Just Learning

I'm trying to dedicate the next few weeks to really reading and learning more about the legalities that will come with running this business. Things have been going smoothly as far as just coming up with concepts and ideas for designs but it didn't take long to see that wasn't the hardest part. It's going to take a lot of research to further my knowledge of all the different business types and make sure I have a clear understanding of everything I'm reading. In my opinion that is the only way to ensure success. I obviously can still do well but it just seems smart to at least have a basic understanding to ensure I can make intelligent decisions. I already have other people who actually draw and computerize my concepts so I figured I better get a good grip on the business side. I have been wasting too many days that could have been used to soak up some knowledge. Until next time, challenge yourself and make your own story of how you made someone believe. I feel I'm doing it every day and there is no better feeling.

Still on it

First off I want to say thanks to my cousin Ozell for rocking his shirt and sending me this picture. He's the owner of an award winning barbershop out in Dallas called the Fade shop. That place is full of celebrity clientele so if your in the Dallas area I suggest you check those guys out.  I've been pretty quiet the last week but that doesn't mean progress has stopped at all. I been working on getting this first design out on the streets so look out for more pictures coming up with people wearing my shirts. Also this weekend I will be doing a small photo shoot. I'm very proud of my first design so I want to take the time to make sure they are represented right with some dope photography. Shout outs to my buddy Chris who is the owner of Chris Conway Media. He will be doing the shoot and I have no doubt they will turn out amazing. So please please please look out for that blog because I am super excited about it.

Building the Team

I've spent the last week or so just working on some new designs and brainstorming about exactly what direction I want this line to move in. Make Them Believe is a strong statement and can be taken in many different directions. I do want to find a solid ground that people can refer to when they think of my shirts but I feel the most important thing is not completely putting myself in a box. I want to always allow myself to explore in different avenues to give myself and this line freedom. So far the message has been received really well. My friend Rob reached out and sparked the idea of working with me and I thought it was great. Who knows how this line will do in the future but I will always remember that Rob Balanon was the first official member of my team to help me promote. Rob is a local boxer who has decided to take a chance and put in the work to get a name for himself in this area. What he is doing in life goes hand and hand with the message of this line and he is a great example to represent my line. I am very excited about other friend's I am in the works of getting on the team to help promote. Right now I have one design printed so its beautiful they believe in me enough to agree to promote for a line they haven't seen much of. I truly believe they know I am very focused to make this dream happen and most importantly they are behind what the brand is about. Stay posted because you will be seeing more from Rob and myself very soon and definitely stay posted for the next members on this team.

I love my job...don't I?

My friends never know who I am going to target next in a post. It's just fun and personal to me. At the end of the day that's just life because I never know where I am going to draw inspiration from. I can be thinking about someone I haven't spoke to in months or years and be inspired by what they are doing. Times change and so does my opinion on certain matters. One of the things that inspires me most these days is seeing someone I know do something they love. It doesn't matter how significant that job is either because that's not what's important. It's the fact that there is someone who wakes up in the morning and there first thought isn't dang I have to go to work. I just laugh when I see it because that person probably use to talk about it all through high school and now it's just cool to actually see them doing it. They are the most helpful people because they know a lot about their line of work. That only happens when someone enjoys their work because they don't mind taking that extra time in perfecting their knowledge about what they do and love. The first person that comes to mind is my good friend Rudy Kreyer who works at a zoo. When he first told me he was working at the zoo I just thought that was the sickest thing ever. It's not like I thought this because he was getting this huge pay check or becoming popular for what he did. It was because I couldn't see him working anywhere else and it's rare for people to actually work in a field they love. Certain jobs that require passion pay less and sway people to find higher paying jobs even if they are miserable doing it. Another reason people don't end up at their dream job is because it seems too far fetched and it just doesn't seem realistic like starting a clothing line lol. At some point I feel you just have to take a chance and go for what you love. I'm sure some people don't feel the same way but I pray for the day I wake up and smile because I'm going to work.

Great Friend Great Advice

I had the most inspirational conversation with my friend Adam Meyer last night. The energy I got from him about the clothing line was just amazing. It gives you the type of feeling that if people have that much faith in your project then you have no choice but to deliver. First off he is already an established graphic designer so I value his opinions. He is my age and already has a job with graphic design for the Minnesota Timberwolves which is inspirational in itself. Seemed like we chatted for a few hours about everything from outside the box ideas to what books to read to get them. He gave me a great blog that has inspired how I want to do my photo shoot already. I just feel so thankful for the support I am getting. It is so encouraging and confirms that there is no reason this clothing line can't be exactly what I want it to be. He just helped me put a lot of things in perspective. I have my first design printed out but there is no need to rush it. Cover everything and when I feel everything is the best it can be, then launch. He just pounded in the fact that to grab attention I have to do what other companies are not doing other wise why buy from me? I can't afford to put a man who is paid by an NBA team on my payroll lol but he is definitely part of the MTB by MTB team. Thanks Adam

ORDERED MY FIRST SHIRT

I'm super excited right now. Things have been going so well as far as support. I wanted to get a shirt done to show a visual of actual progress. It's the first thing people ask when I tell them about my current endeavor. They always want to know what my style will be or do I have a sample or picture. I just wanted to do something to answer those questions and it's just been fun coming up with ideas. I was introduced to Chris, the owner of Kid Saturn Clothing, and he recommended me a great screen printing shop. Honestly, I was nervous because it was my first time going through this process. I went there and was blown away by how helpful Ember was. She was amazing. She gave me some suggestions and we tweaked the design and I am just super happy to see them. Just like always I hope you guys are just excited as I am to see what comes next. I didn't want to give away the complete design to the shirt but the above picture does play a small role. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE goto Blvd Screen and Sign if you are in the Hampton Roads area. I haven't even received my product but they love what they do there. Being that helpful and having such great customer service like that deserves some recognition. 

Putting that order in today makes this feel that much more real. The only thing that can block me from getting to where I want to go now is me. If you know me then you know that will never happen so HELLO WORLD I'm here. 

Friends Pt2 (weareric.com)

As I mentioned in a previous post my friends have been everything to me so far with my progress of getting this started. The next person I would like to shout out is my buddy Eric Lund. He has a dope up and coming clothing line and has offered to do designs and printing for me. It's cool to get advice from someone who has already been making progress in this line of work. He is a very creative dude and I look forward to seeing him get more shirts on the street. His site is definitely worth taking a look at so please do. Check him out over at weareric.com.