Her Campus (HC): When did you first take an interest in graphic/clothing design?
Mike Lazarus (ML): Starting at the age of 12, I was very interested in photography. Discovering Photoshop became my gateway to becoming a graphic designer. As I entered high school, it was still my main interest and I wanted to further pursue it. I submitted a portfolio and application to the Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. It was at Dreyfoos where I learned how to use different programs, such as Adobe Illustrator and Adobe InDesign. I was hooked instantly. I shifted my focus from photography and put all my time into graphic design. At first, I was designing basic logos and flyers, but eventually, I was asked to design my first shirt. In the years that followed, I made dozens of different shirts for different organizations and events. The feeling I got when I saw individuals wearing the clothing I designed really had a profound effect on me. Something felt right and I knew that i wanted to narrow my focus to shirt design.
HC: How was Buds Clothing born?
ML: I started Buds during my...[.]