User:Hhaimann/sandbox

About
Smooth Sailing Clothing CO. was established in 2012 by Steven Kopacz, drummer for alternative rock band Go Radio. Kopacz desired to create a company that would inspire others to follow their dreams, just like his father inspired him to do. In the company’s mission statement it says, “There are so many people out there telling you that you can't do what you want to do and we wanted to be the people saying that 'you can do it'. That is how Smooth Sailing began.” Smooth Sailing Clothing Co. currently has two locations in Tallahassee, Florida, and Los Angeles, California. The company is dedicated to making quality products sold at retail prices ranging from $19.95 to $39.95 plus shipping and handling. Smooth Sailing takes a unique approach to their brand by enlisting the help of multiple design artists, contributing to the company’s logo design and “Inspire” campaign. Kopacz also gives credit to his friend Randy Baublis for helping to birth Smooth Sailing. In 2013, the company sponsored a short tour for the alternative rock band Stages and Stereos.

Clothing
To date the company has ten items for sale. All garments are unisex excluding the Aztec Spirit Woman’s Pullover. The company uses American Apparel garments and prints their logos and designs using soft waterbase ink. Currently there are five different t-shirts with varying designs, three sweatshirts- two pullovers, one zip-up, a tote bag made of natural vegetable fibers, and ribbed beanie. Many of their garments have a nautical essence about them. The image of an anchor is often displayed as well as a font for their product name that resembles soft rolling ocean waves. There are no refunds available, however a flexible exchange policy allows for merchandise to be shipped back to the company within seven days of the garment being received. There are no warranties for these products but the company is willing to assess the damage to the product and send a replacement free of charge.

Inspire Campaign
In keeping with their mission, Kopacz and his team created an “Inspire” tab on the company’s website where customers can find pictures with simple messages of encouragement. Most pictures, depict a scene in nature such as a field of trees, a bridge lit up at night in the city, or a black and white hued sandy beach. The quotes are designed to be short, direct, and to pack a punch. Often times they are thought provoking and wholly dedicated to encouraging people to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. Some example quotes read: “Believe. Love. Dream. Inspire.” “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” and “We are not meaningless.” The Smooth Sailing artists and team have developed the pictures and quotes and own copyrights. Images can be viewed here.

Artists
Smooth Sailing Clothing Co. uses a variety of artists with different talents to create their logo design and generate their “Inspire” campaign. Kirsten Robinette is credited with designing the main “Smooth Sailing” and the “SS” logos. Based out of Tampa, Florida, her list of previous clientele includes Hilton Hotels Corps, Boy Scouts of America, 4-H, Tobacco Free Florida, ClubMed, and the Ritz-Carlton. Her specialties include, graphic design, print media, and corporate identity and web design. Bryan Filarsky created the Aztec, Make Your Own Path, Feathermason, and multiple other designs for Smooth Sailing. Operating out of Scranton, Pennsylvania Filarsky has an extensive portfolio containing numerous notable clients such as Go Radio, The Great Valley, and Junior Doctor. Bryan and Kelly Honhart are a husband and wife team responsible for the “Dedicate,” “Cabin Crest,” “Paradise Valley,” “SSCO,” “Sunset Bliss and “The Renegades” decals and artwork. Their own company, The Black and Hue Project, specializes in portrait and wedding style photography. Sarah Eisemen a freelance photographer in Austin, Texas, grounds her work in the belief that "Our dreams are reflections of our life, whether it's past, present or future, which means our dreams are reality.. I try to make my dreams & imaginative ideas come alive in my photos.. And convey to people if you can dream it you really can do it.." Her work is seen in the “Inspire” campaign. Matt Burke has worked in the music industry for years and has recently established his photography business in Tallahassee, Florida. He has done numerous product shots for bands such as Go Radio, Mayday Parade, and Blink-182 His pictures have also been featured in Esquire Magazine, Substream Magazine, and Alternative Press Magazine. Burke is willing to shoot in studio, on location, and is available for travel worldwide. His contributions for Smooth Sailing include campaign shots and product model pictures. Lauren Poulos married to a traveling musician, spends her days being a mother, baking, and contributing to the Smooth Sailing Inspire page. Her work is reflective of her belief that “When you stop and look around, this life is pretty amazing.” She lives in Tallahassee, Florida. Garrett Jackson takes a bold and bright approach to his photography. His work is on display for Smooth Sailing in their Inspire campaign. Christian Myers works under the company name Beard Photography, a freelance company in Jacksonville, Florida. His work captures, the scenes, faces, and details surrounding his home and office. It has been quoted that “He has a way of capturing any ordinary image or view, almost as if it’s leading you to a gateway.” His contributions to Smooth Sailing include numerous images for the Inspire project.

Music
Smooth Sailing has only sponsored one band to date, Stages and Stereos. Stages and Stereos is an alternative rock band based in Tallahassee, Florida. At the end of 2012 they began a 15-city tour known as “The Anchorless Tour” promptly named after the band’s recent EP album. Coincidently lead singer Daniel Lancaster for Stages and Stereos is related (brother) to lead singer Jason Lancaster of Go Radio. Rounding out the band is Ian Edge on bass, Donnie Web as the drummer, and Zach Schweizer and Austen Moore on guitar. Ian and Daniel are the original members of the band while Zach and Donnie were recruited by local Jacksonville, Florida band “The Sophomore Attempt.” Although formed in 2007 the band took a brief hiatus. Daniel took turns playing in two different bands “Select Start” and “The Weathers” while Ian joined the U.S. Army. However, after Ian was critically injured and discharged, he reconnected with Lancaster and the band returned in 2010 determined to leave their mark on the music world. To date they have four albums, Stages & Stereos released in 2009, Maybe We’ll Make It After All released in March 2009, Songs You’ll Love put out in 2010 and Anchorless dropped on October 30th 2012. Some of their better-known singles include, “Dear you, Love Me”, “Anchorless”, and “Maybe We’ll Make It After All.”