Origins of Oregon is Above California

A few years ago I designed a t-shirt called Oregon is Above California, today it's something we're known for. We make a Men's Tee, Women's T-Shirt, Hat, Patch, Pin and Decal emblazoned with the slogan. It's part of our Greatest Hits Collection which means it's available in new limited edition colors of our Spring/Summer '17 Collection.

Often I get asked where "Oregon is Above California" came from, so I thought to write to you and explain. Before and during the few years of Grafletics I worked in Portland's Athletic & Outdoor Industry as a Creative Director and Graphic Designer for my business Rick Gilbert Design. A few years ago I was at a client meeting and talking with a footwear designer when he mentioned that when traveling to Asia he typically referred to Oregon's location as being above California. So when speaking with someone he'd say "Oregon...it's above California". I thought that was hilarious. It's also a double entendre because there's an underlying resentment many Oregonians have against Californian's moving here. I knew we needed a t-shirt about this subject, so I made the design and the rest is history.