Clemenger Creative Launches Quiet Clothing Brand for Introverts

To celebrate World Introvert Day on 2 January, Clemenger BBDO senior creative (and life-long introvert) Ellie Dunn has released The Quiet Type, featuring a range of subtle shirts for introverts.

Says Ellie, “For introverts, the world of advertising can be a pretty overwhelming place. Group brainstorms, open-plan offices, big presentations, endless social events – you name it. But it’s also an industry where being a good listener can lead to the most powerful ideas, which makes it weirdly perfect for introverts too.”

Everything about The Quiet Type has been designed to feel introverted in nature — from the gentle colour palette, to the soft tee material, to the small slogan font that wants to be seen, but doesn’t want to shout.  

Says Ellie, “While the world has come to better understand introverts, it’s often still seen as a bit of a negative. I hope these t-shirts remind introverts to love themselves just the way they are. Because quiet types are the best types (well in my opinion, just quietly.)”

Ellie spoke with LBB's Delmar Terblanche about her new venture.

LBB> Where did the idea of launching a clothing brand come from?

Ellie> Well I’d been thinking about the idea for a couple of years, but was always too shy to make it happen.* Then about six months ago, a wonderful ex-colleague and friend gave me a book by artist So Lazo called Save Me! (From Myself): The Existential Crises of a Creative Introvert and I thought right, that’s my sign, let’s do this.

*Please note being an introvert doesn’t necessarily make you shy. But it definitely does in my case.

LBB> You've mentioned that you now consider your introversion a superpower, after years of  thinking it was a hindrance. What caused this change in perspective? 

Ellie> As my good friend Oprah Winfrey would say, I had a series of “Aha Moments” after reading Susan Cain’s Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. It totally changed my perspective and helped me understand myself in a big way. That and just naturally growing, evolving, and becoming more confident in my creative abilities.  

LBB> Speaking specifically as a creative, how do you find your introversion helps you?

Ellie> As an introvert I naturally talk less and listen more. This makes me a great observer — a life absorber you might say. Something that can really help when you’re finding insights.

I’m also very comfortable with my own company. My happy place is brainstorming with my notebook and pen, bopping along in my headphones to my favourite 10-hour white noise track. Heavenly.

It also makes me a really sensitive person (not exactly ideal for an industry where you’re constantly dealing with rejection), but again, I think this helps in coming up with ideas and drawing upon those life experiences.

LBB> Did you find your time as a creative helped ‘train’ you for this exciting launch? How so?

Ellie> Absolutely. From time management, to creative exploration, to being able to draw on the support of some very talented quiet types that I’m lucky to call my colleagues.

LBB> What are your future plans for The Quiet Type?

Ellie> Yes great question. There are lots of lines I didn’t get to use so perhaps another release? There won’t be any launch parties I can tell you that much.

LBB> What advice would you give to fellow introverts working in creativity?

Ellie> Be (quietly) confident knowing that you bring a unique perspective to the world. Remember to look after yourself (we work in a social industry so it’s important to give yourself time alone to recharge when you need it). Oh, and invest in some good soundproof headphones. You got this.

Pre-orders are available now until Friday, December 9 at thequiettype.com.au