Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tim Jurgensen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Tim, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I learned how to tie dye simply through trial and error. In 2020 I wanted a Carhartt brand tie dye shirt and I couldn’t find any options. I had always wanted to try tie dye since I never did as a child. My partner had tie dyed before and told me to buy a kit and we could have a fun activity. I had 0 knowledge of how to tie dye or mix colors. I have never really been great at painting, drawing or any other artistic skill. We started practicing on old white clothes and thrifted items and had a lot of fun. I stumbled across something online about using ice to dye clothes and had to try it out. I took a risk and ice dyed a Carhartt shirt and was instantly hooked after washing it out. Knowing what I do now I would’ve streamlined the process a bit more than I did years ago. Having the right equipment for ice dyes is so important to save time and be more efficient. The skills that were most essential is just to accept that every piece is not going to work out exactly how you planned, but that’s the beauty of this craft. The only obstacles standing in my way was a full time job that I was not invested in. I would constantly think about new dye projects and ideas for shirts while at my full time job.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started dyeing shirts in 2020 once that pandemic was in full swing,. I wanted certain branded shirts/clothes in tie dye but really couldn’t find what I was looking for. I decided that I would try and make what I envisioned at home with a standard kit. Through a ton of trial and error (lots of thrifted items) I perfected a design/procedure that makes my designs/colors Stan out from the traditional artists. I only use ice for my dyes and have a system of soaking them in a solution and triple washing them by hand. I create unique and abstract pieces of tie dye that blend and create pigments not found in powder dyes. I am most proud of people genuinely enjoying my work. Seeing people wear my clothing is the most satisfying feeling that I have ever had. I have shipped al across the globe and I couldn’t be more proud of where I am today. I don’t shy away from any project big or small and love creating items in my customers visions. I hope to one day own a shop (mobile or brick & mortar) and be able to reach a wider audience with my dyes.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The goal is to earn my entire years pay through my art. I would love to focus on my store 100% of the time without distractions of part time/full time jobs. I would love to create a path where that is a reality in the next couple years. I hope to one day own a store/stores and I would love to be a full time artist for local clothing companies, bands, etc.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

Honestly I wish I would’ve known about the many art/craft shows here in Colorado. I started working events just last October and I absolutely loved it. I met so many creative people and got a chance to sell my art face-to-face and really connect with my customers. I have met a lot of great friends a long that way that have taught me valuable things in the last 4 months.

Contact Info:

• Website: tubulartimstiedyes.etsy.com
• Instagram: @tubulartimstiedyes
• Facebook: Tubular Tim’s Tiedyes LLC
• Other: Tik Tok: @tubular_tim

Image Credits
Photos by: Leah Aragon