEORGE FOREMAN

FINALLY A NEW LINE DROPS!

2010-07-31T07:40:00.001-07:00

It has been LONG time since I released ANYTHING for Free Idea. so here is the rundown of everything for the new line.

2x tees
1x windbreaker jacket
1x hat
2x stickers

One of the Tees will be designed by guest artist TIM "LEGROTRON" LEGROS a local artist from Massachusetts
That tee will be a limited run tee and only 25 tees will be produced.

The Windbreaker will be available for a PRE ORDER starting August 20th. we are only going to pre order 10 windbreakers, that because of pre order you will get 10$ off. after that full price. so get ready for them.

The hats and the other tee will be general release and will be available off the Online store as well as Free Idea carriers The Windbreaker will also be in selected shops.

We will have sneak peeks of the new line sometime in the next 2 weeks so stay tuned.

... party?

2010-07-31T07:29:00.000-07:00

So every week i help host a weekly dance Party at the Umbrella Gallery. called "FLASH" It is now going into its 3rd week, And from what we hear. Kids like it! Just like Dance Parties out of Bigger Cities, like NYC, Boston, LA, Chicago. It has a weekly/bi weekly theme. Ryan,Brigitte, Katie and myself set this up as an outlet for local teens to come out to, instead of having to do whatever every one else in Fitchburg does on a Wednesday night. It runs from 8-Midnight, every wednesday. for 7$ cant go wrong..

We are hoping to keep this going through the fall. and if it does well keep it going till i move to Brooklyn NYC. From there the Gallery will have the final say for if it stays or goes.

week 1 we had 40 attendees
week 2 we had 81 attendees ...it might be catching on.

I also give out FREE free idea stuff here and there too.

FREE IDEA BLOCK PARTY

2010-07-09T04:02:00.000-07:00

July 2nd I hosted the Free Idea block party at the Umbrella Art Gallery.
came in total of 87 attendees and just around 120 with band members and staff.

pictures coming soon. hope everyone had a good time.

THE UMBRELLA ART GALLERY

2010-07-09T03:55:00.000-07:00

Almost a year ago, I was sitting in the Free Idea shop and this guy walks in, ... with a full beard, and is telling me how he wants to open up a open art space to support the small but growing art community in fitchburg. Naturally i was into it and told him that if he gets something like that going i would be 100% down to support it. And 1 year later. Ryan Scott and his fiance Brigitte. have opened up the Umbrella Art Gallery, which is a host for non critiqued art, music recordings, shows, and just an overall drop in spot where you can hang out read some books and get your ideas out.

Be sure to check this place out.

UMBRELLA ART GALLERY
639 MAIN ST
FITCHBURG MA, 01420

PROD

2010-07-09T03:48:00.000-07:00

thanks to the fall and injury of my foot. i received extra tickets to the Mountain Dew Pro skateboard championship tour.

While leaving the event, My girlfriend Katie, and myself so happened to bump into pro skateboarder PROD. who had to be one of the most down to earth pros ive met. This dude dosnt hold himself higher than anyone. And will hold a conversation with you forever.

recurring injury

2010-07-09T03:39:00.000-07:00

I have a bad foot... literally. Over the past 10 years of skateboarding i have counted up numerous injuries to my left foot/ankle the latest and possibly worst (not counting breaks) has been the collapsing of my heal. (yeah i know???) During a skate contest in the middle of June i took a slam on my heel and flattened out the heel and completely destroyed the muscle. now i get shots of jelly in it?!?! making me feel like i am walking on a sponge. im now on my 3rd week of a 5-6 week of full recovery.

Another Blog post About Rudy

2010-06-13T15:24:00.000-07:00

I love my dog Rudy, since I have moved into my new Apartment, Rudy has been getting some extra attention thanks to having room mates around.
I currently Have 2 Room mates which will be placed into the blog at one point or another.
One of my Room mates Byron, is a hotographer who works for the local newspaper snapped these shots of Rudy as the 3 of us where heading to the local Fitchburg Skatepark for a nice little skate session. and yes... Rudy has a board too.

Hey car window! i see that you and my face have met!

2010-06-13T15:16:00.000-07:00

This morning while on my way to work with a buddy of mine, i was sitting in the passenger seat of his car, coming through an intersection and what do ya know, a car blows by and slams into the front passenger side, clipping my door and pushing it in. At the same time my face decided to check out what was going on outside the car but the window decided that wasnt going to happen. leading to some cuts and scratches on my face.. enjoy

inspiration

2010-06-03T14:32:00.000-07:00

As in a previous post i stated that Rick Klotz of FreshJive is one of the reasons why there is Free Idea.

just watch the videos and you will see why.

FREE IDEA RULES EVERYTHING AROUND ME

2010-05-30T07:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday i moved into my new apartment in Fitchburg MA, where Im splitting it with some room mates. Possibly the best sleep i have had in weeks. Also going through ideas for the new line, what i want to release, and where things are going for the line. And if its almost time to open up another shop.
In 13 months I will be moving to NYC in a nice little studio apartment in Crown Heights Brooklyn. From there I will be Opening up the FREE IDEA NYC SHOP (yes its official.) Sitting in the same neighborhood (SoHo) as Kid Robot, Supreme. and Many other BIG fully established names. Like The FItchburg MA, Home shop. Im running into this blind. I have no Idea how the Free Idea following will be within a year so this is a big hitter. Over the next year i will be back and forth to NYC to check out different retail spots, and going over the paperwork to open on September 23rd. 2011 (which will also be my 23rd birthday).

So i guess you can say you read the official. Free Idea NYC will be open in 2011.

and p.s this month will be the last month for the blogspot. page, actual website will be up shortly.

keep pushing.

-Kris

LA DISPUTE TOMORROW WORCESTER PALLADIUM

2010-05-22T05:57:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow LA Dispute plays the Palladium in Worcester and I currently have no control over myself because of it. I have been Super busy designing the new line, making sketches, crumpling them up and tossing them away. then making one that looks close to what i want a final to look like and then putting them into my trapperkeeper *shut up, you know trapperkeepers where the shit when you where in elementary school*

I finally picked out colorways to go with the new summer releases and i am VERY happy with them. All the new stuff should be out of printing/stitching by the end of June, but deff before July 4th

there is currently a sale going on. so head over to the online store. pick up a tee for under regular sale price, and tell some friends.

I want to start a weekly blog post on pictures of people in Free Idea gear, so leave them on the Facebook,myspace or in a email.

oh and here is some more La Dispute for your face.

-Kris

A late Music Monday

2010-05-08T07:05:00.000-07:00

ok, so i havent dont a music monday in about hmmmmm 4 or so weeks?
so lets do a HUGE music Monday.

so go to your itunes, or whatever you use to get music and download all of these. and support the people who make it.

Ed Harcourt - Until Tomorrow Then (not official video/ the official one didnt load right)

Crystal Castles - Vanished

Comeback Kid - Wake the Dead

The Dear Hunter - the church and the dime

Wax Tailor - Positively Inclined

Beirut - Elephant Gun

Pack your things, this place is not your home.

2010-05-08T06:52:00.000-07:00

IM MOVING!

yes, im moving out of this crappy building i currently live in that is filled with the rudest of people, and will be couch surfing until I hear back about a move in date for the new place.
I also picked up another job to keep myself busy. I love having jobs that i can take time off when needed to go and do my own thing. my bosses at the hotel, and dinner that i work at understand that I run a line and that if i need travel time. i have it.

this was just a quick post. the next one will have some free idea related stuff.

La Dispute, in a basement

2010-04-14T07:06:00.000-07:00

On April 2nd I drove out to Amherst MA to Dad City with my two pals Mark and Katie to see one of the greatest bands alive, La Dispute. that is not in opinion. yes they are one of the greatest bands alive. thinking this whole time that the show was in an actual venue, we pulled up to a house number 665 (neighbor of the beast) and followed through the front door and sat down with one of the guys living there and and talked over the show. Also met two really cool people who where sitting on the couch across from us. they where both photography students who had the same passion for la dispute as Mark, Katie, and myself. one of them was Dan, he is originally from NJ but came here for school. for about an hour we talked over the music scene in MA and how it differs depending on where you are in the state. and compared it to the NJ music scene. check out Dans photo work here at www.danbassini.com

eventually people started to show so we gathered into the basement.
end of the night, La Dispute played and gave everyone there fill. we stayed a little afterwards, picked up some tees and had some short talk with Jordan, the voice of La Dispute. seeing how genuine and nice the members of this group was. it gives a little more hope for music now.

check out la dispute on myspace

www.myspace.com/ladispute

i have been slacking!

2010-04-12T19:48:00.000-07:00

sorry for the lack of post. i have been slacking.

new post coming tomorrow include,

La Dispute basement show

a trip with Jimmy from Flight of the Navigator to buy a car

ideas for the line

more music mondays

my weekend nights

how around 11:30 pm while hanging out with friends, our topic of karate comes up.

time for a quick sale.

2010-03-23T23:08:00.000-07:00

there is a few things hanging out from previous releases. that i would like to clear out.

so here is what we are going to do.

spend at lease 25$ on the online store, and get a free tee.
move quick. this sale ends on friday.

Cover to Cover

2010-03-11T04:38:00.000-08:00

surfing youtube you come across thousands of videos of people covering some songs and they try to make them exactly the same as the band or group does. well here are some of my favorite covers from youtube. that are done in there own way.

Wu Tang Clan - "C.R.E.A.M"

La Dispute - "Such Small Hands"
(music starts at 40 seconds... )

My Music Monday: Atmosphere

2010-03-01T01:08:00.000-08:00

about 90% of the time that i am listening to music, its something by Atmosphere. plain and simple Slug is my favorite artist, performer to ever walk the planet. I say this line whenever the subject of best live shows comes up "Ive seen Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, and incubus live, and they where epic... but nothing compared to Seeing Atmosphere play live at the house of blues last year"

2010 previews.

2010-02-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

During this hectic week between working my 10pm to 7am hotel job, blowing my transmission in my car going back and forth between the printers, and finding time to sleep. I found myself stuck without a set time for a photoshoot for the new releases. having everyone that was going to be in the shoot be winners from the contest held last month. it was difficult. alot of people could not make it out, due to weather or some other reason. or being blown off twice for actually setting up the shoot. I met up with Liz to do shots of the new line, and then followed that up with some pizza. So thanks Liz for bearing with constant time changes, location changes and everything else.

So here is the previews and some backview.

"TRUE TO YOUR ROOTS"

the true to your roots tee is inspired by pretty much everything that The Free Idea name stands for. To never forget where you came from. If its your City, State, your music backround, or your lifestyle in general. I grew up with a deep love for the raw Punk and true Hardcore music scene that was the heart of Central MA which blended with my love of skateboarding and my loyalty to the state of Massachusetts. This tee is dedicated to Those kids who kept local Shows going hard in central MA, and to the Bands who kept there sound when the whole hardcore or now "hxc" started becoming more if an image than a movement. And nobody supports local shit as much as the 978.

"FREE"

The "FREE" tee as you can tell is inspired by the Famous OBEY image of Andre the Giant made famous in the 90's by Shep's street art and propaganda. this style has been commonly repeated using different faces, so for free idea we switched it up with a full image. This is possibly one of my favorite designs to date, with the use of the white black and red print on a forest green.

Picture time.

2010-02-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

2 years 5 months and this is what my dresser looks like. pick your favorite.

My MK3 Jetta rolled to 100,000 miles a few weeks back. and then died at 102,900 (sad face)

I love New York subways alot more than i do Boston ones. alot easier to get lost. more space. and they are alive.
and the sewer rats. no joke..

Time Sq. the most famous block for advertising space.

finally, my 2nd home. this little area of Brooklyn New york. i love it here, bedford ave is the only place i know where you an walk down the street at 1am on a tuesday and there will be people just hanging out chatting it up. and everyone is nice. Everything also smells like garbage. but its a bit attractive. come here in the summer time and there is a flow of artist selling there work, little flea shops, awesome cafes and you can buy anything from 1 of a kind t shirts to comic books. <3

-Kris

Those ideas that sit in the back of your head...

2010-02-22T09:28:00.001-08:00

Yeah you know what i am talking about. those little ideas that sit in the back of your head and you go "i wonder if i can make that". See i get alot of those. Mostly about items for the line that i wish i could make but i have no way of making them. UNTIL you meet someone who has that same aspiration BUT unlike yourself they know how to use a sewing machine and they actually know HOW to make this stuff come to life.

That is where my friend Krystin comes in, I went to school with Krystin during my 2 years at Leominster High school but we never knew each other in school. but know each other through mutual friends. She is currently in school for fashion down in Framinghammer (Framingham MA for those of you who dont get the nicknames MA people give to there cities and towns) and she Heading off to NYC within the next year to continue schooling.

However me and Krystin have been sitting down over long conversations in person, text messages and facebook chat. about little brain babies that we have to create new exciting clothing.
This spring Krystin will be slaving over a sewing machine for hours on end to craft complete 1 of a kind items for free idea. ranging from hooded scarfs, to jackets. and then everything will be on display and hopefully enough feedback will be given to have these put into a full production.
So expect to see her around free idea.

I don't know the meaning of off season, im not taking it easy

2010-02-15T19:25:00.001-08:00

Alright first things first. my internet connection sucks. because i wifi it from Fitchburg state College which is a stone toss away from my little apartment on Cedar st. yup i live in Cedar st. if you have ordered from free idea in the past 2 years then you know that i send right from my home address. so if you ever feel like stalking me. go for it. i might have you over for some dinner. i make some killer stuffed peppers. but yeah my internet connection sucks so uploading pictures takes to long. so hold in there. i will edit all my post within 2 days and add all the pictures.

OK FIRST IMPORTANT PIECE OF NEWS! the first 2010 line addition of FREE IDEA will finally release in about a week. 2 tees. there was going to be 3 -4 but i changed my mind. i have alot of big art projects underway so its been changed up alot.
also. im finally getting stickers back in. and they will be in with orders soon. because of how many im making. it will be about 4-6 weeks before i have them. so stay tuned. also this MARCH at the end. i will have FREE IDEA PROPAGANDA packs. my ideal goal for free idea is to make it just a widespread thought. i dont want Free Idea to just be considered a clothing line. so at the end of march, you will be able to purchase off the online store. a propaganda pack will have 2 options,

option 1. propaganda pack - 10$
this pack will consist of:
sticker pack (15-20 stickers)
pins (5-10)
stencils
2 posters (18X24 inches.)

option 2. propaganda pack - 20$
this pack will consist of:
2 sticker packs (40-50 stickers)
pins (15-20)
stencils
5 Posters (18x24 inches)
2 patches

also any shop that carries free idea will have these in stock but under there select price. but they will also be added into all free idea orders over 50$ for free.

i obviously know that with stickers and stencils and posters. they will end up in places where the law may not be to fond of. but, so in the pack there will be a disclaimer printed out. you know saying the yada yada legal bullshit. that Free Idea is not liable for where these items are placed. but Free Idea "ENCOURAGES" that they are put to "GOOD USE" because i cant legally say "hey climb onto the freeway bridge and wheat paste those posters up" or "yeah that sticker will look really nice on that crosswalk sign" so im not twisting your arm or anything, but you can get creative.
Better Yet. if you get your stuff in a good spot take some pictures and email them. i will post them onto the blog and send ya something but it HAS to be in a good spot.

well now that that is taken care of.

in April i am working on 2 shows. 1 is a collab show with NO MORE 60's RECORDS
the second show. is a FREE IDEA ONLY party release.
yup. having a FREE IDEA release and Its for everyone who has supported free idea.
it will be free to get into AS long as your wearing a free idea tee. but you will be charged if your not. sound good?

alright. i will post some random shit up this week

respects.

-Kris

New York City Part 1

2010-01-31T12:55:00.001-08:00

Yesterday My friend Brittany and myself took a trip to NYC for the day to just kinda get away from home for a while. This was her first time going, and probably about my 800th or something close to that. but pretty much over the past 2 -3 years. new york city and brooklyn have become a second home to me. After a little under 4 hour ride we arrived in Chinatown and hopped onto the canal street subway. getting off at Union Sq. stopped and had a small breakfast which consisted of coffee, apple fritter and cupcakes. (yeah i know right?) Walking around the Union sq. area and then heading up to fashion ave. until we made our way to Times sq.

now i have a little problem with times sq. Its the #1 spot in the WORLD for advertising. millions of dollars go into adverts there. why not let the little guys advertise there for free. we dont even need a big billboard.
During a previous trip i slapped a few stickers (roughly 200)up around times sq. and went back just about 2 weeks later and ALL my stickers where taken down. I mean. i dont care. your the one wasting your money paying someone to take them down. when they only cost me pennies to make and its not like im going to stop. so give up. leave my stickers.

Anyways. after time sq. we voyaged down to battery park and the WTC site. and continued over to my favorite little place to eat in Brooklyn. enjoyed some awesome thai food and called it a day. headed back down to chinatown and caught our bus home.

pictures will be in the next post.

-Kris

Free Idea in support of Haiti crisis

2010-01-16T16:19:00.000-08:00

There are tragic events that happen that bring people out to help. the recent crisis in haiti is one of them. I have noticed ALOT of brands and bands doing a donation where as "buy a cd and 25% of it will go to haiti". and i think thats great. but its not enough. yeah you put your own money into making that cd and recording time. but making that should be about the experience. so seeing a percent. people will look at it and go "ok since im buying this im helping." and that is fantastic.

As of January 15th until February 1st ALL money from sales from Free Idea will be donated to help the crisis in Haiti. and when i mean ALL i really mean ALL. if you buy a shirt for 10$, then 2$ of it will be used to ship it to you. and the other 8$ will be donated to the Haiti crisis. if you spend 50$ shipping will be taken out (say 5$ for shipping) then 45$ will be donated to Haiti.
on February 1st.
if your reading this and going. "but this is just our money being donated, that free idea would have gotten, so what are you really losing besides sales profit?"
well one thing about running a clothing line, is you get ALOT of everything, so on my side. i am sending 100 plain white t shirts to haiti.

if you want to join in. the link to the online store is on the right.

there is no reason to order offline, get off your ass and go to the store.

2010-01-14T18:03:00.000-08:00

A bunch of words for a title for this post, but its true. I hate change, especially when it affects places around you. I hate the fact that you can order movies offline and have them in your mailbox almost the next day. what ever happen to going to video stores? and not ones like blockbuster, im talking about those mom and pop video shops where they don't have 40 copies of a new release. But a treasure chest of classics. in this day in age there is very rarely a mom and pop owned video store. where you can still go and rent VHS tapes. where you get a 5 day rental for 3$. I remember when i was younger and my mom or one of my many brothers and sisters would take me to the video store on Friday nights and we would rent movies, as well as super nintendo video games. and these places always had a gumball machine where you could get a gumball that would win you a free rental. these places dont exist anymore.
Everyone is so into ordering offline that it makes it hard for shops in there community to survive. This might sound weird coming from someone who's brands success is owed to the internet. but if people would still order off of mail in catalogs. i would be doing that instead. Maybe im just to into the golden age of the 90's i dunno.

support your local video stores.

WANT EXTRA STUFF?

2010-01-14T09:09:00.000-08:00

been trying to clear out what is currently sitting around for a little bit now. there is always just random sizes of old out of print designs hanging around in the bottom of the box.

so this is what's going to happen. If you order 1 shirt off of the online store. you will receive another shirt placed into your package for free.
if you pick up a Cardigan (there is currently 3 left) you will receive 2 tees for free.
so move quick.
and there is a 3/4 chance that the free shirt given in your package is NOT listed on the online store.

you can order off of the online store

www.freeidea.bigcartel.com

there is FREE SHIPPING on all orders that are 10$ or more.

FREE IDEA FACEBOOK CONTEST WINNERS

2010-01-12T19:08:00.000-08:00

Last week i held a contest on the Free Idea facebook group to reach the group count to 1500 people. needless to say... it worked awesome. I wrote all the names down for everyone who loved out of state, and in state and separated them between those 2 options. I picked 3 names out of the "out of state" bag and those winners will receive free gear.

the following names are the first name andinitial of last name of the winners. followed by the state they are from.
if you are one of these winners. please send a email to freeideaclothing@hotmail.com with the following information.

NAME
SHIPPING INFO
SHIRT SIZE

WINNERS ARE

1: KATELYN R: -West Virginia
2: ALAND T : - California
3: Bonnie M: - Missouri

WINNERS FOR PHOTOSHOOT WILL BE ANNOUNCED TOMORROW!
stay tuned

-Kris

True to your Roots Part 2: Skateboarding

2010-01-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

I started skateboarding in the turn of of the year 1999 to 2000. its crazy looking back and seeing that it has been 10 years so far. I was 11 years old at the time, and one of my best friends growing up got a skateboard for christmas and started skating so i wanted one to. So my mom brought me to walmart and i got a NASH skateboard, cheap to standards but i really didnt care i just wanted to skate. after that day, skateboarding consumed my life. bringing me to points where i would skip school to skate. At this time there was no skatepark in Fitchburg, and i never had money to take the MART bus to leominster to skate there. So street skating is where everything for me evolved. 1st street, the Boutelle Factory, Court House Ledges,FSB, Fay Set, and Tucci's halfpipe. where all spots where i would be on a daily basis. Before the skatepark was built. After that, the park became a second home and only night sessions went down for street skating.
over the years i have seen so many vids, to many to post. but here is one that is always in my top watched. and ALWAYS gets me pumped for skating.

Chad Muska: fulfill the Dream (the deck that Muska is carrying in the opening is my favorite deck graphic of all time!)
Chad Muska is also one of my favorite skaters of all time and he completely embodies an era in his style of skating and person.

true to your roots part: 1.

2009-12-26T12:18:00.000-08:00

Im sitting here going through the bottom of the bin for what is left for the free idea 2009 releases. everything is pretty much gone. just small handfuls of stuff. i like this time of the year, just makes things more exciting when i know in just a few weeks i will be coming out with some more. i know in the last blog post i updated and said how big of a year 2010 will be but i feel like i cant even explain to the fullest extent how its going to be. Free Idea will be doing some small little changes to everything which you will love. new ideas, new views, new everything.

in January Free Idea will be releasing 1 item. a t shirt, the base idea of this t shirt will be to go back to the roots in which alot of Us "do it yourself" kids came from. inspired by some of the music, but overall the lifestyle that i grew up with as well as some of my friends. and alot of you. it will be basic but straight to the point.

This tee is titled "true to your roots" and will ONLY be available at the Free Idea january show (late jan)
there will be 20 tees made. 5 per size. so chances are if you are not quick. you will not get this tee.
if there are any leftovers they will be up on the online store.

over the next few weeks i will be updating the blog with videos/ pictures ect. that inspired the design.

-Kris

THE YEAR TO COME

2009-12-22T18:29:00.000-08:00

In just under 2 weeks we will be in 2010, in october of 2010 Free Idea will have been around for a full 3 years.
The new year will also be a big year in terms of what is happening with the Free Idea line. Alot of things are changing In terms of what will be released, how it will be released, how everything is packaged as well as how the brand reaches out to people.
You see sites like Myspace which once where a thriving place for upcoming clothing lines to promote and get around, have grown weak similar to the soil of a garden when there are to many plants and not enough minerals. I am now reaching out to different forms of marketing and getting the name out. Attention to detail is the top of the list for every product that free idea will be releasing. not just in designs but in the product themselves. 2010 the line will host some new forms of printing as well as design styles there will still be the normal logo tees released in many colorways but like i said. attention to detail.
Packaging is going to change for the line also. recently everything has just been shipped normally. unless you where one of the lucky few who received your order in a custom free idea box.
I am not sure exactly the time will be, but the line will switching from unisex sizes to men and women sizes. Unless other wise noted.
All items in 2010 will come with little additions, stickers, pins, ect.
And most of all, in 2010 There will be a DVD made and once that is finished it will also come free with all orders.

so like i said... big things for 2010.

stick around.

FREE IDEA ON MAIN STREET

2009-12-14T12:34:00.000-08:00

On Saturday i was asked by Rich from Flesh by Design tattoo company on Main street in Fitchburg Ma if i wanted to setup in his shop for the holiday week.
so all the free idea stuff is huddled into there little side office and i posted some stuff up in the window.
not even for the sales aspect of it. i just like the fact of having my stuff in a shop window on main street.
just to let people know that even though i closed my shop a block away. the line itself is still here

Monty Tech lecture recap.

2009-12-11T17:21:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I Gave a small lecture to Mrs. Guzman' Entrepreneur class at Monty Tech high school. it was supposed to be on wednesday but due to a snow day it was pushed ahead.

but here is a recap.

i arrived at the school 10 minutes early. with no note cards or anything on how exactly i was going to present. i just pretty much winged the whole thing. I was nervous and im sure by how unsteady i was from time to time, everyone could notice. Then I began on how i started the line, and i went through the whole story from start to current times. I brought up my best success and some of the ideas that didn't work. I explained how branding was one of the biggest keys into where free idea is today. How having an simple yet distinguished logo can help the success of a brand. I explained how Viral marketing played a big roll also, by networking sites such as myspace. I covered how i would just give handfuls of stuff away to people to just get the name out there. Trips to NYC and Boston to take in the atmosphere and to spread. I explained how my line incorporates a personal side, and how im strongly influenced by brands such as. Freshjive, the Hundreds, Supreme, and Stussy. and how streetwear has been a strong part of my life growing up skating, and how streetwear derived from skateboarding. and how it all had a huge impact on me. In all the lecture was a very good experience on me, and hopefully for the class. I was invited back to speak again to another class. so i now have more to look forward to.

if you go to a school in MA, and your in a business class or anything related, and would like me to speak. please have your teacher shoot me an email. @ freeideaclothing@hotmail.com

FREE IDEA GUEST SPEAKING @ MONTY TECH HIGH SCHOOL

2009-12-04T15:16:00.000-08:00

Back in August i was Asked by Mrs Guzman from Monty Tech high school in Fitchburg, MA to come and speak to her Entrepreneur class. I will be covering the story of the brand, the ups and downs. the successes and fails. and then taking questions.

I am very interested in speaking at other schools to. So if your in Massachusetts and you take some kind of Business class. tell your teacher and have them email me. and i would be more than happy to come down and speak.

A FREE IDEA CHRISTMAS

2009-12-02T16:30:00.000-08:00

Its that time of year again where people come together. Give gifts and help others.
This year I decided i want to do something that will really put a smile on everyones faces.
from Today December 3rd until December 18th.

For every Item bought from the NEW winter 2009 line.
you will get a gift for someone else. included in your package. already wrapped.
you choose the size, and when placing the order just put it in "special instructions" the size that you want the gift to be.

For Every item sold off of the online store. Free Idea will be donating another T shirt to local shelters for families who have it rougher than others during these hard economical times.

you can go to the online store by clicking this link

ONLINE STORE

OFFICIAL FREE IDEA THREAD ON NIKE SB

2009-11-25T18:45:00.000-08:00

yes if your into kicks then you know about nikesb.org well i recently just opened a thread on NSB for Free Idea under the clothing section.

be sure to check it out and be a regular on the thread.

here is the link.

FREE IDEA ON NSB

waiting for my cookies to cool.

2009-11-23T17:45:00.000-08:00

So I am waiting for my cookies to cool (as stated) so i decided to post a blog, which i just love doing!
but anyways the first 24 hours of the release of the NEW free idea winter line was great The item i was most nervous about was the hats because i am just never sure of items like that when releasing. BUT! i was easily calmed after the intake of responses i received on the new line. and so far making the snapbacks the best seller out of the first 24 hours. so thanks everyone who picked stuff up. im always really uneasy when it comes down to releasing new stuff. so thanks for making it a good one.

but anyways. im sitting at home in my apartment getting ready to just kick it back by myself and watch some movies.
i just baked 4 dozen cookies which i plan on devouring very shortly and i stopped by Movie Stop to pick up "MALLRATS" and "SLC PUNK"

-peanut butter

Expansion

2009-11-22T09:00:00.000-08:00

The first piece of the Free Idea winter line is the Logo tee, we are now printing on softer 100% cotton tees that have a very smooth true to size fit. The tee is White with a dark yellow fill with a black outline. very bold and straight forward.

The second piece added to the winter line is a classic style snapback hat. I wanted to make my first hats snapback because they reminded me so much of the 90's when everyone had them in there favorite basketball team color way, When you where the coolest kid on the block if you had a Chicago Bulls one during the Michael Jordan era.
the hats are a dark black with a royal blue brim,eyelets and top button. the under brim is a light grey, the logo is embroidered with a 50/50 cotton poly thread to insure a stronger stitch.

The third piece added to the Free Idea winter line is the Free Idea " Piazza" 4 button v neck Cardigan.
Comes in a solid black with a light yellow and dark grey print. This item is perfect for any occasion, from a lazy around the house item to a out on the town piece.
There is piece is a One size fits most. it will fit larger an more loosely if you are smaller framed and fill out more depending on your frame size. Made with a 50/50 jersey blend this cardigan is very warm and very light weighing in at just under 10 ounces.

All Items are now available on the Free Idea online store (see links on the right)
And will be available in select Free Idea retailers next Friday.

Hours away.

2009-11-21T08:15:00.000-08:00

I have not been able to blog in a little while due to my lack on internet that i am currently getting from the college down the street.

Tonight the 10th installment of the Free Idea line will be released online. There will be 3 new items coming out.

here is a sneak peek.

join the system or start from scratch? ..i think i will start from scratch.

2009-11-05T09:46:00.000-08:00

If you have not picked up on it in the past 2 months, Free Idea has been gone. Yup gone! as in not keeping much updates with blogging, very minimal post on the myspace page, and very rarely posting on twitter or even updating the facebook page.
I have just been sitting back and watching other lines, seeing what they do how they run. how they stay as a whole, some of them are doing it legit, some are doing it under the table. in the big take of this I figured out what i actually want to do with Free Idea,
for a while i was just coming out with t shirts, and it felt like thats all i wanted to do. but after sitting back and watching everyone else. If you want to make it in this. you have to step it up more. After all of it, i came to the conclusion that i do NOT want to just be a t shirt line, i want to build free idea into a full brand.

...and i could not be happier about this decision.

With the 10th installment of the Free Idea brand. the line is going to have some new items added

1 new tee design
1 hat
1 cardigan
each of these items will be perfectly matched up in color so if desired you can wear them all as 1 outfit.

and everyone loves matching up there clothes.!

release is set in 2 1/2 weeks

you will be able to view the winter line before it releases on the blog, as well as about 15-20 other blogging sites.

FREE IDEA 9$ SALE

2009-10-26T13:33:00.001-07:00

All designs are almost out of stock. Im just clearing out space to bring in the new line.
so redirect yourself to the online store and pick some stuff up.

Sweaters are now out of stock in all sizes.

link to the online shop can be found to the right ----->

Original Fake Fall/Winter releases

2009-10-22T12:44:00.000-07:00

Original Fake has released some of there newest pieces for there Fall/Winter line. With a set of T-shirts, as well as jackets, ranging in different colorways. These drops are now available through select Original Fake retailers and off of there website
www.original-fake.com

My series of events today

2009-10-17T15:18:00.000-07:00

as you can tell from the past post. i was in boston, getting ready to head over to Patch studio.

well i heading over there with my friend jill who also does all of the photography for free idea.
well we headed over there and met up with her sister Jenna. who is the owner of Patch as well as Run her amazing line, FUTURECRAFT
And i met with some of the other people who also work out of Patch, amazing place.
but i was not able to get any pictures of the place because my pal Karissa gave me a call and said "im stuck at alewife station with a flat tire, and no jack" so i was off to Alewife station to help that. taking roughly 45 minutes to do because of the fact all of her lugnuts where rusted, but all in all. it got takem care of. from there i hoped on the subway got off at porter went to my car. and went home. missed out on a bit of stuff. but there is always next time.

In the Bean

2009-10-17T10:09:00.000-07:00

im currently sitting in my friend Jills Apartment next to Porter SQ. in Boston. eating veggie burgers before we head over to the opening of her sisters studio, PATCH studio.

lots of pictures coming soon.

but for now. here is a picture of me eating a veggie burger.

I will have a post up about PATCH later tonight. so keep checking back

-Kris

No room for rest.

2009-10-12T18:40:00.000-07:00

Well Saturday was the very last day for the Free Idea shop, closing up the shop was very mixed between happy and depressing.
I cannot stress enough how lifted i am from being able to have the experience of actually running my own shop and having the time for people to just come in and talk to me about what i do, and how moved they are that I in some way am putting the crime ridden city of Fitchburg Massachusetts back on the map in a more positive form.
having the shop was a thrill without a doubt. having 400+ people coming in the shop over a period of 5 months, to some that may seem like a low number. but for the fact that the shop was located on the infamous "elm street in fitchburg", nobody really knew the actual spot of the shop and even returning people had a hard time finding the place from time to time. having teachers come in and ask me to speak at schools and business owners come in from others cities, offering me free rent for up to 3 months to move my shop to there city in there building, having the mayor come in sit on the couch and ask me what I would like to see come into the city and if i would like to help. its amazing. i cannot be more thankful. but my lease is up. and its time to move on to the next project in free idea.

In November I will be moving Free Idea into the free idea offices where i will have a decent size space split up between my own office area where i will work out of. the storage area where everything will be set for easy access for setups, online orders, and consignment/ wholesale orders. my intern (Katie) space where she will also be running her up and coming line, and a silk screen area where the lines will be screened. and packaged.

In november there will be ALOT of changes to free idea. there will no longer be just shirt design after shirt design for releases.
instead everything will be released in a series. where each piece will be related to the next, making them more of a collectable item. because instead of just getting one design out of the release, you can now get that feel of collecting the whole series.
this november i will be releasing the first Free Idea Jacket. not sweater, not hoody, but actual jacket.
not sure the exact release but it will either be with dark ages or the following. there will be no more unisex. tees will be made in both MENS and WOMENS sizes and there will be special items for men and women only.
2009 will close up with free idea, and 2010 will begin with Free Idea.

you cant imagine how much fun where having...

-Kris

oh p.s

i would like everyones input on what people would like to see made.
i have been wanting to make hats for a while. but a full range of fitted hats is just way to out of the budget

The Good Ol'Days

2009-10-05T17:16:00.000-07:00

This has been one hectic year for Free Idea. For good and for bad. I have learned that i hate running a business and i hate having to charge out the rear end. in fact, I don't like the clothing world anymore. everyone has lost there touch. everyone is so in it for the money that can be made that they lost there touch for what there actually doing.
everyone is to caught up in trying to be the next big thing on the map. that it makes me not want to be apart of all of this anymore.
A little back i was at a show. where a fairly well known clothing line had a setup, and everyone was dishing out 15-20$ for t shirts. then another kid came up who was short of the selling price. and the guy running the table turned him away, because he was like 5$ short.
and his excuse was "if i sell it to you for that cheap then i need to do that for everyone"
well why the fuck not? if the kid does not have the right amount give it to him for cheaper. don't be a dick.
these people forget about who helped them get to where they are.
nobody should be turned away for not having the full amount for a cotton t shirt with ink on it.
it does not matter who designed it. the name on it. if its american apparel or gildan, if it cost you pennies and a dollar to make.
dont be a douche and get all pissy if a kid is 5$ short. you should be happy that there willing to buy it. who cares if you lose a few dollars. your shit is getting out there.

everyone knows about the free idea setups. if my shirts are selling for 12$ and you only have like 7$, your still getting the one you wanted. plus free cd's and anything else that i have set at my tables.

im tired of running a shop too. i liked the experience but i miss seeing everybody at show setups. and hanging out with everyone.

its all coming back.
the free idea shop closes up either on the 10th or the 17th of october.
i havent decided yet.

Preliminary Election Today.

2009-09-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

even knowing the majority of my local Fitchburg MA base is not of legal voting age yet, it is still important for you to know what is going on in the works of the city.
Today is the Preliminary Elections.
so if your 18+ and a Fitchburg resident. go vote.
or just give a reminder to your parents, to have them go.

Voting for today’s preliminary election for Fitchburg Councilor at Large begins at 8am with the polls closing at 8pm.

Below is a list of poll locations based on wards.

Ward 1: Knights of Columbus Hall, 165 Electric Ave.

Ward 2: St. Joseph Church Hall, Woodland Street

Ward 3: Memorial Middle School, 615 Rollstone St.

Ward 4: Senior Citizens Center, 14 Wallace Ave.

Ward 5: MART Intermodal Station, 100 Main St.

Ward 6: St. Bernard’s Activity Center, 260 Summer St.

free idea & the silver ticket

2009-09-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

i have been wanting to do a contest for a while now and i wanted to have the format be fun for everyone. and surprising, never knowing until the very second you open up your package.

so from the very second you read this. until 10/31/2009 all free idea tees and any products will be sent out in the free idea boxes. when you open your box and take your tee out. there s a chance that you may recieve a silver ticket. with the free idea logo. and a 7 diget code. if you recive this ticket. then you have won. you then email me @ freeideaclothing@hotmail.com or on myspace. and give me the 7 diget code. the winner will recive the winter line for free. as well as all tees thaat are currently in stock @ the time that they win.

rules.

to qualify order must be for @ least 20$

thats it for the rules.

this is not just a USA contest only
if you live outside the US Yoy have the same chance of winning.

chance of winning is 1 in 25

there will be 2 winners

have fun.

2 YEARS OF FREE IDEA.

2009-09-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

This October makes 2 years of Free Idea, and this October F.I will yet again be grouping up with Shawn Massak of Mass Recovery Promotions & Andrew Hall Venue.
On October 24th Andrew Hall will be the host of The Annual mass recovery halloween show connected with the Free Idea 2 year show/halloween release.

At the show and ONLY at the show will there be a special limited Free Idea 2 year tee. which will not be available online, or anywhere else. you can only pick it up there on october 24th during the time period of the show. It would be best to pick them up early for the fact that only 20 shirts will be available for sale. 5 shirts in each size SMALL, MEDIUM, LARGE, X-LARGE

dont miss this.

Late night sit down.

2009-09-08T08:10:00.000-07:00

I have been spending alot of time, outside of my home city of Fitchburg. and spending alot of time in Gardner MA, and Athol / Orange MA. mostly because its just alot slower pace, and i can take some time to think. Last night i had a good long chat with my pals Jimmy and Josh from Flight of the Navigator. Just talking about where everything is going with there music and my line. how things have changed up in there lineup and how Im bringing Free Idea back to its roots from where it started from. We got on topic about how Alot of bands are sorta starting to sound alike, and how clothing lines are just starting to blend together. overall at the end of the talk. we came to the absolute conclusion that Free Idea and Flight of the Navigator are connected at the hip.
there is no wrong way about it. Both of us started just around the same time. They even gave me my first actual break and invited me to setup at my first show setup. all in all there great dudes, and there is going to be alot going on within both FOTN and Free Idea.

I would like to announce that the Free Idea shop on 41 elm street will be closing this october after the "nightmare on elm street" release.
just so nobody comes to an idea that "free idea isnt doing good" or "blah blah blah"
these are the reasons why the shop is closing.

1. My Lease on the space is up in October.

2. Im starting College October 26th

3. i want to bring Free Idea to everyone. and meet and talk with the people who are apart of what i do. I dont want you to have to plan on coming down between the hours the shop is open.

4. The shop is a humble atmosphere, but for me, i would rather people see it on a table setup in some hall than hanging on a wall in a shop.

5. I never intended on being a clothing designer. ever. I just wanted to take things that made me happy and put them on shirts for other people who liked them. so thats what its going back to.

6. I want to give more back.

7. bigger, better, Free Idea stuff.

plain and simple.

THE NEW FREE IDEA FALL LINE!

2009-09-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

this is part one of the fall Free Idea. line. the 2nd half will release in mid october. as long as everything goes well.

the first tee. the free idea "freeplaid" is a take on an older free idea design. (FI) and redone in a red, blue and white plaid on a natural color tee.

The second piece is the Free Idea "Public" tee which is inspired by one of my favorite hip hop groups of all time "Public Enemy"
this tee is a red and black print on a soft yellow tee.

The Last piece of part 1 is the First EVER free idea sweater.
the Free Idea "Catcher" sweater is amazing. made of a 50/50 blend fleece. this sweater will keep you very warm. but is not heavy and is an easy addition to almost any setup.
a light rose petal red matched up with a charcoal grey print on Ash grey sweater.

Since the release of the new line. the "Catcher" sweater has been the fastest moving. get yours before there gone.

take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING given out all weekend!

www.freeidea.bigcartel.com

VWeekly meet.

2009-09-02T07:44:00.000-07:00

If you know me personally, then you would know that i am obsessed with Volkswagen and anything volkswagen related. Early last week i got a call from my friend Jay asking if i wanted to come to a meet up. i used to not really be down for meetups to talk about cars. but i decided to go. my car was also sitting on a dummy tire and shot suspension. now its no longer on a dummy tire. its still sitting on shot suspension until i get my new coilovers in a few weeks (yay). but the meetup turned out to be alot of fun. cruising around and just hanging out with rad people talking about nothing other than volkswagen.

group meet:

Free Idea Video blogs

2009-08-22T08:16:00.001-07:00

a few months back i uploaded some vids on youtube for the shop and a photo shoot.

this week i will be filming another vid blog for the shop as well as one for the next photoshoot

winter photoshoot

shop shoot.

Thats all right, and thats ok.

2009-08-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

Today while answering my emails i was shuffling through my itunes going through some of my favorite bands of all time. and skipping over that music that you just "have on there".
And I thought i would share some of my music with the people who read my blog.

I grew up with my roots reaching into raw punk, late 90's hardcore, and hip hop. (yeah its an off mix i know. )

But here are some of my top of the top for stuff that i listen to.

PEGBOY-

Dinosaur Jr. -

GangStarr -

Public Enemy -

i will start doing this music update every week.

New Line. Coming soon.

2009-08-19T07:50:00.000-07:00

Three new pieces will be added to the free idea line up Late this week/ early next week.
Free Idea will be releasing 2 new tees. as well as a crew neck sweatshirt. so with all the past releases Free Idea has 23 designs / colorways. plus these new ones. so 26. in just under 2 years! i think thats pretty good.

there will be 3 more releasing on october 10th for the Free Idea "Nightmare on elm street"
as well as a Hooded sweater around that same time.
Also the Free Idea X Bad Endorsement collaboration tee.
And some stuff for the November/ December Holiday season.
Also if you pay attention to the Free Idea Twitter. Free Idea will be starting a sub line, which will be more higher end of the clothing spectrum. Which will be all cut and sew, and some tees, and regular sweaters. Everything will be good for those times where a printed t shirt wont fit the attire.
this whole line is named " Rouke Collection" on the tags it will read "The Rouke Collection by Free Idea"
stuff from the Rouke collection will release every bi-season

follow more on twitter for updates.

Brandless

2009-08-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Today I was going through my daily blog reads of some of my favorite streetwear lines. While going onto The Hundreds, Bobby Hundreds posted a interview between himself and Rick Klotz, the owner of the brand FRESHJIVE . I personally am a huge fan of any work done by Rick Klotz. His line Freshjive was one of the lines that inspired me to start my own streetwear label.
starting in 2010 Klotz will be taking ALL logos, and names off of the Freshjive label. Some of you might think this is crazy. or some of you dont even care at all. But, in a time period where everyone is so obsessed about what brand there wearing. Rick Klotz is yet again pioneering a new path in the world of Streetwear, and Fashion in general. In 2010 the freshjive name or logo will no longer be on any article of clothing. tags, website, nothing. that Freshjive produces.

again. Rick Klotz is a pioneer.

photos taken from thehundreds.com

AUGUST 11TH. FITCHBURG RESIDENTS COME TOGETHER.

2009-08-05T15:18:00.000-07:00

On August 11th, there will be a Public Meeting at 50 Day street starting at 6:30 PM.
I will be there with a list of everything that this city used to be to what it is now.
I will bring up the fact that there is a large art community just waiting to explode. The only thing that is holding us back is the actual people who run this city. Speaking on the facts that Downtown NEEDS modern shops, coffee houses, places to eat, some sort of venue. and art spaces. instead of law firm after law firm. after walking down main street on my way home today. just standing in one spot i could count over 20 empty fronts. The guys from local band BLACK STEEL PEACOCK stopped into the shop today to share that there looking to open a local free art space.
on August 11th, I will be saying everything that has been on EVERYONES mind about the city. What NEEDS to CHANGE. and WHO needs to step off of there pedestals and be apart of the community instead of thinking there above it.
I would like to see All of the Art community come down. show some support for your city and speak your mind.
Together where ALL going to CHANGE this city. Even if we have to do it on our own.

I will be at EVERY open meeting that the city has. repeating myself.
so come on down and help.

august 11th
50 day street
fitchburg ma
01420

Time keeps on slipping into the future....

2009-08-02T12:13:00.001-07:00

i wanna watch Space Jam now.

With changes in Free Idea. branching from just being a t shirt line, to becoming a full cut and sew line.
Ive decided to take some small offers i received to have Free Idea carried in select boutiques around the country.
so if you live in NYC, or LA you wont have to wait 3-6 days for your package to come to your house. Im currently in the works of having full color look books made to send out. so look forward to Free Idea around your area in 2010.

as for the picture. With the fact that i am making a whole cut and sew line. I realized that i will need to REALLY push and promote the line even more. for the fact that the new stuff, well wont be so cut and past to everything that people wear now. im aiming a little ahead of the curve. but trust me. its looking good.

...i seem to have gone off track again.

ok. as for the picture. I will be in Japan for a solid 8 days of the month of MARCH 2010, i will be staying in Tokyo. I am going there to push the line as much as possible. Ive decided that since there is about 1 million clothing lines on myspace, with new ones starting up everyday. that is no longer a solid place for promotion. Im taking it back to a root style, hitting the streets. walking around, getting it out.

wanna help?

TO KICK OR NOT TO KICK.

2009-08-02T12:09:00.000-07:00

so if you read some older post. you would have read that i will be carrying some sneakers in the shop starting this month.
well. i changed my mind.
with the shop closing in October. i figured it would be pointless.
so sorry for people looking forward to that.

FREE IDEA MAKES FRONT PAGE

2009-08-02T12:07:00.000-07:00

so a week or so back a reporter came down to the shop and did a story on myself and the free idea line.
i thought "ok its going to be a little editorial. but NOPE. i made front page.

hoooyaaaaa

http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/ci_12921800

THIS WEEKEND! FREE IDEA SUMMER SALE!

2009-07-20T14:40:00.001-07:00

this weekend is the free idea summer sale!
all free idea products will be 50% off!
first come first serve

TOMORROW!!!!

2009-07-08T09:31:00.000-07:00

Don't Miss it!
starts after store hours!

winner will get 1 Free Idea shirt. (of Choice) for FREE!

brackets will be setup depending on how many people show up.

any questions. leave it in a comment below. or just contact me via myspace.

BLOCK PARTY

2009-07-08T09:22:00.000-07:00

So If you where in Fitchburg MA on Friday then you would have noticed that main street was blocked off and all the traffic was redirected down elm street, so helpfully everyone had to drive by the shop.
Thanks to the block party, i had the idea to open up the store from 5pm till 11pm. which turned out to be a very good idea.
Bringing tons of people into the shop.

right around the corner the block party was going on (see picture above) where hundreds of people where gathered around to eat greasy food and cotton candy and just walk around. it even started pouring rain out and everyone still stuck around.

good day.

oh yeah. Same day, i brought a old TV down to the shop along with my sega!

dont forget Thursday the 9th is the Free Idea Sega Kickback night. where we are playing STREET FIGHTER!
winner gets a free shirt!
come stop by
starts after store hours!

1 MONTH

2009-07-07T15:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday the 6th made 1 month that the Free Idea shop has been open.

that would be pretty cool
The first month so far has been a good look. 121 visitors (I KNOW RIGHT!)
ranging from all over MA to as far as NJ, SC, and Canada.

...and everyone said "nobody is going to notice a store on elm street in fitchburg"
(sorry to rub it in, but im pretty surprised myself)

Some new Changes are ALREADY in the works for the shop.
starting late august/september
the Free Idea shop will also be carrying footwear. from NIKE, ADIDAS, DC, REEBOK, VANS. ect..
sizes will differ on stock.

Also a new paint job will be going in the shop in mid august.

FREE IDEA ACID WASH TEE SOLD OUT!!!

2009-07-06T14:13:00.001-07:00

...yup there gone!
stop by the online store to pick up the rest of the line!
everything is marked down 25% until tuesday night!

SHOP STOCK! DANCE PARTY MASSACRE

2009-07-06T13:58:00.000-07:00

DANCE PARTY MASSACRE out of Boston has a very old school horror style to it. Without the guts. which i love! im very sick and tired of sculls and blood and guts on clothing. so DPM is a verrrrrry good change. If you stop by the shop this month you can catch up on what is currently in stock by DPM before its gone and older stuff is switched out for the new DPM line up.
DPM is the only like currently in the shop that has a defined MENS and WOMENS lineup. the rest of the stuff in shop is all Unisex fit. or Mens sizes only.

the DPM line currently in shop sizes range from small to XL in both mens and women sizes with a lineup of 7-8 designs.
prices range from 23$ to 28$

DANCE PARTY MASSACRE
"BLOOD ON THE DANCE FLOOR"

SHOP STOCK "MUMZ THE WERD!"

2009-07-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

If you have stopped in the shop. you have noticed the crazy stuff from the guys over at MUMZ THE WERD! there line is very different compared to the rest of the lines that i have in the shop. Based out of California, Mumz The Werd uses special "Puff ink" which is literally like jelly. its amazing. it has a 3d affect on the shirt and the colors react to black light. so if your in the club scene Mumz is a good line for you.

At the Free Idea shop there is a full run of Mumz with 4 designs available.
sizes range from S, M, L, XL.
Prices range from 25$ for non special inks. and 35$ for special ink tees.

MUMZ THE WERD
"SPEECHLESS" tee

NEW Bad Endorsement Now in stock!

2009-07-06T13:29:00.000-07:00

The other week I stopped by the post office and picked up the new Bad Endorsement package, which was literally falling apart and held together by tape at EVERY corner and side! But the Quality of there stuff is AMAZING, and a real good pickup

you can pick up a Bad Endorsement tees for $15. and sizes in stock are YL, S, M, L, XL.

CHILLIN LIKE A VILLAIN

DUDE THATS SO SICK

FREE IDEA SHOP BLOG!

2009-07-06T13:24:00.000-07:00

ok so i started this blog so i can give more of a in depth look into the store to viewers. So i can update about new products, show what is going on around the shop, events, and people that stop in. This blog will be updated 3-4 times a week (well i will try)