Inspiration can come when you least expect it. For West Chester University alumnus Kyle Rheiner, all it took was a long car ride and a new tee-shirt. It was the summer of 2002, his first year in college, and he had just bought a graphic tee on South Street in Philadelphia at a store called Agent Aloha. He was stuck sitting in a van for 11 hours on a trip to Toronto, Canada. He happened to be wearing the shirt from South Street and after taking a look at it, he realized that it was something he too could create.
Rheiner pulled out his notebook and began sketching some ideas. After that, he decided to form a company called “Faceless Creations.”
“I wanted to create something for everyone, and I considered ‘faceless’ because it didn’t pinpoint a specific demographic,” Rheiner said.
A year later, “Faceless Creations” became “BreakAwayInk” which it is still known as today.
“BreakAwayInk” derived from the idea that he wanted his artwork to be considered something that “breaks away” from all the other trendy tee-shirts. The word “ink” is part of the name because he wanted to be affiliated with anything that has to do with INK.
“I’ve created concert posters for the hip hop groups The Roots and for Common – so the INK comes into play with anything that can be printed, whether it be concert posters, advertisements, graphic tees, hoodies and army fatigue hats,” Rheiner said.
The company’s main demographic is for men and women ages 18-32, who enjoy the “urban look” and appreciate design and artwork.
“Much of the clothing will be built around music, whether it be a drum kit on the shirt, or lyrics from a song,” Rheiner said. “You’re going to find meaning in every design. I’m not here to sell as many shirts as possible and become rich, I’m here to make clothing for those who respect true meaning in the arts, music, design, whatever it might be.”
He also plans to put together a specific collection targeting DJ’s, emcees and bands, as well “DubC” shirts, and big cities such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia and Atlanta.
“BreakAwayInk” has had a lot of success over the years. Rheiner was able to sell out of WCU homecoming shirts for five consecutive years. He has designed shirts for multiple sororities and colleges and has created shirts for the band Carbonaut.
Rheiner has also successfully had his shirts sold at West Chesters bars such as Ryan’s Pub, Kildares and Baxter’s along with Culinary Deliveries.
Rheiner has big plans for the future including a fashion show/ “Break Out” party and eventually would like to move into larger advertising in magazine and internet ads. For more information go to www.BreakAwayInk.com or email Rheiner at kylerheiner@yahoo.com
Regan Reber is a fourth-year student majoring in communication studies with a minor in journalism. She can be reached at RR596537@wcupa.edu.