We had the good fortune of connecting with Spencer Walker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Spencer, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I have always been a collector of vintage goods and particularly partial to felt pennant flags. During the pandemic, my hotel management job went away, so I began drawing them for fun to pass the time. As time went on I started posting them online and some people were interested in them. Slowly I began designing and hand-making my own original felt pennants. I never really had the goal of starting my own business. However, due to circumstance I had no other choice but to try and monetize my new found hobby.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Often using vintage San Francisco as my main source of inspiration, I am also inspired by all things art & design, including, traditional sign painting, gig posters, film posters, sports memorabilia, retro advertisements and much more. With this work my goal is to bring together the wide scope of my inspirations within the framework of traditional pennant, flag, and banner making.

I have always hand-crafted every aspect of my pennants. This ultimately is not the most efficient way to produce these, so it is challenging to keep up with any real demand. However, I take pride in the fact that I touch every piece of felt and that no laser cutters or tracing takes place. That said, I am always looking to other makers and artists for inspiration on technique and process that could potentially help my scale up and not lose the handmade aspect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My absolute go-to spot when friends are in town is El Farolito in the Mission District. It’s gotta be the best burrito in the world and it brings me much joy to share that with friends and family. Also, Mamahuhu is another Inner Richmond spot that has some great modern Chinese-American food. The whole menu is great, but I highly recommend the Sweet & Spicy Chicken Sandwich. After that, you gotta hit up Toy Boat by Jane for your favorite scoop of ice cream.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my girlfriend, Tonya. She has been extremely supportive of my artistic journey. From buying me my first batch of felt to always being by my side at any in-person events praising my efforts. Additionally, I can’t forget about Park Life, an art gallery/shop in the Inner Richmond neighborhood of San Francisco. They have always been super supportive of my work from being the first shop to carry my products, to introducing me to other artists in the scene here in SF.

Website: www.stwalkershop.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st.walkerpennantco/

Image Credits
Tonya Narvaez Spencer Walker

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