RetroDuck.com Blog

Spring shirt madness!!

2011-03-25T10:29:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the new projects we have been working on this week! Check them out and let us know what you think!

Congrats to Jim and Alex!! Have a safe night :)

Spartan Crossfit gym in East Lansing....check out their website www.spartancrossfit.net for more information!

Not feeling so well after a night out on the town? Stumble over to Tony's on Albert Ave. and check out their specials!

Show off your greek pride with one of our baseball tees!

MSU Accolades

2011-03-23T10:17:00.000-07:00

Hey! As reported in Capital Gains, MSU has just been named as a top school for Video Game design. Check out the article here

[photo credit Capital Gains Media]

In related news, RetroDuck made the shirt that this kid is wearing, while designing video games (we assume). Go Green!

Detroit T-Shirt

2011-02-08T13:35:00.000-08:00

We Michiganders have all been swelling with pride recently. Our Prodigal Son Eminem reminded millions of super bowl fans just what Detroit makes - and what Detroit is made of. The people asked for it, and RetroDuck is happy to oblige. Detroit shirt; imported from East Lansing.

You can check out the item on our site here

2011-02-02T15:28:00.000-08:00

You know we didn't have anything better to do during this winter storm. Help us celebrate the first snow day us working professionals have had in a long, long time. Come on midwest... we know you don't have anything better to do today.

Customer Gallery

2010-12-16T19:49:00.000-08:00

Wanna see photos of customers wearing shirts we have made them? Sure, we all do. Click here!

If you have any more, please send them our way. Thank you in advance.

Demo Camp 2010

2010-12-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

We thought we were nerdy, but before getting this job, we are sad to say we had not heard of Demo Camp. It does sound very cool though, upon investigation.

Demo Camp is an un-conference style social event where developers, designers, students and entrepreneurs come show cool stuff they have created and have been working on.

These pics I took as they came right off the belt don't really do the shirts justice, but we thought that the shirts looked great and we really wanted to show them to you.

Introducing Cotton Footprint

2010-11-28T09:09:00.000-08:00

We at RetroDuck are proud to be working with Cotton Footprint, a group of artists from San Francisco who want to make remarkable t-shirts and reduce the world's carbon emissions in the process. For each shirt we sold, part of our profits goes to purchasing carbon credits.

Each shirt sold is able to offset roughly .5 tons of carbon emissions. This is a very real figure, with very real results. If your goal is simply to offset carbon emissions, your money is certainly better spent buying carbon credits. However, if you like the shirts, you can also enjoy the fact that your purchase has a small impact on the overall problem of climate change.

The t-shirts are printed on 100% Organic Cotton, and have the soft, fitted feel American Apparel has become known for. Soy-based chemicals and water-based inks are used to produce the prints.

All of the invoices come via email only, to reduce on paper usage.

So take a look at the site, and be sure to follow them on Tumblr and Twitter. Thank you!

Arcade Games for Sale

2010-11-02T08:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, locals. RetroDuck has been remodeling lately, and as we do, it has occurred to us we want a basketball game up here. With that being said, we don't have much in the way or room, given the two vintage 80s arcade games currently occupying space. With that said, we are getting rid of them both.

You can own Guerrilla War and Operation: Wolf for $300 or best offer. Buyer needs to come get 'em.

Both need a touch of work and we aren't very good at fixing them, but maybe you will be. If you have any questions, email adam @retroduck.com, because he likes answering questions. A lot.

Thanks!

VOTE!

2010-11-02T07:37:00.001-07:00

Make sure you get out there today and vote! If you do, and bring your "I Voted" sticker in this week as proof, you'll get 10% off any custom order of 12 shirts or more.

Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project

2010-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

So some photos of shirts we donated to the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project and just had to share them. What they do is incredible and we are so happy to help when we can. Keep up the great work!

American Apparel

2010-10-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let you know that all shirts and hoodies on the site are now printed only on American Apparel.

Before, there was additional cost to order our items on American Apparel, but instead of keeping the prices we had, we dropped them down to $18/each for t-shirts (the same price for a blank American Apparel t-shirt retail) and $32/each for hoodies.

Keep in mind if you are looking for custom work, we still provide alternatives to keep cost down.

From the Wire...

2010-10-14T08:50:00.000-07:00

Because "Old News is Still News" here at RetroDuck, thought I'd finally mention for those that haven't read it that The Lansing State Journal wrote an article on Adam.

Speaking of stuff I don't think I've mentioned, this blog also interviewed Adam awhile back.

Finally, Capital Gains interviewed both Adam and myself for a section on what people do for a living in the area.

If anything else comes up, I'll let you know in a month or two.

Congrats, AVL

2010-09-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our very own Adam Van Lente for being awarded one of Lansing's "10 over the next 10" by the Grand River Connection and Lansing Chamber of Commerce. He is one of my oldest and best friends and it is an honor and privilege to work alongside him.

I met Adam and our company's founder, Sean Maday, in 1997. I can say with utmost certainty that my life has been better for it. Sean asked me to be a part of RetroDuck in a very small capacity at its inception, and never did I think that partnership would grow and prosper in the way that it has.

Words fail to properly describe how proud I am of what we have accomplished these past seven years, but even more importantly I get to work with these individuals. Being made a partner in this corporation meant the world to me, but seeing your friends grow as human beings, you can't ask for more than that in life.

Adam, if I can be a little gay for a moment; you were an amazing and impressive person when I met you and it almost blows my mind that you can continue to impress and amaze me after all these years.

You were right, Lansing. Watch this kid. He's been doing great things for years. Watch him keep doin' it.

Back to Burgerama

2010-09-21T12:17:00.000-07:00

That's right, we're crashing The Riv again to hand out free t-shirts. Started last Thursday, and it was an overwhelming hit.

You never know when we'll be there, so come every Thursday and stay for the whole thing. You know you want to anyway.

Earn, Learn, and Intern

2010-09-07T08:11:00.000-07:00

Hello, Michigan State University. How have you been? Good.

Are you seeking an internship in the exciting world of custom apparel? Will you be attending Earn, Learn and Intern tomorrow? We will be there and we are looking for you. Perhaps not literally you, but we are looking for two marketing interns, one photography intern, and are always happy to take on more graphic design interns. And unlike Kramerica Industries, our organization does consist of a touch more than a solitary man with a messy apartment which may or may not contain a chicken.

So stop by and say hello tomorrow. It takes place tomorrow from 2-6pm on the fourth floor of Spartan Stadium. More information can be obtained here. If you can't make it, feel free to stop by the store from 10am-6pm through Friday this week with a resume and portfolio.

Unfortunately, we don't hand out glocks to interns. We apologize in advance.

Some Photos from Sparticipation...

2010-09-01T13:35:00.000-07:00

Click here for more...

Free RetroDuck T-Shirts

2010-08-31T13:37:00.000-07:00

If you're out and about during Sparticipation today, be on the lookout for the Duck, who along with a few friends, will be handing out a few hundred t-shirts.

As a bonus, if you ever wear said free shirt into the store, you'll receive 10% off any custom order good for 12 or more shirts.

The event is from 5pm to 8pm today at Munn Field.

2010 RetroDuck Fall Photoshoot

2010-08-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

Here are some pics from a photoshoot we did for our upcoming apparel catalog. Still have one shoot to do, but so far, so good. Really excited for the way things are turning out.

You can view more at Flickr if you are so inclined.

10 Over the Next 10

2010-08-17T14:27:00.001-07:00

Congrats to our CEO Adam Van Lente, who was once again nominated for the "10 over the Next 10 Awards," which "showcase our area's top young professionals that, over the next 10 years, will contribute significantly to our community and become tomorrow's leaders."

I know he's a modest fellow, but having known Adam for half my life now, I can say with certainty he's deserving of this nomination (his second!). It's an honor and a privilege to work alongside him and I'm glad others notice what I get to see on a daily basis.

Temporary Tattoos

2010-08-16T09:59:00.001-07:00

The only thing not temporary about tats like these is how badass they are. Stop in and get one today, ya'll.

Grand River Connection

2010-08-16T09:55:00.000-07:00

GRC posted some photos of last Tuesday's event (sponsored by us) that you can see here.

The next event is a week from tomorrow. Here's some info, via their site:

Join your friends (and make new ones too!) for a fun evening of networking at one of Lansing’s historic sites as the Grand River Connection invites you to its monthly networking night on Tuesday, August 24, at Old Town Manor. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. we’ll be enjoying complementary appetizers and beverages in and around the historic Old Town Manor building, located at 1141 North Pine Street on the site of the former Michigan School.

Derby Vixens

2010-07-29T07:58:00.001-07:00

Check out their website or follow them on Twitter or both. It's not like you're working, anyhow.

Looking for Something to Do This Weekend?

2010-07-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Hello, local citizens. What are you up to this weekend? If you're in need of things to do, RetroDuck has some recommendations based around the thousands of shirts we printed this weekend.

The Westside Summer Fest takes place this Saturday in Lansing.

Sunday is the Riv/Rick's golf outing that we've had the pleasure of doing the shirts for several times in a row now. Via Rick's website:

Sunday, July 25th, is the Annual Rick`s/Riv golf outing at Brookshire Golf Course. $75 per person 4 people per team, sign up no later then July 11th. Dinner, prizes and awards happen at the Riv directly after the outing. There is also a prize for the best TEAM costumes. Call 517-351-2288 for any questions.

Sunday is also Ele's Race. Your last chance to register for that is tomorrow from 1pm to 6pm at Playmakers.

We hope everyone enjoys their weekend regardless of what they do. Summer is almost over, folks so do what we always say around here at the Duck: take advantage!

Google Alerts

2010-07-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

I love Google Blog Alerts. Most of the time, they remind me what we're blogging about, and tell me that other people are saying nice things about us.

Sometimes though, they tell me about awesome things totally unrelated to our business, like this sweet Retro Duck Tales (video game) wallpaper. Link

Yes please.

Two New Shirts

2010-07-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

PS - Still gotta couple few grab bags left.

RetroDuck at the Great Wall!

2010-07-06T09:40:00.001-07:00

Happy Fourth of July...

2010-07-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

...from Heidi, Spencer, and all of us here at RetroDuck.

PS We'll be closed tomorrow, Monday, July 5th, due to celebrating our Independence a little too hard today. See you Tuesday!

Mystery Bag!

2010-07-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

Do you want a mystery bag? Sure, we all do! We thought while we work on new RetroDuck originals, we'd offer something to tide you over. For a limited time only, RetroDuck is selling a t-shirt of our choice for only $5, or three t-shirts of our choice for only $10. Just pick your size, and we'll do the rest. You know you want a bag of mystery...

Another Day...

2010-07-01T14:43:00.000-07:00

...another job done.

DJ Olympics

2010-06-28T07:47:00.000-07:00

The City Pulse's first ever DJ Olympics was went off without a hitch. The contestants all did an admirable job. Congrats to DJ Space for finishing victorious.

Max's Race

2010-06-28T07:29:00.000-07:00

For what I believe was the fourth year in a row, we had the pleasure of working with Max's Race. I hope it was a successful weekend for them. It was a pleasure as always for us! See you next year.

DJ Olympics

2010-06-25T11:41:00.000-07:00

The competition continues tonite at Harem. We're co-sponsoring the event and giving out t-shirts, so check it out!

The Price of Stones

2010-06-23T11:02:00.000-07:00

If you haven't picked up a copy of Twesigye Jackson Kaguri's new book, The Price of Stones, you definitely should.

Adam has been in the East Lansing Rotary with Jackson (who also recently became the chapeter's president) for a long time ago, and we've donated shirts to the Nyaka AIDS Orphans Project, the subject of the book. From the book's website:

Can one person really make a difference in the world?
Twesigye Jackson Kaguri defied many naysayers—and his own
nagging doubts—and proved that, with a dream and incredible
determination, he could change many lives.

Growing up in rural Uganda, Kaguri overcame poverty to
earn a degree from the national university and worked as a human
rights advocate, eventually making his way to pursue studies at
Columbia University. When he returned to his village in Uganda
with his wife, they were overwhelmed by the plight of his village’s
many AIDS orphans and vowed to open the first tuition-free
school in the district for these children. Faced with many daunting
obstacles, including little money, skepticism among friends in both
the U.S. and Uganda, corrupt school inspectors, and a lack of supplies,
he and his wife doggedly built one classroom after another
until they had an accredited primary school filled with students
dreaming of becoming the future doctors, teachers, lawyers, engineers,
and even presidents of Uganda.

The Price of Stones is the stirring story behind the Nyaka AIDS
Orphans School. Weaving together tales from his youth with the
enormously inspiring account of the remarkable challenges and
triumphs of the school, Kaguri shows how someone with a modest
idea is capable of monumental results. His story will captivate all
readers of Three Cups of Tea and Tracy Kidder’s Strength in What
Remains.

TIME also wrote a great article on Jackson, the book and the school.

Smart Commute

2010-06-11T07:03:00.001-07:00

Just wrapped up shirts for Smart Commute.

Giraffe House

2010-06-09T09:11:00.000-07:00

We made some shirts for these guys, so I figured I'd offer a plug.

Also: they're hilarious.

The Giraffe House: Faking a Boner from The Giraffe House on Vimeo.

Riverbash 2010

2010-06-09T09:03:00.001-07:00

Longtime customers Dewitt Creativity Group (DGC) are hosting Riverbash 2010 on Friday. We made some sweet shirts for the event, but that's just one of many reasons to check it out.

From their site:

Riverbash will feature the Jr. High Jazz band, the DHS Choir as well as other musical acts, an improvisation set by the high school Theater Department and Alumni, as well as introductions celebrating the success of the Quiz Bowl Team, Business Professionals of America, the Robotics Club, Art Club, and the new Alternative Energy class.

This event is a family friendly celebration. All students, family members, and community members are invited. There will be plenty of activities for the kids including a designated area for "Backyard or Tailgating Games" along with Canoe Rides from Friends of the Looking Glass River.

This will be the first year of the "Great Riverdash" - -A race of stamina, strength, and silliness. Teams compete in a relay as they race against the clock to see who will come out on top. (Next year we hope to have a "Family Scvanger Hunt" - -Due to timing conflicts this could not happen this year but start training to compete in 2011).

There will also be a Rock Wall and Obstacle Course - -(provided by the National Guard). There will be pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and other treats at the park so bring an appetite and a sweet tooth.

Spend time with family and friends in a safe and relaxing atmosphere. Riverbash 2010 is intended to bring people together to embrace innovation and creativity while enhancing the creative, economic, educational, and social culture of our community. Transportation note: If possible, people are encouraged to get to Riverbash by alternative ways other than driving (Ride a bike, push a stroller, roller blade, canoe, etc..)

Be creative..., be healthy... be at Riverbash!

Riverbash 2010 June 11, 2010 (the last day of school)

from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. at Riverside Park in DeWitt

Project Pride in State News

2010-06-07T12:47:00.000-07:00

Dozens of orange shirts filled the Abbott Center, 1400 Abbott Road, parking lot Saturday morning as East Lansing residents, Boy Scouts, city councilmembers and East Lansing High School football players volunteered at Project Pride, an annual city initiative geared toward helping residents to recycle, reduce and reuse.

Full text here. Video here.

Tweet Tweet

2010-06-03T10:09:00.000-07:00

Things going on in Twitterville today.

Tweet us your shirt ideas. If we like 'em, we'll give you free shirts. Also, re-tweet our latest message and get a code good for 10% off.