Winnipeg graphic designer gets her ‘Elbows Up’

A Winnipeg graphic designer's work is depicted on a t-shirt (Carolyne Scramstad/Real Salty Design Co.)

A battle cry heard across the country is galvanizing Canadians amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of annexation and the ongoing tariff dispute between the neighbouring countries.

‘Elbows Up!’ gained notoriety following Canadian actor Mike Myers’ appearance on the March 1 episode of Saturday Night Live, though its origins date back to the hockey playing days of the legendary Gordie Howe.

Over the past few weeks, the phrase has appeared in political ads, on social media posts and on clothing apparel.

“I think, as a country, we’ve always been really quiet about our patriotism,” Carolyne Scramstad, a Winnipeg graphic designer, told CTV News. “And in light of recent events, I think it’s pretty important as a country that we are a little bit louder about how much we love Canada because it’s worth loving.”

Scramstad runs an online store called Real Salty Design Co., selling clothes, accessories and other products.

A few days after Myers’ declaration on U.S. network television, Scramstad joined the ‘Elbows Up!’ movement with a design of her own – a fed-up looking beaver playing hockey in an unmistakably red Team Canada jersey.

“That’s kind of what I’m known for – cute yet slightly aggressive animals,” Scramstad explained. “This fits perfectly … and it just kind of says what we’re all feeling right now.”

T-shirts, hoodies and mugs emblazoned with the design have been available through Scramstad’s website ever since. She said 30 items quickly sold during an initial preorder, and she’s put another up since.

“If you’ve got a sense of humor and like to support local, then it’s for you,” she said. “It makes me happy and excited when someone buys something with my artwork on it.”

She sources the blank shirts from a wholesaler with distribution centres across the country. She noted the shirts themselves aren’t manufactured in Canada but said she would like to see more textile companies popping up here.

“I think it’s always going to end up being a little bit more ‘small batch,’ but you do generally end up with a better product. Maybe it’s just getting consumers to know it’s worth paying the little bit extra.”

She acknowledges some people may scoff at businesses profiting off Trump’s threats and levies.

“I’m sure there is that viewpoint, and to be completely honest, I’ll say that they’re not fully wrong. But in this instance, it’s more of an emotional connection… and it’s bringing us closer as a nation. And I get to create artwork that helps to foster that feeling.”

Scramstad said she’s already brainstorming other iconic Canadian animals to join her ‘Elbows Up!’ beaver on the ice.