How long have you been doing what you’re doing?

There was a lot of gearing up beforehand, but really only since April of this year.

How did you start your brand?

Sort of by accident. We toyed with the idea of starting a brand in the past, but really made it happen after we saw other indie brands thriving.

How did you come up with the name Maiden Voyage?

Around the same time that we were starting the brand, I was restoring a vintage bicycle. When it was ready to go on it’s first ride I said, “Let’s take her on her Maiden Voyage” and M.V.C.C. was born.

Where are you based and what do you like (or dislike) about living and working there?

We’re based in LA and really appreciate the amount of opportunity this city has to offer and of course the weather is great. It is crowded, but that’s the price you have to pay.

What qualities set you apart from other T-Shirt making companies?

I think one of the largest differences is that we don’t just make T-Shirts. We make tees, leather goods and very soon… much more! We consider ourselves to be more a clothing line and coolness curators.

What is your process for creating a new T-Shirt, do you screen print yourselves? Etc.

We do research and bounce ideas around until something really stands out. Then, we layout rough sketches which are then translated into digital form and readied for print. Our printing is out-sourced, which leaves us more time to work on growing our brand.

What inspiration/influences do you draw from when creating new designs?

We enjoy a good story and so we look for themes that can be illustrated with depth. This allows the audience to read into the design what they like or ask what it’s all about. We’re big fans of craftsmanship, details, military design, the absurd, oddities and just about anything that is antique or vintage.

Do you bring artists/designers in to collaborate on T-shirts? If so, how do you go about finding them and deciding to include them in your line?

We’ve not done this yet, but we’re working on bringing other artists on board who’s work we enjoy and fits with our brand.

What were you doing before this?

With backgrounds in design, film and business – we have worked in a number of different fields. This is our first solo venture, but won’t be our last!

When are you most productive? Do you come up with your best ideas while your just hanging out or in a full-fledged business brainstorm session?

Our brand has been steered from ideas that have come to us while we’ve been out and about, hanging out with friends or researching for the next design.

Is there any direction you hope to take your line in in the next year or so? Are you planning on doing anything differently?

We’re working on women’s cuts, the expansion of our leather goods and some accessories, too.

Five songs you can’t stop listening to right now?

1. Tycho
2. Sirens of the Sea
3. Kavinsky
4. The National
5. Benny Goodman

What do you like to do when you’re not developing and distributing awesome T-Shirts?

When we’re not working, your can find us at a flea-market or swap meet, taking in a movie, perusing a museum or the great outdoors.

Any last words or shout outs?

Thanks to our friends and families for their continued support, thanks to our customers for their assurance we’re doing good things, and thanks to all those we’ve met thus far in the industry – we’ve made some great friends and learned so much already!