“Climb On” – The Story Behind Tako Press’s First Tee
Before there were collections or a brand name, there was just a simple idea: to celebrate the small moments that connect us to nature, movement, and ourselves.
“Climb On” was the very first design I printed onto a T-shirt. And today, it’s still the one most people come back for.
This is the story of how it came to life — and why it still means so much to Tako Press.
It All Started With a Knot
I remember the moment clearly: sitting at the climbing gym, tying my figure-eight knot like I always do — twist, loop, follow through — and thinking about how beautiful that shape is.
Strong, balanced, purposeful.
Simple, but essential.
That knot became the starting point for this design.
From there came the carabiner, the arching climbing hold, and the phrases:
“Climbing!” — like a joyful call.
“Climb on” — like a quiet encouragement.
Designed by Heart, Carved by Hand
Like all Tako Press prints, “Climb On” wasn’t made with a computer or generated on a screen. It started as a sketch in my notebook, inspired by the climbing objects I use and love every week. I redrew it, adjusted the proportions, and carved it onto a soft block by hand.
You can still see the slightly uneven lines, the chisel marks in the negative space — that’s intentional. It’s what makes every print feel alive.
Each shirt is hand-printed in small batches, one by one. No two are exactly the same. The ink sits slightly differently each time. Some lines are bolder, some lighter. That’s the beauty of handmade work.
Why It Still Matters
Out of all the designs I’ve made, “Climb On” still feels like a beginning point — both for Tako Press and for myself.
It represents everything I hoped to do with this project:
To bring handmade printmaking into everyday life
To celebrate movement, nature, and craftsmanship
To make something useful that also holds meaning
If this shirt has made it into your gear bag, your laundry pile, or your weekend adventures — thank you. I hope it keeps you grounded, motivated, and a little bit inspired.
Here’s to tying in, trusting your gear, and climbing on — again and again.
