The Hippo Story

There are lots of ways to create graphic images, and Kitty Mikesell has spent years exploring them all. That's why Hippo Custom Imprinting offers such a dazzling variety of products, from printed T-shirts to crystal ornaments.

It all started in 1997 when she and her husband Jerry began experimenting with pad printing, and decided it would make a nice cottage industry. Their motive was familiar to many hardworking families: "It was a way to stay home with the kids," Kitty explains, "and hopefully bring in some extra income."

That led them into silk-screening, and the popular vinyl film graphics that now adorn everything from banners to T-shirts. Then they took apparel imprinting a step further with the beautiful rhinestone effects that can make an ordinary printed garment something truly special.

In the succeeding years, imprinting technology has raced forward, and the Mikesells have stayed up-to-date. Newer processes like digital and direct-to-garment printing offer an ever-wider array of choices for Hippo's customers. As the motto declares, If you can think it, we can ink it.

little hippo

One more thing: Why the name? It's simple, Kitty says. "I happen to like hippos."

That's good enough for the Mikesells, and the many happy customers of Hippo Custom Imprinting.