About Us

Hi, I’m Kelli—co-owner of Gusto Graphic Tees alongside my wife, Amy.

I’ve been making art for as long as I can remember, whether it was doodling in a sketchbook or creating designs on a screen. For years, I worked as a graphic designer, making things for other people—t-shirts included—but after a while, it felt like my creative spark was fading.

Then in 2016, something changed. Not long after my dad passed away, I had a vivid dream where he just kept saying, “Go for the Gusto, Kelli.” Over and over. It felt like more than a dream—it felt like permission. A push. A challenge. That moment stuck with me, and I started designing my own tees on the side. When a major order came through from a chain store, I took the leap. I quit my job, and Gusto Graphic Tees was born.

Amy’s been my biggest supporter from the start. In 2023, after 28 years of teaching, she officially joined me full-time—and now we get to build this dream together every day.

“Go for the Gusto” has become more than just something my dad said—it’s the heart of everything we do.

We’re proud to be a local Austin-based, LGBTQ+/women-owned business. Our designs celebrate the spirit of Texas—especially Austin—with original artwork screen printed on t-shirts, and expanded across stickers, hats, drinkware, can coolers, bags, and laser-engraved wood and leather goods.

We love what we do, and we hope it inspires others to go for their own gusto, too.