Archive for 'crate product'

Milkcrate Athletics & Nike in Lawsuit Over Something Neither Own

Aaron LaCrate and his brand of Milkcrate Athletics is suing Nike for recent usage of milkcrates, related images and words on a series of recent LeBron James apparel and footwear. They claim that Nike is confusing the public and using their brand properties. I’ve been putting milkcrates on t-shirts since 1997 (see one below) so I don’t know how someone could own that idea, but Milkcrate Athletics is going for it with this lawsuit. I don’t see any confusion of brand infringement, but we’ll let the courts work it out.

It’s my opinion that no one owns the milkcrate image. It’s like saying you own the letter “F”. Milkcrates are in the public domain and no one can lay claim to it. I am a supporter of artist’s rights and I’m the first person to call foul when artists get ripped off (see You Though We Wouldn’t Notice) but this just seems a bit silly. If he wins, I’d like a cut please. –> Milkcrate Athletics Files Trademark Suit Against Nike Over LeBron James’s Milkcrate-Themed Shoes via 95years.com

Milkcrate Basketball Association

Long ago I made this tee shirt and it was celebrated. Once again it is available to commemorate the best and most authentic of basketball experiences. The Milkcrate Basketball Association is the truth. –>get one at the Milkcrate Digest Zazzle page

QuietDoing’s Crate Products

Product from QuietDoing

Friend from the southland sent me this wonderful milkcrate product from the etsy.com. I reached out to Ms. QuietDoing and she agreed to answer my random interview questions. (MD=Milkcrate Digest, QD=QuietDoing) –>products via esty.com, QuietDoing Shop

MD: Tell me about the milkcrate patterns and images…where did the idea come from, why crates?

QD: Many of my design influences are music inspired. I dip and dabble with records and DJing and to quote Kid Koala, “Some of my best friends are DJ’s”! ;D  The turntable/record designs come straight from that part of my life and the milkcrates, to me, go hand in hand with the record culture. I’ve realized two of my favorite things involve playing with needles: records and sewing = destiny!

MD: How do milkcrates enhance or affect your daily life? do you have some around the house? how many?

QD: My last apartment shared a back lot with a grocery store where we acquired dozens of crates for records and patio furniture.  I did a lot of planting and outdoor landscaping with them. :) Ah… nostalgia.

QuietDoing's milkcrate filled backyard

Thinking about them now, creates a sort of vibe or energy that I can always connect with.  They’re just these plastic things that stack – the same, large, LEGO piece that I felt I could build with or use for anything my creative mind and physical energy would allow.  Ask my roommates, I was perpetually  re-arranging those crates!

I’ve recently moved, though, and have acquired more legit wooden furniture and record housing, so my crate collection has dwindled to only a few to store art supplies, fabric, music equipment and tools; I don’t think they will ever fully escape me.  If I could integrate milkcrates into my interior design, I’d do so in a heartbeat.
I do have a not-so-traditional, but handy-dandy and collapsible plastic crate that I keep in the trunk of my car. It’s nifty.

MD: What is your earliest milkcrate memory?

QD: My earliest milkcrate memories involve my dad getting black ones from the outside lot of the laundromat my parents used to own. They were put out by the bakery next door and he’d a use for them for everything DIY related.  I’d use them as chairs, step stools, or stilts; the way bored single-digit-age children do while waiting around for the adults to finish their duties of responsibility.

MD: Anything new in the works?

QD: I’ve been focusing on wallets, but now am starting a line of bags and briefcase-type things for people who like paper.

Factory Fresh milkcrate print

Factory Fresh

A good buddy sent this my way. I love this print above, and these guys seem to have the milk crate spirt within them. –> Factory Fresh

Cr(e)ate by Tim Quirey

Tim Quirey - Cr(e)ate

I got an email this week from me Tim Quirey, the author of “Cr(e)ate” which is a book of photography of milkcrates all over the world. His work took him to Morocco, New Zealand, London, Paris, Barcelona, Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra. I’m so siked this has been done, and I hope to feature Tim in the future. Support the crate love everywhere!

Valentine’s Day – crate love

Milkcrate Valentine

Happy Milkcrate Valentine’s Day, given by my wife. Click image to enlarge.

The thought ninjas are down

Thought Ninjas crate design

Forwarded by Mr. Randy Pikul, we have the Thought Ninjas promoting the milkcrate legacy. Let the love flow.