00:54
John Jacobs Highlight
About John
- He and his brother, Bert, designed shirts and clothing for artists; sold them almost exclusively at art festivals.
- For five years, he and Bert drove around the country, lived out of a van, and tried to sell their t-shirts.
- Says they weren't making any money, but they were learning about what people did and didn't like on their shirts.
- When they'd get back from these road trips, they'd throw keggers and use their friends as a "focus group."
- After one party, the motto "life is good" stood out; the brothers liked that it was universally positive, and not just geared towards artists.
- Once their company found financial success, they started on their mission to give back to their hometown of Boston.
- They throw annual outdoor festivals, which raise money for traumatized children and children with life-threatening illnesses.
- The brothers view Dr. Seuss as a major influence-his art inspired children to love reading-as proof that you never know how your art will affect people.