The brand started at the end of 2017 as a side project by Thijmen Brinkman at art school. He studied illustration and was simply looking for a creative outlet, so he started printing his designs on skateboards. He maintained this throughout his four years of art school, and when he graduated, Marke suddenly became serious without him even realizing it. He sold to stores all over Europe and also had a large market in his own city. So he decided to try harder. He learned more and more about cut & sew production and became more immersed in his illustration work. And that's how the brand got to where it is now.
The products that TLC create truly create a connection between illustration and design. Thijmen is interested in designing unique and beautiful garments, inspired by the past and all its beauties. He focuses primarily on designing pieces that showcase the art of illustration and the actual skill of drawing. The feeling that brands in skateboarding are usually determined by their team contradicts THijmen's approach. People recognize the brand because of the riders and the people associated with the brand, rather than the unique pieces they actually make. Each brand makes a few t-shirts, a hoodie and some baggy pants and that's about it. But with The Loose Company, the artist is really trying to present something unique. HE would rather go for a fully printed workwear jacket that fits perfectly and features an incredible illustration than opt for a pair of baggy jeans and another hoodie.
