Boring® Questions, Interesting Answers

We recently sat down with Doug to talk tees over an oat iced latte. For those of you yet to have the pleasure of getting to know Doug, he’s the clever person responsible for the printing and embroidery of our Boring® tees and totes.

Hello Doug, how are you?

Hello, Boring®. I'm well. We've settled back into our workshop for 2023 — ready for another big year.

We know you for your distinct focus on quality, Doug. Have you always been a details man?

Absolutely. Details are important. When you pay attention to them, everything is taken care of. I think it's how you make something great. It's important to constantly evaluate details and the purpose they serve. But I tread lightly — it's easy to overanalyse. You know, for a while I obsessed over the details when cooking potatoes. And you should see the potatoes I can cook now. They’re so good I might have to take them for lunch tomorrow.

Your self-titled micro-factory in Tamaki Makaurau has seen more than one visit from us. What do you enjoy most about your workspace and the team you share it with?

It's a little pokey in here, and that's part of the charm. We've built storage into nooks and wall-mounted everything we can. I used to be infatuated with tiny living spaces — I think the intense, practical use of space really informed how we use ours. Though it's mainly out of necessity. We're a small but mighty team of 3 (sometimes 4 on a busy day), and us working like our own little machine makes me warm inside.

Ok, quickfire round. You have to wear one outfit for the rest of your life, describe it.

Okay, obviously a Mighty T-shirt... and zip-off cargo pants? A cracker combo for my favourite part of the year (the warmer 1/2). Barefoot, so I'm in touch with nature. Plus a wide brimmed hat for ultimate protection. So versatile.

If you were a piece of fruit, what would you be and why?

Plum. Black Doris. I can be a jam, a cake or a delicious tart snack. Doesn't get much better that that. Pairs well with a tall glass of water and fresh sandwich (see below).

How do you name your playlists?

I'm old school, I listen to albums. If I named playlists, I'd probably name them by organ. The Brain can be for focus, the Heart for love songs, Lungs for exercise, Kidneys for a palette cleanser and the Liver for party. Let's go.

Describe your perfect sandwich.

Fresh bread. White, with a light crust. Not ciabatta. Soft on the inside and still a little warm. Ingredients in this order: thick homemade tomato sauce with chili flakes, leftover roasted potato (from the night before, sliced and cooked in a pan), lettuce, cucumber, avocado, salt and pepper. Pairs well with a plum and tall glass of water. A delightful lunch. Come and get me, Nadia!

Nice to chat, Doug. You can check out Doug’s handiwork on our XL recycled totes, tees and Buddy long-sleeves. All are available exclusively online at boringmilk.com