CHASE CENTER team store

As of the second week of February, 2021, the fully realized Limited, ‘Wearable Print’ Editions of my original color pencil and pastel drawings of the Warriors, are officially Team Store items! As YaniMade closes in on it’s 6th year, this is the fulfillment of the original vision- pursuing the perfecting of the shirt (pattern, printing, sewing, fabric, branding), and making it a professional retail item, sold in it’s natural habitat, the Team’s official shop. The inspiration came from an aesthetic sensibility for fashion, team gear, and realizing that with my artwork as the life behind it, and my heart in it, I could create something unique which would challenge me both creatively and professionally. Additionally, the challenge of rivaling big apparel companies with my own creations stoked the competitive fire in me. After a few years, perpetually in a no leverage position with manufacturers as a solo operation on limited budget, with very specific needs in desired manufacturing quality, I had no idea if I could ever get the shirt perfected, let alone get the Warriors to sell them, so just now clearing that hurdle after 5 years, there is a tremendous feeling of appreciation and accomplishment. The journey began on a drafting table in Berkeley, has taken many twists and turns, with countless hours and capital invested in learning sublimation printing manufacturing and Adobe design prep work with help of my photographer and creative partner Todd. We started over with several manufacturers, but always seeing a breakthrough and step forward with each passing experience. Left ahead is still the original goal of making a career as an artist, bringing glory and value to the original artwork, the spirit behind it all. So the mission isn’t over! :) Each shirt is artist numbered and signed on the hang tag, the fabric is a premium poly jersey, made from 88% recycled ocean plastic, 12% spandex. To say this project has been anointed by divine intervention would be an understatement, however it was always in response to faith and relentless persistence. With Raymond Ridder and his wife Sanae vouching for me, Mark Killeen of Full Turn Direct, along with the Warriors retail director Jeff Knepp, gave me a shot to prove the concept during the second half of the ‘18-’19 season, selling a small amount of inventory in the Oracle Arena VIP courtside club kiosks, which proved to be a hit, thus allowing the project to move forward. Manufacturing challenges (starting over with yet another manufacturer, this time over seas, and a transitional year to the new Chase Center) forced me to miss what would’ve been the first full season last year, but given the way the Warriors season went, I may have just dodged a bullet! After COVID, it often seemed to me that the opportunity may never return, however when it did, it happened in the best way possible. If you’re in the Bay Area, stop by the Chase Center Team Store and purchase a wearable print of my original artwork! You will help give YaniMade a future, and own one of the most high quality, and unique garments in sports apparel history.