What do you create and how did you get into this field of work?
I primarily create clothing and accesory pieces but that usually tends to lead me into photography, film, packaging, art and a whole bunch of other things that can benefit the promotion of the brand. At first it was just making clothes, now its building a business, maintaining a name, image, purpose and exploring creativity. Designing started for me in 2003 when I was a junior at The High School of Art & Design. That school was filled with talented artist and just creative people. I believe it helped push everyone in the school to find their own personal way to display their creativity, when just being able to draw no longer felt like a talent since everyone could draw. So I started drawing or painting on clothes literally, buying acrlic paint from Pearl Paint on Canal and Broadway to turn my regular pieces of clothing irregular pieces from my point of view. Painting evolved into sewing, I built my first website from scratch with the help of youtube and google, and the foundation was built. A decade later (6 months ago) Scoge was officially launched.
How did you come into contact with JnrlStr?
I was going to meet up with a friend a few blocks away from Clinton St. but he was running late, so I decided to take a walk around the neighborhood and check out all the spots that I was unfamiliar with. I walked past JnrlStr which caught my attention a couple of times because of the bright color scheme but didn't bother walking in because it was so clean and I spotted a few people working in the back, I thought it was an office and didn't want to disturb them. Then when I walked past the last time I actually to the time to look at the pieces and realized some had prices listed next to them, so I just walked in and asked questions. Everyone inside was very cool as well as each piece displayed. I met Doug and Sloan who loved my red EastSide Story jacket that I had on which matched the color scheme of the store. Once I told them I was the designer and would love to include the piece to the store that was it.
What external factors inspire or influence you?
My inspiration comes from anything and everything. I can never pin point what stirs up my creativity. I like to be open minded and try new things as much as I can. One day it could be a sunset, the next something someone says, the next a bright color that I havent seen anyone wear in a while, or just a wild piece of fabric. Whatever it is though, I want to make sure that I can transform it into a piece of clothing that people wouldn't mind taking a chance with.
How has your style of design changed or stayed the same over the years?
The design and style is always changing. I love my old designs, but I love creating new things even more. At first I was trying to figure out how things would work if my brand always seemed to change but then I realized that i'm not the only person in this world who loves to try new things. I want people to find their "new thing" every now and then with my brand. I want Scoge to be limitless when it comes to exploring creativity.
What do you want people to take away from your work?
If anything, I want people to be themselves and explore creativty. I want people to feel confident, sexy, humurous or whatever, as long as its a good feeling that inspires them to find the creative aspect of everything in life.
What does the future hold?
Lets see,.....The near future will include an art show, a dancers expression session, loads and loads of promotion to raise the awareness of the brand, and Project Tradeshow in 2013. As for the a little further down the road i'd say an Scoge flagship store that will include everything, and a little international recognition......maybe more than a little :) .
