Make it well or not at all. An interview with Imperf Founder Mike Lynch

Make it well or not at all. An interview with Imperf Founder Mike Lynch

Interview conducted by longtime friends and collaborators Mike Lynch and photographer Titus Haug. Mike Lynch is the founder and creative mind behind Imperfects which is not only an apparel brand but also an approach to life.

Mike, sorry to go deep right off the bat, but when you think about what you’re doing with Imperfects—in both the apparel and the message you are spreading—what do you want your legacy to be with the brand, say looking back in 20 yrs?

Now that is a beautiful question, my Brother. Funny enough, I think about this everyday and I sometimes feel my perspective is often somewhat askew because of the fact I’m so hyper aware of the quality I’m trying to produce. The attention to detail is as much my curse as my super power and while I choose to look at it as my super power, 9 times out of 10, it does get in the way of remaining present. That said, I want to be known for commitment to process and a quality reliable product because of that. Our product is craftsmanship and our process is art - when the two come together, I believe we achieve our version of science. I hope that in 20 years we are a leader in innovation and our product is as responsible (meaning clean materials and built to last) as it is stylish, in a timeless way.

How about in 100 yrs?

In 100 years! I hope for so many things across a full centennial! I’d hope that my name lives on in the process of whatever art is coming from Imperfects. I’d hope inspiration was the ultimate product we produced and shared - and found a way to continue doing so into perpetuity through others. I hope our product is useful and I hope we’ve become an experience more than a product. I hope we’ve built a platform which will continue to make the world a more artistic and creatively diverse place. 


I know writing poetry is something you do a lot. Have you been writing much lately? If so, what seems to be a consistent topic and why?

Honestly, I’ve not written much poetry lately and I don’t like that. I used to write everyday but the challenges of a busy schedule with work and family life have kept me from keeping a daily practice and I’ve realized how important it is to keep up with the things which fuel you. The last poem I wrote was for an LFE a few weeks ago and it was about the intrinsic value in constantly getting to know oneself. I often reflect on who I am and who I want to become and most of my poetry is about the look inward. 


How do you define style?

I think style is a projection of how you perceive yourself in your mind’s eye. In other words, the way you feel and the way you imagine yourself interacting with the world is what you ultimately, subconsciously, style yourself as. Real style is earned over years of practicing perspective shifts based on new inputs - like a golf swing or a top turn that gets daily practice - it eventually becomes effortless. 


How do you view what you’re creating at Imperfects in regards to your previous answer?

Most days I feel completely lost but I realize that’s natural when you are truly committed to wandering the trail you feel you should blaze or are called to create. The title of the brand keeps me honest and it brings humility to the front lines which levels your confidence and can be dangerous when weighed against conflated KPIs or measures which don’t actually affect how your work is judged in the long game. I find that it is really important to put effort into staying in love with your work and to be keenly aware of ‘why.’ We are making art and as long as the art makes people feel something - good or bad - we are succeeding, by our standards. 

Something that I’ve always appreciated about Imperfects is how the apparel is very durable and well made. As an appreciator of Vintage clothes myself I’ve really come to value how clothes used to be made. Imperfects seems to hold this old tradition. I’m sure it’s expensive to make clothes like this, which explains why so many brands opt for cheap quality and materials. Can you share your philosophy behind how and why you make clothes with durability and utility in mind? 

That is the best compliment, to be compared to something that has stood the test of time. If you think about it, that’s all all of us are trying to do, is withstand the test of time or stay in the best shape that we can for as long as we can. Longevity is the goal. It’s no different with apparel - we are all a part of everything around us so every decision we make affects all of us. Why not make responsible, durable goods that stand up and stand out. Timelessness comes from education and educated guesses. There is enough evidence around us to prove that the world doesn’t need anymore poorly made stuff - make it well or not at all. 

Currently what is it about Imperfects that gets you excited?

Mr. Lynch by Imperfects is my play zone and I’m so excited about the fact that we are now able to create two collections per year. It’s where I truly get to express small batches of our highest quality of craft. But all in all, the fabric, across the whole business - I believe our ethos will come through in our fabrications and make sense to the world soon enough- we are innovating around material and that’s really exciting. 


I know it hasn’t always (or maybe ever?) been a smooth road pursuing this dream of yours. It’s been inspiring to watch. I know at times it’s been overwhelming and trialsome. There’s also those moments of pure inspiration and enlightenment. Where do you find yourself on that spectrum now?

Lately, I find myself overwhelmed. I am flabbergasted by where we’ve come and what we’ve achieved while I’m also exhausted and in need of help. We are at the point now where I’m no longer able to do the lion share of the jobs and that’s really cool but also very overwhelming. I am humbled by the fact that I’m lucky enough to be chasing my dreams everyday. 

Can you share any wisdom that comes to mind for someone who is pursuing their own dreams?

Persistence is everything and it’s all about refueling the tank as often as possible. Keep moving - sometimes you will have to go backwards and that’s ok. Goodness is unlocked through long bouts of challenging times and you will never know the real weight of winning or losing until you’ve explored those limits.

From your perspective, in what ways is life a form of art?

The human experience is inherently imperfect therefore naturally artistic. Art comes from our natural need to express ourselves and all art can only be lived. 


In as much as you could answer this question, where is Mike Lynch headed metaphorically in the coming 12 months. 

For freedom. Freedom to surf again, to craft my wildest ideas, to shape more, to make art for my fellow artists, to share life more widely more often, to make content that inspires, to hangout with my kids, to achieve a new form of balance.