Aug 06, 2012 8 Questions with Ben Walters
My interest in OSPOP was stoked after doing some research at Imprint Lab on Asian Americana a few years ago. Asian Americana is that mutation of American pop and historical culture, producing things like Japanese Rockabillies and the kimchi taco; Bangkok’s incredible advertising turbine; the superhero comics by Asians and tween manga by Westerners. Then one day our streetwear kingpin jeffstaple let us know about OSPOP and Flying Pigeon Bicycles. Both brands take products commonly mass-produced in China, and market them un-ironically, without condescension, like any other popular American hipster artifact. The bold messaging of OSPOP (One Small Point of Pride), blew me away. Right there on the landing page is a construction site and Chinese laborer. No ching-chong affectation or pretensions of bourgeois aspirations. No anti-capitalist or pro-communist politicking. And yet OSPOP and its founder Ben Walters have effectively created the product equivalent of a double-negative: Highly considered and well-designed consumer products for Americans… PROUDLY Made In China ™.
Asian manufacturing is the single biggest conundrum in the global consumer market-room. Americans don’t want to outsource jobs to Asia where child labor and putrid work conditions make amnesty a joke, and yet we refuse to pay the premium for living wages to keep manufacturing in the United States. This makes Ben’s work with OSPOP as an American expat in Shanghai, a brave exercise in basic intelligence. Make something good. Be proud of it.
What are you working on?
Late spring was a very busy stretch for us. We partnered with JUE, China’s largest arts and music festival, to present the NEXT GEN PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION . As OSPOP is positioned as China’s First Work Wear as Fashion brand, the theme of this year’s contest was “What is Your Vision of Work?” All told, there were about 400 submissions. Many were exceptionally good.
We also took our first steps into apparel this April with the release of A BLUE WORK SHIRT. For this project, we collaborated with the talented film actress and director, Tian Yuan, to repurpose a generic work shirt that’s commonly employed by small industrial companies and contractors. In support, we produced this short video. –
Right now, we’re developing our next footwear line. I’m most excited about the direction we’re heading in…
How do you describe your job?
Obviously a big piece of early stage entrepreneurship is handling challenges with available resources. For me, I’m blessed with opportunity to shape the creative direction of OSPOP’s product and marketing. At the same time, the burden of addressing more mundane tasks also falls in my lap. Today, I did some copywriting early and excel (accounting) work late.
What does your average work day look like?
Up at dawn. Out the door at 7.30. I usually stop for a fan tuan (sticky rice w/ hard-boiled egg yolk, pickled vegetables and crunchy you tiao rolled together sushi-style) or ji dan bing (a thin, unsweetened pancake cooked fresh atop a steel drum with an egg, fresh greens, crunchy you tiao and hot sauce). I’m generally ahead of the commuter madness on the train. But, even at its most crowded, the subway is a far better option than traveling on Shanghai’s roads at rush hour.
Settled at my desk around 8.15. If I have no meetings, I’ll chew through work until 1pm. Quick lunch with our staff at the office. Run across the street to breathe some fresh(er) air and grab a coffee. Then, back to the desk. When I can, I’ll get out by 6.30pm. Try to hit the gym. More often than not, there’s work to be done in the evening. Communicating with folks as they begin their days in the U.S. or catching people in Europe during their afternoons. When I’m not working, I enjoy an evening drink or two after dinner.
Where do you find inspiration?
No doubt, most of my ideas come when I’m away from my computer. Often, it’s during the trip to and from work. On the streets of China’s first and second tier cities, there’s a remarkable blend of industriousness, ambition and tradition that always gets creative energies going.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I remember thinking how great it would be if I could ski every day. I tried that for a while, but failed. I actually didn’t figure out what I wanted to do until I turned 30. In fact, OSPOP is a second career. I used to sell commodity plastics.
What book are you reading at the moment?
Two weeks ago, I got an iPAD. With a renewed subscription to The New Yorker, I’m now catching up the issues I missed since my last subscription ended in April.
What’s your favorite place in Shanghai?
It used to be this bar called The Beaver – until they changed the music. Nowadays, it can be off hours walk down Wukang Lu, the grass lawn at Jiao Tong University or my office. Sometimes it’s the airport.
Where’s the best food in Shanghai?
You don’t go to Shanghai for weather or a look at China’s long history. But there are tons of great eating options. One spot I really like is the XinJiang Restaurant on Yi Shan Road in Xu Hui District. Loud, crowded, plastic tablecloths. The refreshing Tiger Salad (cucumber, tomato and onion) balances that heavy roasted lamb you rip from the bone with your hands and teeth. Gloves provided.