The Power Of Print
Screen printing is what we do, but to us, it’s a creative catalyst to a better way forward for the LGBTQ+ community. Transfigure Print Co. is where we can create the goods we want to see in the world while employing, championing, and investing back into the very communities we uplift. It’s a beautiful thing!
A Little History
Like lots of small businesses, Transfigure started in a college apartment. In 2017, Bailey, Founder of TFPC, started honing his screen-printing skills from home, exposing screens in his small bedroom, inking them up in his living room, and then washing them out in the bathtub. This is where Transfigure began.
Since TFPC’s humble beginnings, the business has since grown from a tiny print shop into a five-person crew with two brick-and-mortar locations in Grand Rapids, MI, a huge Instagram following, and offering worldwide shipping. In addition to that, TFPC has had the chance to collaborate with some beloved brands and artists, including Visa, Bombas Socks, Ghirardelli, Boss Dog Art Dept., and many more.
Bailey Sell, a Trans man himself, has used TFPC to spread Trans joy and stand up for LGBTQ rights across the globe, as well as allocating funds via a mutual-aid model to Trans and Queer organizations in need through the Transfigure Trans Fund.
What Is Different About TFPC?
Transfigure is surrounded by a unique, national community of individuals who want to make (and wear) a statement.
In 2019, the Transfigure Trans Fund was created. Any donations that come into TFPC go directly back into our community, helping Trans and Queer folks with gender-affirming care. In addition to the Trans Fund, we also donate 10% of our most popular designs, “Protect Trans Kids” and “Protect Trans Folks”, working to further Trans lives.
So, yeah, we’re more than just a print shop. When you order from us, you are truly making a difference in a Queer person’s life.
The Transfigure Team
Bailey Sell (he/him)
While earning his BFA at Kendall College of Art & Design, Bailey started Transfigure in his tiny apartment, washing out screens in the bathtub and piling up boxes in the foyer. From these humble beginnings, Bailey has grown his business into a national phenomenon with loyal fans, big brand collaborators, celebrity customers, a retail store, and a production facility.
As a Trans man himself, it’s always been Bailey’s dream to “create something that benefits the Trans community and helps further our lives.” This commitment hasn’t gone unnoticed. In addition to raising tens of thousands of dollars for Queer and Trans folks all over the country, Bailey has been awarded for his work as Chosen Family of Michigan’s Outstanding Advocate and nominated for 2022’s Queer of the Year by the Grand Rapids Pride Center.
When he’s not working, you can catch Bailey camping at all of Michigan’s best parks, watching the latest horror film, or trying to score a sweet deal on Facebook Marketplace.
Fave TFPC Product: Protect Trans Kids shirt
On His Printing Playlist: Early 2000s throwbacks24
What He Brings to TFPC: One Stop Coney every time they have a staff lunch
Fun Fact: Can’t refuse a Costco hot dog
Evan Miller (he/him)
Evan is a graphic designer with a DIY attitude and jack-of-all-trades skillset. At Transfigure, he oversees print production, including burning screens and mixing inks, while doing some of the printing himself. Evan has also created a couple of our top-selling designs, including Thank You for Existing! and Come as You Are.
It's not every day that you find a gig where you can totally be yourself, but Evan feels that Transfigure authentically and compassionately makes a difference in people’s lives. And that includes his own, allowing him to show up every day as his goofy and fun-loving self.
Outside of work, Evan can be found in the mosh pit at a local show or tending to his vegetable garden. What can we say? The guy has range.
Fave TFPC Product: Thank You for Existing! shirt
On His Printing Playlist: Frank Ocean, BROCKHAMPTON, Tyler Childers, Ashnikko, Khruangbin
What He Brings to TFPC: Handyman energy; as in, he can fix anything
Fun Fact: DIY ‘til he dies!
Jenna Culina (She/HEr)
Fave TFPC Product: Definitely the PTK design with the flail, she's a certified medievalist so it just makes sense.
On Her Shop Playlist: From iconic pop punk tracks to anything by Sam Smith maybe even some Blondie, you might get whiplash from her music choices.
What She Brings to TFPC: Hopefully some joy and also constantly rotating hair colors. She also brings a sweet pup to the store that can supply some alternative affection if need be!
Fun Fact: She has more shoes than any one person should ever own… we all have our vices..
One-of-a-Kind Printing for One-of-a-Kind Folks
Transfigure is an LGBTQ+ inclusive screen-printing collective that works for and with the Trans and Queer community. Our Michigan-based team creates and prints inclusive apparel and goods that support and raise money for individuals and organizations who are shaping the LGBTQ+ community across the country.
