Isla Vista Screen Printing Creates T-Shirt Campaign for Local Businesses

By edhat staff

Isla Vista Screen Printing (IVSP) has started a “Here For Good” t-shirt campaign to support local businesses during the coronavirus pandemic.

As its name suggests, the Isla Vista-based company offers screenprinting and embroidery services as well as a storefront selling a variety of custom apparel aimed at UCSB students, Isla Vista residents, and lovers of Santa Barbara. They’ve expanded their brand to include Island View Outfitters and High Desert Print Co, but the objective remains the same as it did when they began 10 years ago in a garage on Camino del Sur. Quality items made by locals, for locals. 

The coronavirus and shelter in place order have put a complete standstill on all small businesses. IVSP owners Garrett Gerstenberger and Jose Cardoso saw an opportunity to help in a unique way. Their calling upon all small businesses in the 805 community to partner with IVSP by selling personalized apparel to supporters in order to raise money and offset the burden of lost sales.

Gerstenberger states there is no upfront money needed and no risk. All the business owner needs to provide is their logo and preferred t-shirt color. IVSP will create the shirt, print them, sell them, and ship them with $10 of each sale going directly back to the business. 

IVSP is encouraging any and all local businesses to sign up for the “Here for Good” campaign to boost revenue during this time. So far Kyle’s Kitchen, Caje, Hook & Press, and RiseUp Fitness have joined the ranks. As of today, Edhat has also joined the list with a stylish orange t-shirt available for purchase here.

The goodness doesn’t stop there. IVSP has also partnered with the Santa Barbara Foundation (SBF) and United Way of Santa Barbara County (UWSBC) to create a “Stronger as a Community” Campaign. The company designed and printed a community t-shirt where $5.00 per shirt will be donated to “COVID-19 Response Effort for Santa Barbara County” fund.

The joint partnership allows both SBF and UWSBC to address the needs of individuals, families, and non-profits with proper coordination while rapidly meeting the needs of the community as they arise through collaborative decision-making.

The white shirt t-shirt features a sun setting over the ocean with “Stronger as a Community” and “Thrive in the 805” printed in bold text. The shirt can be purchased here.

“We as screen printers understand how powerful print and purposeful art can be,” said Gerstenberger. “It isn’t unfamiliar for us to experience the world has stopped turning. At times when it is needed the most, we’ve recognized the importance of connection and community and have come together to stay strong. Our pride and strength were tested through the Thomas Fire and Debris Flow just two years ago. And many times before that. Our community is as resilient as it can get.”

IVSP hopes this shirt will serve as a symbol of our community’s strength while supporting friends, families, and small businesses. The company has already donated over $20,000 in shirt proceeds for past campaigns connected to the Thomas Fire, Debris Flow, and 2014 Isla Vista shooting.

To sign up for the IVSP’s Here for Good campaign, visit: https://islandviewoutfitters.com/pages/hereforgood. To view all the shirts in the Here for Good campaign, visit: https://islandviewoutfitters.com/collections/here-for-good-805. For more information on IVSP, visit http://www.theivsp.com/.