Changing The Perception of Disabilities Through Art

David Schwartz is fresh out of college and is running a wildly successful social enterprise called We Are Lions. His products have been worn by Asher Roth, My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon and other musical artists all while donating a portion of proceeds (and providing jobs) to adults with disabilities. I sat down with David, who overflows with energy and enthusiasm, about building a brand that matters, how he’s so productive, and see what’s next for this Chicago business.

Behind The Scenes On Making Art

What’s We Are Lions?

We Are Lions is a platform for emerging artists -primarily people with disabilities and mental illness, but not limited- to showcase and promote their art on clothing, accessories, and more in order to raise awareness and money for local non-profits that provide services for the community. For every purchase, the artist and/or the local non-profit receives 50% of profits.

Why do you think social businesses are so important?

Social enterprises are what makes the world work and giving back to the community is what makes the world thrive. So they make things work and they make things thrive. Mic drop. (laughs) I only hope that social enterprises continue to emerge, ultimately changing the narrative of how give back and make an impact. Profit and purpose can be the same concept, we’ve pushed them apart in our minds.

What did productivity tips do you have on starting a business in college?

I was extremely busy in college doing school things like learning and it was hard to manage two major priorities like that at the same time. Looking back, I wish I utilized more of the entrepreneurial camps ecosystem. I don’t know…I often felt like the professors didn’t have much time to spend helping or being part of the “startup” scene was too exclusive. However, finding people who are passionate about starting things is so important, everyone just feeds off each other.

In terms of getting stuff done, I make a lot of lists. Then, I start with the task I dread the most. I also try to focus on one thing at a time. We started as a t-shirt company and have expanded into other products, so focusing on one thing at a time is crucial (and very difficult).

Why do you do what you do?

I do what I do because I love what I do. DUH! I love making people happy. I love creating. I love being a part of this community. I love art. I love sharing art and looking at art and making art. I love wearing artwork. I love being able to work with remarkable people. I love to promote amazing artists. It’s so much easier to be a bystander and than watch things play out whether it goes one way or the other than to be an active member in something. People with disabilities are often rejected. Art is often rejected. Fundraising is often rejected. I want to change that.

You’ve have some cool people rock your gear like, My Morning Jacket, Asher Roth, and other musicians. How’d you build that brand?

Left (Tom Blankenship of My Morning Jacket) Right (Asher Roth)

It’s paying attention to the details. It’s finding out what really matters to you and sticking with it. You gotta ask yourself: what makes your company important? Ours is our artists and our deep love of art of any kind. Our artists are generally adults with disabilities which are often overlooked and unsupported and their art is incredible so we put those two important roles into everything we do.

You’re extremely passionate. Why focusing on this segment of the population? There has to be a story behind it.

Of course. I have an awesome uncle who schizoaffective. He is amazing, incredibly smart quirky, weird. He doesn’t talk very much though. He has a hard time interacting with other people including his family. I thought if you can put artwork on t-shirts, than you can create a special and low-pressure interaction. My uncle is why I started and continue to do what I do.

I’m trying to change the way people see disability and mental illness. I’m trying to change the way people look at art as well. Art doesn’t have to be on a canvas in a museum. It could be on your back or on your cellphone or hanging from your shoulder.”

How can we help with WAL?

Sharing is the most important way to help and get involved. This goes for any social enterprise you believe in. It’s one thing to share a company that makes a difference and tell your friends (which is awesome) and extremely important. The next step is to purchase something from that company, wear it, and share the story with others. 

Check out David’s TEDX Talk

Final thoughts?

Check us out! Help us tell our story. Check out We Are Lions at www.wearelions.org and follow @wearelions.

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Estaban Gast

Esteban teaches creativity at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, immersed in the startup scene, and is a co-founder of JumpStart, an education venture serving central Illinois. He travels as a comedian performing in comedy clubs, colleges, and noisy biker bars across the Midwest. Tweet him at @takearesteban.