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A Creative Force in Strathcona: Meet Ink Pad

In the vibrant heart of Strathcona, local business Inkpad has carved out its own colourful niche.

Inkpad is a print, embroidery, and design shop specializing in garment printing techniques, TV and film props and costumes, acrylic signage, and one-of-a-kind custom orders tailored to your creative project needs.

Over the years, Low Tide has had the joy of working alongside the team at Ink Pad on everything from community events to designing team uniforms. We sat down with the co-founder Lina to learn more about Ink Pad’s journey, their inspiring space, and some of their favourite projects to date.

Can you share with us a bit about Ink Pad as a business and its history? 

Ink Pad happened almost by chance. In 1999, my partner Andy started working for his uncle and grandmother at Central Crest, an embroidery and knitting mill in East Vancouver. In 2009, they secured a contract for the Vancouver Olympics to crest hockey jerseys. That’s when Andy bought a plotter machine and began cutting names and numbers from his kitchen table, faster and more efficiently that their suppliers.

I joined to help streamline the process and, despite being immersed in my industrial design degree at Emily Carr at the time, found myself fascinated by machinery and production. I experimented with a heat press vinyl after Central Crest’s silk-screening setup proved incompatible with their knitting equipment. It worked! Suddenly we could press designs on shirts, bags, totes – you name it!

In 2014, Andy and I rented a small studio to give our idea a real shot. We learned that staying relevant meant being curious, investing in equipment, and fostering a team of bright minds.  By 2022, we had outgrown our space and found the perfect new home: 6,000 square feet of light and potential. Just two years later, we expanded again, taking over the entire floor to support our growing team and creative vision!

Your space is so beautiful! Can you share with us one of your favourite projects in your space? 

This space is truly a dream. The renovation was done with so much care, and it’s given us the freedom to express ourselves in every corner. With the tall ceilings and massive windows, we’ve been able to create a lush indoor jungle that keeps our space feeling fresh (literally). The plants help maintain the moisture needed for our water-based printers and offer a visual wow-factor for our clients.

We’re always playing with the environment! Our space is a design playground that’s constantly evolving. Every corner of this shop feels like our “favourite,” and it will always be a work in progress because we’re endlessly inspired with new ideas.

What is your favourite thing about being a part of the Strathcona neighbourhood?

Strathcona is such a hidden gem! Clients are always surprised by the energy here. It’s packed with amazing coffee shops, breweries, furniture stores, and other creative businesses. It’s super central; everything is within reach!

We especially love the Strathcona Blocks Party. The event is a great way to celebrate the community and bring everyone together. Collaborating with Low Tide on these events is a highlight. We love brainstorming ways to make them bigger and better each year!

What has been your experience working with Low Tide?

Signing a lease with Low Tide was hands down the best business decision we’ve made. Of course, the space is incredible, but the relationship we’ve built with the team is what makes it exceptional.

They’ve taken the time to understand who we are and what we do, and they’ve pulled us into many unique projects. It’s rare to find a landlord who not only supports your work but actively champions it. The collaborations are always creative, community-focused, and aligned with our values.

Does Ink Pad have any exciting projects in the works? 

Absolutely! The film industry is heating up again, and we’re working with costume, set decoration, and props departments on some very cool projects. We’re also doing fun projects with the Vancouver Canucks and collaborating with Low Tide on the Strathcona Blocks Party and Flats Fest branding!

We’re proud to play a small part in Ink Pad’s story and look forward to more collaborations ahead. Whether it’s through a custom project or a shared celebration, working with Ink Pad continues to inspire us. If you’re interested in collaborating or learning more about their work, visit their website at https://www.inkpadshop.com/.