It hasn't happened yet. But, when Ballard native and current University of Portland student Mark McGinnis passes someone on the street wearing a shirt he designed, he knows it's going to be a big moment.

"It would be like hearing your song on the radio," he said.

This July, McGinnis and two University of Portland classmates – fellow Ballardite Stewart Wilson and Bothell native Kelly Burgett – officially launched The Incorporated, a clothing company that combines the passions of the three 20-somethings.

Last year, to break their boredom, the three friends decided to combine McGinnis' love of drawing with Wilson's enthusiasm for Photoshop and start a T-shirt company.

McGinnis said he does not have the talent or time to be an artist in the traditional sense, but T-shirt design gives him an outlet.

"It's just a different way of making art that more people can relate to and get involved with," he said.

While not necessarily an interest in fashion, the friends definitely share a similar pursuit, McGinnis said.

"We all like to look good," he said.

But, it takes more than an idea to get a company started. After developing the idea and a number of designs, the project was shelved while Burgett studied abroad.

Finally, Burgett, McGinnis and Wilson pooled money from their own pockets and got The Incorporated off the ground.

"It wasn't too bad an investment," McGinnis said. "But, I guess any amount is pretty big when you don't have much money. It was hard to part with."

The Incorporated debuted three designs – The Incorporated logo, an inspirational song lyric and the popular Statue of Liberty holding a keg cup – at its official launch party and barbecue July 25.

"Having been at it a whole year and then finally holding a T-shirt, that was awesome," McGinnis said.

For a company that is currently based out of McGinnis' childhood home and his car, The Incorporated has high aspirations.

McGinnis said the company has sold about half of its current stock of shirts, and the friends want to have another set of three designs for sale by the end of the summer.

The Incorporated is working on launching a new website in the coming weeks. McGinnis said they look up to Los Angeles-based clothing company The Hundreds for the way it combines its web presence and its clothing to further involve customers in the brand.

Having founded a company that combines his major interests, McGinnis said he would be more than happy to continue with it full time after college.

"I'd much rather do this than be an accountant or teacher," he said.

There are difficulties ahead, such as continuing to coordinate three college students and dealing with financial constraints, and McGinnis said he wouldn't classify The Incorporated as a success yet, but it is on its way.

And, maybe sooner rather than later, he'll get his big moment when one of his shirts passes him by on the back of a stranger.

For more information on The Incorporated or to order a shirt, visit the company's blog or contact Mark McGinnis at theincorporated.mcginnis@gmail.com.