You know you’re talking to a true creative when one of their fun facts involves being a childhood string trap engineer. Meet Zach Merrill—printer, designer, merch mogul, and the creative force behind Action Tees. Known for his oversized, comic-inspired prints that leap off the shirt like a page from a vintage graphic novel, Zach is turning heads (and stretching platens) in the indie apparel scene.
From running DIY hardcore merch tables to running his own press—and yes, sharing his studio life with a Siberian Forest cat named Peef—Zach’s journey is anything but ordinary. And did we mention he literally sweats colour? Yeah, this one’s gonna be good.
Let’s dive in.
Keep up with Zach on:
Instagram: @zachmerrill_
Website: www.shopzachmerrill.com
About Zach
List 3 things about yourself – fun facts, hobbies, pets or interests
- My wife and I have a very large and fluffy Siberian Forest cat named Peef.
- I was obsessed with string as a kid and would tie everything together in elaborate traps and contraptions.
- I have a rare condition called chromohidrosis that causes me to sweat small spots of dark blue/black on my face occasionally.
Describe your screen printing journey. How and when did you get started and what has been your biggest learning experience?
I used to tour in DIY hardcore bands and selling merch was a big way to put gas in the tank. I’ve always been creative and decided to cut out the middle man and teach myself how to print. That was around 15 years ago now starting in my parents basement and garage.
From that, I learned I didn’t really like being a printer for other people or high volume production printing. I ended up working at a contract shop for a few years and it really sucked all the creativity out of it for me but helped me to focus on my own screen printing practice and what I wanted to do with it.
Tell us about your proudest screen printing project. What made it special and what did you learn from it?
So far, I think the project I’m still really stoked on and thankful for was a collab with the hip hop group Czarface on Universal Records. They saw my work and contacted me for a special limited drop and it really was a perfect match. Everything blended stylistically and they trusted my creative vision with the art and print. I don’t often take jobs for other people these days – but this one was a banger.
Industry
What are your thoughts on the current trends in screen printing? Do you see any emerging styles or techniques that excite you?
I really try to exist between industry and art. The world of screen printing is so vast and most people tend to think of the large scale production side of printing. Which is totally cool, I love that stuff too – but I feel like there’s an emergence of the 1950’s-1970’s era of screen printing quietly happening. More alternative processes and pushing of the “rules.”
That’s always been a big thing for my approach to printing and it’s cool to see some of the younger gen seeing what they can get away with.
What role does the online community play in your screen printing practice? How do you connect with other printers and share knowledge?
The online community serves as one of the many sources of inspiration – though I try to not get lost in the sauce scrolling through socials, occasionally something catches my eye that someone has made, or the way they created it hits me.
Connecting with other printers is one of the biggest benefits of social media, and how I share whatever knowledge I have. For all its sketchiness – social media is still an awesome way to share and hopefully inspire other people.
Shop Floor
What is your most treasured product or piece of equipment on the floor that has made your life easier as a printer? Why?
I have an old large format Douthitt vacuum table from the 1970’s. It’s a beast and has allowed me to burn up to 46” screens accurately and efficiently. My favorite thing about it – it’s essentially seen as obsolete tech by modern shop standards. It’s both a relic and an integral part of my process.
What is on your wish list for your shop floor this year?
Larger conveyer dryer! Which thankfully is on the way. Thank You Riley Hopkins and Ronald Peters at Ryonet + team! Gonna be such a game changer and I’m literally drooling with anticipation.
Advice
What advice would you give to aspiring screen printers? What are the essential skills and qualities for success in this field?
If you’re just starting – act like it. Get cheap and simple equipment. Learn the basics. You’ve gotta know those fundamentals. Exposing a screen, registration, squeegee technique etc… never stop learning. I’m fifteen years deep and always want to try and learn new things. Screen printing is a process, and each step will have an impact on the next step. Understand that.
Screen printing is massive – try all aspects of it – commercial printing, contract printing, printing for yourself, printing for a friend, art printing, poster printing, apparel printing, sign printing… if you really want to understand the game and figure out what works for you, you should try all of it.
LEARN THE HISTORY OF PRINT. This is so overlooked and is so important. At the end of the day, screen printing is a trade and it’s essential to be able to push through mental and physical challenges that may arise to get it done.
Bonus
- Share a funny or unexpected mishap you’ve encountered while screen printing.
When I was first starting I made a lot of goofy mistakes – there was information out there but certainly not as available as it is today. I kept having issues with ink running while printing my films – I eventually learned there’s a correct side to print on lol.
- What’s your go-to playlist for a productive printing session?
I am all over the place with music – touring for years in hardcore bands, that kind of stuff is always on standby. Lately it’s been a lot of breakcore, classic funk and melodic death metal. My ears get bored easily.
- What is the weirdest/funniest artwork you’ve had to print?
Not necessarily print – but when I was working at a contract shop running a manual press – I was the “artsy” guy they’d send the weird one-off jobs. Someone wanted an entire blue tarp printed for a backyard BBQ. They didn’t have the capacity to print something that large…so I hand drew and lettered it with enamel ink in my backyard. Wild times.
Conclusion
Whether he’s bonding with his vintage vacuum table or blaring breakcore in the print shop, Zach’s approach to screen printing is proof that passion, grit, and a sprinkle of weird make for one hell of a creative recipe. His advice? Stay humble, stay curious, and please print on the correct side of your film. We’re stoked to have lifted the mesh on Zach’s world—and if you’re ever in need of a screen printed tarp for your next backyard shindig, you know who to call.
