In the bustling world of graphic design and photo retouching, Barking Pixel has been a vibrant force since 2004. This Austin-based creative powerhouse recently expanded its horizons with an exciting foray into online retail, offering aviation-themed throw blankets, pillows, apparel, and, most notably, custom socks! Today, we’re thrilled to highlight their journey with Sock Club and their passion for crafting unique, purpose-driven products.
Barking Pixel’s move into the retail space is as bold as their creative designs. Known for their impeccable eye for detail and innovative approach, they’ve brought the same level of excellence to their new line of products. Among their standout items are custom socks, designed not only to be fun and functional but also to support a cause close to their hearts—Pilots N Paws.
“When we found Sock Club and realized we share the same backyard—Austin, Texas—it was a no-brainer to contact them for our first custom socks,” says Justine Boyer, Founder of Barking Pixel. This local connection, combined with Sock Club’s commitment to quality, made for a perfect partnership.
Justine Boyer, Designer and Founder of Barking Pixel
Barking Pixel faced the daunting task of standing out in a crowded marketplace and gaining traction with a niche audience. However, they discovered that their custom socks could play a pivotal role in overcoming these hurdles.
“We’re targeting a limited audience, and getting our name out there is challenging,” says Boyer. “But once people know about us, they’re excited! Our current plan is to get the word out, and exhibit at EAA AirVenture - widely considered the pinnacle of airshows worldwide! Our goal? To connect with people, and make sure we deliver the absolute best quality of everything we offer.”
The vibrant, aviation-themed designs of their socks not only catch the eye but also serve as memorable talking points, making them a unique tool for brand promotion and engagement.
Choosing Sock Club was an easy decision for Barking Pixel. The appeal of having socks made in the USA, coupled with the fun and creative potential of custom designs, was a perfect fit for their vision.
“The communication throughout the process was the best I’ve experienced in a long time,” shared Boyer. “The team at Sock Club is nothing short of amazing. We were slow to start because we had to narrow down what we really wanted on our first sock and Sock Club was there to help every step of the way.”
While Barking Pixel aims for a financial return of 80% on their first order, the broader objective is to create buzz and excitement around their new retail venture. Every pair sold not only adds to their bottom line but also helps further their mission of supporting a beloved organization and spreading joy through design. “Our ultimate goal with these socks is to get our name out there and folks excited about our store—that’s priceless to us.”
Barking Pixel’s journey with Sock Club is just beginning. They fully anticipate future orders, driven by the quality of the product and the excellent service they received. The custom socks from Sock Club have become a vital part of their strategy to carve out a unique space in the retail market and to make a meaningful impact through their designs.