I Am YEG Arts: Mike Lundy

There are no days more full than the ones we look back on. That understanding of nostalgia is something Mike Lundy knows better than most. For more than six years, he and his partner, Brittni, have been reaching into the past for the inspiration behind their Canadian apparel line, Flannel Foxes. Though Lundy’s design may borrow unabashedly from the past, his mandate for the business reflects what he values today: creating ethically made, socially conscious goods that celebrate the place he calls home — beautiful Western Canada.

Designer, collaborator, and big fan of good folks — this week’s ​“I Am YEG Arts” story belongs to Mike Lundy.

Tell us about your connection to Edmonton and why you’ve made it your home.

I never pictured Edmonton being my home. I moved here for school to study design at MacEwan, and as Edmonton grew on me, my roots here grew deeper. It’s Canada’s biggest small town, with a welcoming warmth and community that makes me feel at home.

How did Flannel Foxes come to be, and where do you hope to take it next?

My partner, Brittni, actually started Flannel Foxes with her friend. What began as a blog was re-imagined as a clothing brand, and then when I got involved in 2016, we developed the visual identity and apparel. For the last six years we’ve been exploring Canada West, finding inspiration and reflecting it in our clothing.

Looking forward, we plan to continue to expand our range of gear, to collaborate with good folks, and to hopefully do some good for our community in the process.

You describe your apparel as ​“durable and ethically made in Canada (whenever possible) with partners that treat their people right.” Why was that essential to your brand, and what about that has proven the greatest reward?

Our brand celebrates Canada and the wonderful people who call this land home. We can’t honestly do that without commemorating the craft and skill of Canadian manufacturers. That’s why 100% of our gear is made in Canada. Our investments stay in the community, and as a reward we get to develop long-term relationships with our manufacturers.

What is the creative process like for you? Where do you usually begin?

The inspiration for Flannel Foxes designs comes from a place of nostalgia. Brittni and I visit antique malls and shops, getting a creative spark from old shirts, hats, travel brochures, maps, and even tractor manuals. Once we have our inspiration, the design process starts. I draw, push pixels, and work with our manufacturers until I have a collection that reflects the nostalgic mood that we’re targeting.

How important has collaboration been to your career, and why are you drawn to it?

Other people do a whole lot of cool things. When we work together, we can make something new — a crossover between two people or brands that is more than the sum of its parts. Collaboration in the context of Flannel Foxes has given us opportunities to work with our favourite brands, restaurants, and even CBC!

When you’re taking a break from a project, what will we likely find you doing?

I like to cook, and sometimes my personal social media feeds look more like a food blogger’s than a designer’s. If I’m not working, chances are I’m making some food.

How have you grown as an artist/​designer throughout your career. What’s been the biggest change, and what’s stayed the same?

I’ve experienced a lot of the different facets of visual design. I started out designing a lot of websites, worked as an art director at an ad agency, and have freelanced doing brand and packaging design. I love learning new skills, and I think all that experience changed me, giving me a holistic approach to design.

What has stayed the same? I still really get a kick out of designing.

Who’s someone inspiring you right now?

I love the work that Jessica Nepton-Chaye is doing with Copper Cherry. She’s making beautiful bags and backpacks right here in Edmonton. Her dedication to craft and quality is remarkable!

Tell us about what you’re currently working on or hoping to explore next.

We’re working on a few collaborations with folks that mean a lot to us and to Edmonton. Keep your eyes peeled and you’ll see what I mean!

When you think YEG arts, what are the first three things, people, or places that come to mind?

1. The Royal Bison Art & Craft Fair. They’ve created a place where Edmonton’s artists and designers can showcase their weird and wonderful creations.
2. MacEwan. It’s where I learned my craft and developed roots in the Edmonton arts community.
3. The murals. I love the murals and street art across Edmonton. A couple of my faves are the giant Mr. Cenz piece on the back of The Monolith and Jill Stanton’s mural on the Varscona.

Want more YEG Arts Stories? We’ll be sharing them here all year and on social media using the hashtag #IamYegArts. Follow along! Click here to learn more about Mike Lundy, Flannel Foxes, and to shop their apparel.

About Mike Lundy

Mike Lundy is the co-owner of Flannel Foxes and an Edmonton-based designer. When he isn’t designing apparel, he attempts to run a design studio with a focus on branding and packaging design. In a previous life, he was an art director and a website designer at a few of western Canada’s most celebrated ad agencies and design studios. Mike moved to Edmonton in 2007 after growing up in northern Brazil, and is grateful to have this wonderful city as home, even if he’s not quite used to the winters.