Beginnings...
In 2008, Ape graduated from Kent State University with a BFA in Fine Arts (Printmaking). While working with a non-profit youth program as an AmeriCorps VISTA, she also began a recent grad residency at Zygote Press. While there, Ape printed a few tees for herself. The infamous 'YEAH I'M FROM OHIO' design was born at this time - a photo of the tee was posted online and requests for this shirt started coming in. This was the seed leading to APE MADE's founding in 2011. (While the company officially launched in 2011, you may have APE MADE shirts dating back to 2009 when April began printing on the side during the recession.)
APE MADE operated out of Ape's house / basement in Kent, Ohio - with no startup money or capital (using screens and printing supplies left over from college and any extra money from each paycheck to purchase more supplies). Yes, I sprayed my screens out in my shower. And washed my squeegees out in my kitchen sink. And exposed screens in the driveway using the sun. And converted my dining room into an art room. And my 2nd bedroom into an office. But here we are...
APE MADE is a veritable one-woman print and production shop; all artwork, design, printing, and packaging is done BY HAND by April Bleakney (aka Ape). APE MADE’s focus is promoting themes of local pride with simple, original, and fun designs on quality handmade goods, with an emphasis on hand drawn design work. APE MADE creates items for everyone – adults, children, babies, pets, and home – aiming to maintain affordability across the line.
All products are printed by hand in Cleveland, Ohio – using eco-friendly, water-based textile inks and no machines or harsh chemicals. We source our blanks from companies with the highest certifications in both their humane working conditions and environmental impact.
When she’s not screen printing, April Bleakney also works in a variety of other media viewable at www.apebleakney.com.