The Magazine That Kept Coming Back: Alternative Press (2004–2012)

Alternative Press wasn’t my first magazine appearance, but it became the one that kept coming back.

The first feature

My first AP feature ran in 2004, in their back-to-school buyer’s guide. It featured the “Revolution Tee” from my first collection, the Punk Is Dead Tour.

Alternative Press tear sheet featuring Andrew Hanson’s Punk Is Dead Tour collection, 2004

And I definitely priced everything way too low. Pure artist brain, zero business sense. Time fixes things.

Buyer’s guides, covers, editorials

From there, the features kept rolling: buyer’s guides, covers, editorials. One of my favorites is “Head Shot” from 2005: a skull hand-printed with spray paint on a hand-dyed shirt.

“Head Shot” t-shirt by Andrew Hanson featured in Alternative Press, 2005

It picked up even more when The Used and I were thick as thieves. In July 2007, Bert McCracken wore the Triple Skull Hoodie in Alternative Press, and it’s still one of the most requested pieces I’ve ever made. More on The Used in a future entry.

Bert McCracken of The Used wearing the Triple Skull Hoodie in Alternative Press, July 2007

The confession, and the gratitude

Leslie Simon. None of this would have happened without her.

She championed the work, pulled pieces for shoots and kept me in the loop.

I wish I’d handled it better. Anxiety and overthinking got the best of me back then. It doesn’t excuse it, but it’s the truth.

Alternative Press tear sheet featuring Andrew Hanson’s “Kill Pop” hoodie 2006

I should have taken better care of her, and of Aaron (pretty sure that was his name), who put me up for a night in San Diego. I should have done more to thank them both. Young and dumb.

Leslie, thank you. You made my 20s unforgettable, and I’ll always appreciate it more than I can express.

Alternative Press tear sheet, close-up of Andrew Hanson’s white skull hoodie 2008

Your turn

Who opened a door for you early on, before you knew how to say thank you?

Leave their name in the comments. It’s never too late to give someone their credit.

Alternative Press tear sheet, close-up of Andrew Hanson’s white skull hoodie and heART thermal 2007

Alternative Press tear sheet featuring Andrew Hanson’s white skull hoodie and “City of Devils” piece