Our Journey: From First Prints to the Present
At Purrint, our journey started with a simple printer, a lot of free time, and a determination to help artists. Before launch, we had been to countless events, setting up stands and helping other creators. We’d seen firsthand the challenges artists face when trying to make merch with small runs for events. The high minimums and upfront costs made it difficult to break even, much less make a profit. So, with a humble printer in hand, we decided to dive into the world of sticker-making.
Were our first stickers perfect? Far from it! They weren’t waterproof, and our cuts were far from polished. But everyone has to start somewhere, especially when there’s no prior experience to fall back on. Those early attempts now make us laugh (and cringe a little), but they also remind us of just how far we’ve come.
Our Vision: Affordability Without Minimums
From the beginning, our mission was simple: to provide affordable, high-quality stickers with no minimums. We didn’t start Purrint to make a profit; rather, we aimed to create an accessible service for artists, and reinvesting profits into upgrades and better equipment. We wanted artists to feel confident ordering just what they need without worrying about high costs.
The Challenges We Faced
Starting from scratch came with its own hurdles. We had to rely on trial and error to understand the process, often wondering why prints didn’t look as expected or why cuts came out wrong. Looking back, we can appreciate the learning curve that shaped us. Every misstep taught us something valuable, and those early “mistakes” became stepping stones toward the quality we offer today.
A Brand with Personality
Purrint has evolved considerably since those first attempts. Originally, we leaned into a bold, retro vibe inspired by the ‘90s and early 2000s—our childhood. But our vision of retro was almost too childlike, and we eventually softened the aesthetic. Today, Inkkitty, our bright and sassy mascot, still holds that vibrant nostalgia, but our brand now resonates with a more balanced de-saturated tone.
Our OG logo (left) made by Gekyume and our current logo (right) made by Crisucchi
What Keeps Us Going
It might sound a little cheesy, but it’s true: the fandom keeps us going. Seeing people recommend our services and watching our community grow fills us with pride. Sometimes, it’s surprising—knowing people see us as a trusted resource when, in our minds, we’re still that little DIY sticker shop with humble beginnings.
A Favorite New Product: Snapbacks!
When it comes to our favorite new product, our snapbacks top the list. There’s just something about them. They’re versatile, stylish, and fun to design. We have a lot of plans to expand our snapback line with more designs—but all in good time!
A Chill, Friendly Culture
We like to think we have a chill, open culture at Purrint. If you asked our team, we hope they’d agree that they feel supported and valued. And our clients, too—whether you’re creating PG art or NSFW masterpieces, everyone’s welcome here. We often smile at how shy some clients are at first with “spicy” artwork print requests, only to return with even bolder ideas the next time around.
Big Dreams for the Future
We love to dream big, and we’re excited about what’s next for Purrint. We’d love to have a dedicated office space with everyone on staff, new equipment, and even more services—at even more affordable prices. Someday, we hope to take Purrint to the next level in terms of space, service, and community.
Lessons We’ve Learned
For anyone thinking of starting something similar, our advice is simple: take your time, start small, and don’t rush into buying the biggest. baddest equipment from the get-go. Learn as you go, accept mistakes as part of the process, and always be open to feedback. Most importantly, never let criticism dim your drive.
We’re grateful for how far we’ve come, and we’re even more excited for where we’re going. Thank you for being part of Purrint’s journey!
