Dina Rae's Write Stuff: Radio Host/Silk Screen Artist Bobby Pickles Stops By

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Radio Host/Silk Screen Artist Bobby Pickles Stops By

Thanks so much for being my guest.

No, thank you for showing interest. I am humbled and appreciative.

How did you get into the radio biz?

I got into the radio business in 2009 when I began working as a Broadcast Journalist for WMNF in Tampa, FL – they are an NPR affiliate.

Is Matt, your freemason friend, always with you?

No. Matt Fernandez is a voiceover artist who lives in the NYC area as well. I let him sit in with me sometimes, but he has his own thing. Check out YouTube.com/Matthew127.

Do you have other sidekicks?

Sometimes my two friends, Martini and Badey who I conspire with on tee shirt designs, sit in, while even my grandfather has done the podcast.

What kinds of guests do you like to interview?

Anybody I consider to be unconventional. I like deep thinkers, people who have a bit of an attitude, you know – likeminded folk.

What kind of format are you most comfortable using?

I tend along the interview format – learned from my days as a crackerjack salesman. They call it “earn the right” in sales – which is the art of discovering information to use as ammo for the close.

Who are your favorite radio hosts and why?

Howard Stern is my all time hero. I grew up watching his E show and listening to his broadcasts while visiting family in NYC. Then when he came to satellite, I had to subscribe. Also, being from Tampa, a major influence of mine is Bubba The Love Sponge. And NPR.

How long have you been making custom t-shirts?

I have been designing and printing tee shirts for exactly four years now. I started my tee shirt company in January of 2009 and trust me when I say it’s been a hell of a learning curve. I sold insurance prior to. Actually, I had my own licensed insurance agency, but when the market crashed, I decided to meditate on the kind of business that would fulfill me creatively as well as economically.

Are you an artist?

Yes I am an artist. I am a writer and graphic designer. I am not an illustrator however. I do commission original pieces from various artists. As a matter of fact, we are currently looking for new caricaturists to join our company. If any of your readers are interested, they can contact me via BobbyPickles@me.com.

Who are your favorite artists?

Being from St. Pete, I am sort of fond of Salvatore Dali (where they built a museum in his honor).

Are the designs hand-drawn or computer generated?

Both: All original tomfoolery that we come up with is commissioned, and then, the graphic elements are incorporated by yours truly.

What kinds of customers do you attract? (sports teams, bikers, individuals, funny sayings, etc.)

All kinds – we will make a custom tee shirt for damn near anybody, from family reunions to sports teams to corporate fundraisers, etc. But as far as our Bobby Pickles line, we attract pseudo-intellectuals, people of the Wikipedia generation, usually some college – hipsters, hippies, anybody hip and somewhat intelligent, usually with a sarcastic sense of humor.

How much does it cost to have a t-shirt made?

They range in price depending on the size of the order and complexity of design. For a quote, please call (866) 970-9997 or use the email I pasted a few answers above.