Hooked

Hockey entered my life at 10 years old. First games watching the Nottingham Panthers, then straight onto the ice after for a skate. That was it - all in, met future team mates, life long friends and got the bug. I still have a box load or memorabilia from the first decade! No longer £1.20 a game and 20p a programme!

I became a goalie

A small comment about a field hockey goalie whilst playing in a big loss lead me to playing in goal the next game - and that was it, I never looked back. Field, indoor gym and Ice hockey followed. From 5th team to 1st team in three years, with club awards along the way was the right choice as I was not a great out field player.

Art Begins

Winning the first Panthers program drawing competition of Terry Gudziunas in 1982 sparked a second obsession - illustration. Hockey and art started to collide and the journey to a career in Illustration and design.

Ice and ball hockey

From recreational ice hockey as the first Northstars goalie to Divison 1 hockey with the Nottingham Jaguars whilst playing gym hockey too, it was a busy time. Games, tournaments and more time in net - playing lots and loving the game.

Sports Illustration & design

I studied graphic design in Newcastle and launched my business DW Graphic Design straight after leaving in 1991 at the age of 21. Winning a national sports illustration competition in The Sun Newspaper led to commissions from athletes and big brands including Sebastian Coe, Linford Christie, Devon Malcolm, West Indies cricket, Nottingham Forest and Asics. Sport and creativity fully aligned.

Panthers logo

Whilst playing for the Nottingham Jaguars I was asked by Panthers management to design the Panthers logo & shirt along with merch, and even to paint the sponsor logo on the ice as the painter as ill! This included Panthers player portraits and a whole range of design & print for the club.

Voodoo by DW Design & Print

My design and print business grew steadily, helping me build the essential skills, supplier relationships and equipment needed to develop our current offering. This has enabled us to support teams and clubs with a wide range of services. Throughout that time, I was still watching and playing as much hockey as I could.

I hung up my skates

A double hip replacement ended myplaying days earlier than I hoped. The passion didn’t stop - it just shifted direction and focus. Firstly as a fan and soon to come a hockey parent.

The next generation

When our first daughter came along little did I know I would be back rink-side in 16 years time watching her step into net and fall in love with Ice hockey too. Watching her play ice hockey for the Vipers and GB Ball hockey wearing the same number was a proud moment. While watching her the the question of teamwear and merch was raised as I was known to have a design & print company.

The stage was set

Initially started designing and printing clothing for local biker business and sports clubs leading to ice and ball hockey too. Demand grew. The idea for something bigger took shape and the brand Voodoo Apparel was created.

Voodoo Apparel Launches

34+ years of hockey and design brought together into one brand - built for players, fans and teams who live it. We have since invested in DTF printing along side our wide range of creative design & print services. Get in touch to find out more.

UKIHPA

Now working closely with UKIHPA as a foundation member and following the design of the the website, membership collateral and clothing starts a new chapter. Still rink-side, still creating, still pushing the brand forward. Little did I know when I pulled on the #35 shirt I would be here writing this 35 years to the month I started DW Design & Print and still loving hockey and design as much as day 1.

Tell me your story

Thank you for taking the time to read this snapshot of my journey and the creation of Voodoo Apparel.

Get in touch to discuss your team’s requirements and become part of the Voodoo journey. I’d love to hear about your passion for the game, your team and your club too.