ABOUT CORKY MANSFIELD

Growing up as an only child and living in a neighborhood with few kids, I often spent time exercising my imagination. One thing I used to do was pretend my food would walk and talk. I know its kinda weird but I promise I am normal (at least enough). Drawing was and continues to be an essential part of my life. After art school I took a job working for the "man" and illustrated on the side. OK, here's reality: it was a lot of late nights and little sleep but I LOVED it! I've had the good fortune to be part of some pretty cool Illustration projects. After being unfulfilled and knowing my corporate job was going nowhere fast, ideas started popping into my head – one of which brought me back to being a kid. I thought wouldn't it be funny to have a little cherry that is always dropping their pit and they would always say "Pit Happens!” What can I say I have a warped since of humor. Anyway, the cherry led to a banana with fangs, a fitness freak orange, a very bad blueberry, and many many more.

Now that I had my idea, it needed a name. I wanted something original and easy to remember. It is a running joke that to create your "name" for a certain adult profession was to use your first pet's name and your first street address. My first pet was an awesome gray and white bob-tailed cat named "Corky" and I grew up on "Mansfield" Ave, Whalla! Corky Mansfield. I think it does the trick!

Now I was all set I had my name and a group of wacky fruit to get going. Next up was jumping off the ledge away from the corporate world. To this day it still is one of the scariest and most fulfilling adventures of my life. So with complete faith and amazing support of family and friends, I jumped. I won't bore you will all the details of the all-nighters, thrown out sketches, doubt, and all that stuff that happens when you go out of your comfort zone. Instead I will say I held steady with my faith that Corky was going to find his audience and succeed.

Like You Brands, LLC dba Corky Mansfield officially launched on January 1, 2007 and is based in Columbus, Ohio. Corky set out to bring some good clean humor to the world through tees and funky characters. Through this Corky hoped to bring people together that otherwise may not have taken the time to get to know each other. For example, standing in a grocery line have you ever seen someone and that has something that you do and a conversation is sparked? Thus a connection is made. Corky also adopted the tag line "Corky is just like you™". Meaning Corky doesn't judge or believe in clichés – life is meant to be enjoyed and celebrated. Making goods that are only meant for models and celebrities is NOT How Corky Mansfield rolls. (Although, let’s be honest: I wouldn't complain if a celebrity wants to wear the tees.  ) Instead Corky's focus is on every day people who like to laugh and have a good time. During all of this Corky has had the good fortune to ship out tees, buttons, puzzles, and scrubs all across the US and different places around the world. I look forward to the future and what this leap has in store. I know how important it is that no matter what life throws at you remember one thing "Pit Happens!"

Be sure to check out the Daily Grind section. There you will be kept abreast of all the zainy adventures of the Daily Dose gang. In addition, feel free to drop a line in the contact section. I would love to hear form you.

Keep it real, Keep it fun, Keep it Corky!

Jason Tharp
Prodominent Right Brain