Joe M500 shoots the Threadless warehouse.

I'm sure you have a nice cubicle... All photos: Joe M500

Chicago-based Threadless teeshirt company was recently selected by Travelchannel.com as an "extreme workplace" because they have more fun at work than we do on the weekends. Joe M500, prolific Chicago photo blogger, visited the Threadless warehouse and captured some amazing stuff which makes Threadless just like "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory".

Threadless has always seemed great, but I didn't expect their warehouse to look like a 14 year old's dream room. Video games? A mini ramp? What was your first reaction?

I have been wearing shirts from Threadless since their inception and have always heard that it was a cool place to work, but was really amazed to walk into the warehouse to see employees playing ping-pong during their lunch break and get greeted by a few dogs! The whole complex seems hip and relaxed. The handful of employees, while smiling, were all very hard at work.
Being a fan of art and graffiti, the whole complex was an adventure for me, as many visiting artists have left their mark on the halls and walls of Threadless, not to mention all of the great artwork that adorns the T-shirts that they are known for.


Someone makes frequent trips to the suburbs!

I can only imagine the loyalty to a place like this, where you have access to a skateboard ramp, video games and ping-pong tables during breaks! Everyone greeted us with handshakes and smiles, the whole place just has a happy vibe to it!

What was the interview with Ken for? The airstream (awesome on it's own) looks purposed to some quality AV production. What was the deal with that?

Lance Curran, the Warehouse Director for Threadless, had invited artist Ken Keirns to visit Threadless while he was in Chicago for his art show at the Rotofugi Gallery. Several Threadless employees are fans of Ken's paintings and Lance even recorded a short interview with Ken to promote the Rotofugi Gallery show, which runs until the 17th of May. Ken was staying with me during his visit, so I accompanied him.

The Airstream trailer inside the warehouse is set up (complete with soundproofing and high end video lighting) for interviews and other fun videos which can be seen on "Threadless Tee-V" on the Threadless website.


Inside the Airstream.

Beyond the environment, what was the coolest thing about your visit? Did you learn anything fascinating about Threadless?

Lance answered many questions that I had about Threadless, including how the economy was affecting sales. Lance was quick to point out that Threadless offers great wearable art at very affordable prices and that "everyone needs cool tee-shirts". Lance had no problem with me taking photos around the warehouse and I was quick to post them up on my flickr page.

The coolest part about my visit to Threadless was how I walked out of there feeling like I had just met new friends and have a new appreciation for such a great local company!

Thanks Joe! Once again, make sure to check out the rest of Joe's set and Threadless's website. The Ken Keirns interview can be found here.