Classy Screens: Screen-Printing with Quality Care
Written by Sage Helene
Founded in 2010, Matt Dobbs and his dedicated team at Classy Screens have become a staple of the New York City screen printing scene. Located at 575 Onderdonk Ave in Queens, Classy Screens is known for their high-quality bulk screen printing, they offer a wide variety of inks and fabrics, providing unique and tailored services to all of their customers.
For over a decade, Dobbs has moved from place to place before settling at the current Onderdonk location. Classy Screens’ story began in a gallery space known as Super Chief when Dobbs was approached by Ed Zipco. “He [Ed] asked me to be a part of this new warehouse he was setting up. It was going to be an art gallery, and he wanted to include different kinds of printing. So we [Classy Screens] became the screen printers,” Dobbs recalls.
However, the growing needs of the business soon outpaced the gallery. “We ended up outgrowing the space. I was trying to get more equipment in there, and I don’t think we were aligning right with the gallery, which caused us to move into our next space,” Dobbs explains. This subsequent space was also associated with Super Chief, but Classy Screens only remained there for about a year and a half before moving to their current location.
Classy Screens got its start when Dobbs met fellow artists Optimo NYC, Mas Paz, Deps, and Monk at a graffiti contest held at Blick Art Supply in Manhattan. At the time, Dobbs was living in a 15-bedroom warehouse where he served as the apartment manager. “After that, they had nowhere to put their paintings, and I was like, ‘I have this huge warehouse,’ and we all ended up becoming friends and they moved in with me,” he recalls.
Mas Paz gifted Dobbs his first manual press, marking the beginning of what would become Classy Screens. Initially, the idea was to create an art space where the focus was not on clients but on providing a creative environment where customers could pay for space while the team pursued their own artistic endeavors.
Before establishing an out-bound sales team, Classy Screens created connections with customers through word of mouth at the bars Dobbs worked at. Now evolving into a full-fledged and thriving business, Classy Screens now work with various brands and customers, ensuring that their services are beneficial to the company’s growth. Customer service is a cornerstone of Classy Screens’ philosophy. Their meticulous attention to detail, exceptional craftsmanship, and clear communication are what consistently draw customers back to work with Dobbs and his team. “By taking care of customers, they are more willing to take care of you and want to come back. If you have a deadline, I’ll make it happen,” says Dobbs.
Reflecting on the journey, Dobbs admits, “I don’t know how I got here, but I got here. With every space, we are growing. We are getting new equipment, I’m growing the staff, and we’re learning. I have messed up a ton of orders, but obviously, you’re getting better and better.”
Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Classy Screens managed to thrive by adapting to the new normal. “The pandemic was really scary, but luckily, we were able to leverage printing on face masks,” Dobbs shares. Dobbs can finally say that this year has probably been one of their best years yet.
Dobbs emphasizes his commitment to sustainability and environmental consciousness. By transitioning from traditional plastic sheets to a more eco-friendly Computer to Screen (CTS) machine, Classy Screens has significantly reduced its plastic waste. “We were using around 100 sheets of plastic a week,” Dobbs explains. “The plastic was getting out of control since they can’t recycle this type of plastic easily. It was always in the back of my head. I even put the recycling logo on the films, hoping they would get recycled.” With the CTS machine, files are sent directly to print using water-based ink on screens, eliminating the need for plastic films.
“I don’t know how I got here, but I got here. With every space, we are growing. We are getting new equipment, I’m growing the staff, and we’re learning.”
Reducing waste is a major focus at Classy Screens. The team uses sustainable shirt companies like Gildan and constantly explores new technologies and tools to enhance their offerings and meet the evolving needs of their customers. Expanding beyond screen printing, they now offer embroidery on hats, shirts, bags—anything you can think of. This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that Classy Screens stays ahead in the competitive screen-printing industry, delivering top-notch services to their community and well-known customers.
Classy Screens has collaborated with names like Wu-Tang Clan, Beastie Boys, Lil Peep, and has created merchandise for John Mulaney’s tour. A highlight of their recent projects includes printing shirts on-site at Madison Square Garden for the Knicks and Rangers home games during the playoffs this past spring, part of their on-site activation offerings which involves live printing.
Through strategic investments in equipment, often sourced through auctions, and an unwavering commitment to quality, Classy Screens has solidified its position as a leading screen-printing service provider in New York City. Today, Classy Screens offers a range of services, including screen printing and embroidery. The team is always finding ways to grow to continue catering to customers and expanding their services. With a strong commitment to quality, community, and creativity, Classy Screens continues to leave an indelible mark on the New York City screen printing industry.
