Dos Bandidos Art was born out of an epic trip across Mexico and they’ve been designing and screen printing their way across Charleston since 2010.

Everything they create is done with intention, both hand-drawn original designs and screen printing by hand. The duo behind it, Candace Patterson and Will Kiser were raised on and inspired by Rage against the machine, Obey Giant, and Grrrl Power.

Their designs grace everything from hand-sewn bandanas to small batch t-shirts + tank tops to signed and numbered prints.

Their home and studio is located downtown and they love to ride bikes, walk on the beach, travel the world, eat amazing food, drink the best coffee, play with their cats and make art.

All photos by Kate Thornton Photography.

1. What do you love most about what you do?

We love that we get to work together making affordable art.

2. What inspired you and how did you become involved in your current career(s)?

We have day jobs, but screen printing is our passion.  We are inspired by Charleston and life in general.  As far as screen printing goes for Will it was a college art class, and for me it was creating art and screen printing for my friend’s record label.

3. How do you start your day?

Will stumbles out of bed at 5am to shower, coffee and then go to his day job.  I throw back a single espresso and go work out with my friends to begin my day.

4. Tell us about your proudest moment or accomplishment.

Proudest moment: Building our own studio with a little help from our friends to continue to follow our dreams and screen print in our own space.

5. Do you have a hidden talent?

Candace: I can dance, I danced from 3-college and pull it out every now and then; especially at wedding:)   Will: I can drive a 3 on a tree.

6. Who or what gives you creative inspiration?

We both get creative inspiration from the streets of Charleston, surfing, traveling, riding bikes, road trips, music, the arts community and other local artists.

7. Coffee fuels our morning events. If you’re a coffee drinker, what’s your go-to order?

Candace: Cortado  (I work at City Lights Coffee a couple days a week and power up on Counter Culture)  Will: Doppio espresso

8. What is your favorite place in Charleston?

Will: Santis Candace: Santis

9. How do you unwind or de-stress?

Candace and Will: Santis Margaritas
RAPID FIRE:

Morning person or night owl?

Morning

Summer or winter?

Summer

Mountains or beach?

Beach

Pancakes or waffles?

Waffles (Candice, but prefers crêpes) Neither (Will)

Fiction or non-fiction?

Fiction