WESTCOAST THICK DESIGN CO. - The story of Thick.
WCT is a fun, graphic-happy brand, located in Powell River, British Columbia! Home of the Thick tee and decal!
The shop and brand began in 2013 by owner and self-taught, freelance designer Jeanette Kangas! After leaving a graphic designer position for a lead company, Jeanette dreamed of serving as a graphic-tee illustrator for a large adventure company. But as she lacked the experience, she decided to "practice" on her own. From curing hand-screened t-shirts in her dryer to then supplying to a fan base from all over Canada 10 years later - it worked!
But it began on Marine Ave, the rent was right and she loved Powell River, so here was the starting place. Initially, the Thick shop was a graphics firm that also created its own shop brands Swamp Lilies, Dirty Lizard and Thick. Fun, bold lines, along with her graphic services and artwork.
Connection attached most to the "Thick" brand created, with its homegrown focus, hand-stitched tags and local printing. Designs told a local story, sometimes of trails, wildlife, or a reflection of something comical. There was nothing like it at that time and personally, the brand was just tuning into the area and honored all sorts of good spots. It was Powell Rivers' own brand, and Thick loved design, details, and the lesser noticed - especially exploring, nature and the unknown.
The shop then outgrew it's space. The iconic Edgehill Store was the new home and Thick moved in. Over 14 men's and women's clothing brands, were added into the shop, creating a full and easy-going wardrobe shop for an everyday adventurous lifestyle. Over the years, as the Thick Brand evolved, it fine-tuned its focus; always authentic - always adventure seeking! With a passion for playful, bold graphics with a kick of grit and a love of every wheelin' sport. Thick especially enjoyed the design creation of custom bike jerseys and jackets, always trying to support local groups. Pushing to create the highest quality tee designs to make happy THICK customers everywhere. From toddlers to adults, locals to far-away fans, Thick had a connection piece for everyone. The shop was a great success.
From a little storefront on Marine Ave, growing into a big one on Manson Ave; Thick now resides as a product-line only of Hats, Tees, Hoodies, and Decals available at local shop, Powell River Outdoors, along with its sister fishing brand “Fillet & Release”.
Many of the tee graphics made their way into Thick's growing collection of decals, and thus, "Thick Decals" was born. And after 11 years of a lot of storyboards, t-shirt production, mixing ink, sewing and folding, the Thick Clothing line will be kept more simple, and will now focus on its long-awaited passion for decals! The decal line is now expanding its territory from Powell River to BC, reaching out to different communities and boutique shops alike! Custom pieces are now exclusively available and WCT is excited to explore along with the development of them!
WCT is very thankful for all our loyal fans, supporters and staff over the years! Your appreciation, excitement for designs, and shared stories are greatly valued. We are honored to help represent our awesome community and beautiful area. Giving back as much as possible over the years, along with all past tee sales supporting the amazing groups of PROWLS, PR Salmon Society, and Tla'amin Salmon Hatchery.
The journey of life is never an easy climb. We should not look for an instant path or a false-footed one. Hard journeys always lead us to a better vantage point with a view and confidence that no one take away. When times get hard, remember you are not alone, and to plant your feet and thoughts into where you want to be. Times today have become very distracting; find your way through your authentic journey and learn from all the hard spots that teach us wisdom. Nature always has a beautiful way to quiet our space and think clearly again. Thick finds inspiration in all of the above.
WHAT DOES THE NAME "THICK" REALLY MEAN?
1. Lush n THICK backcountry of Powell River! Full of mountains, lakes, and trails. Endless explorations await you.
2. Need a THICK skin to reach your goals and push through life. It will be tough. Stay focused. Ignore the mainstream. Lead your own way.
3. We’re never fully ready to start anything. You must just jump into the THICK of it and go do it. And with every knockout, get up and begin again.