OUR STORY

LETS TAKE YOU BACK TO WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

What began as a DIY solution quickly evolved into a passion for screen printing, merging creativity, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for local art and music. From those early days in a backyard shed to now creating high-quality merchandise for bands and businesses, BlackDog Ink has always been about more than just printing. It’s about bringing bold ideas to life.

With over 20 years of experience, we’ve grown into a thriving screen printing and design company that values hands-on artistry and impeccable quality. Whether we’re working with local artists to translate their intricate designs onto textiles or perfecting a brand’s merchandise, every print reflects our love for the craft. At BlackDog Ink, we don’t just make prints—we make them last.

Our Story Image

FROM THE VERY START

From backyard beginnings to bold creative prints.

FROM THE VERY START

BlackDog Ink began with three mates, a backyard shed, and a laundry full of dirty clothes. The catalyst? A simple need for a clean shirt to wear to the pub. What started as a spontaneous solution turned into a passion project—and eventually evolved into a full-fledged screen printing, design, and merchandise company with a deep commitment to supporting local artists and the music scene.


Let’s rewind 18 years to the infamous afternoon at the "beachpad." With a few beers cracked, some inspiration from Stephen King’s It, and a Pennywise track blasting in the background, the Psycho Clown was born. This bold design marked the beginning of our journey into screen printing, combining creativity, grit, and a fair dose of trial and error.

The first line of Psycho Clown apparel rolled off the press, supported by a loyal group of mates who helped spread the word—quite literally, by slapping stickers around the local Lighthouse Beach area. Remarkably, some of those stickers can still be spotted around LHB today, a testament to the durability of both our prints and our passion. ​ As word spread about Mez’s undeniable eye for detail and commitment to quality, local labels began seeking our services. What started as a hobby in a backyard shed quickly grew into something bigger. Psycho Clown matured, and with it, so did we.

The next chapter of our journey was inspired by a little black shadow—our shed companion and unofficial mascot, Tiger. With his watchful eyes and unwavering presence, Tiger became the muse for BlackDog Ink’s rebrand. BlackDog Ink V2.0 was born, along with a mission to create high-quality screen printing that celebrates local artistry and community. ​ Today, we pride ourselves on being more than just printers; we are collaborators and champions of creativity. With in-house design services and a growing network of talented local artists and designers, we cater to a diverse clientele. From bold band merchandise to custom apparel for yoga enthusiasts, every project is approached with the same level of care and precision.

Screen printing is an art in itself, requiring both technical expertise and creative vision. Transferring an artist’s work to an alternative medium involves breaking down intricate designs, separating colours, digitising artwork, and making it "screen ready." Each layer of ink is carefully controlled, and every print is a testament to the craft of traditional manual silk screening. There’s nothing quite like lifting a screen and seeing the design come to life for the first time—a moment that still gives us a buzz, even after 20 years. ​ We remain passionate about the hands-on nature of our work and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible. Whether experimenting with specialty inks, mastering advanced techniques

​Our work has also received recognition beyond the press — BlackDog Ink has been featured in industry publications and awarded for excellence in print. We’re proud to be an award-winning studio representing the creative spirit of Port Macquarie. ​ At BlackDog Ink, our motto is simple: "Ink till ya stink." It’s a cheeky reminder of our roots and a nod to the perseverance and love we pour into every squeegee pull. Whether you’re an artist, a band, or a business, if you’re looking for high-quality screen printing with a creative edge, you’ll find us in the print shop, pushing the squeegee till the very end.

CHEERS, BLACK DOG INK

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