The iconic leather jeans label has been a staple of great design since Levis first sewed one on in 1886. I always admired the labels and was really excited for the opportunity to brand our upcoming denim. Here is a look at what I came up with. The patch is hand branded into a quality piece of leather and will be stitched to the back of the jean. I think I am just as excited about the patch as I am of the actual denim.
In a continued collaboration we released a new design with Music Skin. They are now available in our online shop. If you are looking for a style that we don't have there are a lot more available on the Music Skin site.
The last week has been busy. I finally moved into our new design studio. It's been a long process, but the end result is definitely worth it! I Found the vintage tanker desks I have been looking for, set up the computers, finished building out the design reference library and moved in. Now it's time to get back to work and catch up on the projects that I fell behind on.
My wife also decided to quit her full time job to help out with everything. It was a big decision to walk away from a good salary at her old job. I am glad that she believes in what I am doing and willing to help move it forward! The old saying really is true when it comes to my wife - “Behind every good man is a great woman”
Pabst was nice enough to drop off an office warming gift. A fully fully stocked beer fridge! Levi is guarding it to make sure some work gets done around here.
The downstairs retail portion is being built out this month and we are planning a grand opening party for mid April! The blue tape on the floor marks where the display walls cash register are going. I'm really happy about the progress and growth the brand has taken. I hope you can make it out to the opening party and celebrate with us!
OFFICIAL continues its web series, In The Cutts, with Episode 11. My good friend Apollo stopped by my headquarters with a behind-the-scenes peek into the brand and of course we got down with a little skateboarding.
The support everyone has shown the Benny Gold line has been incredible! These pictures came in from a customer who not only supports the line by rocking the shirts but also with a Benny Gold inspired tattoo! I'm sorry, I lost your message with your name. Please get in contact with me so I can give you credit. The support from everyone has been inspiring and keeps me motivated to keep it going - thank you!
Please keep adding your pics to the Gold Support Group on flickr. I give out random gear for the best pics.
Pile Co. in Japan has been helping the Benny Gold brand grow in the Japanese market for a few years now. They helped widen our Japan distro to 25 retail stores in Japan. Thank you! They also recently opened up their flagship store called Delicious. Congrats guys! I look forward to continuing to build together in the upcoming years!
I love how they used our Stay Gold Glider Candles as hanging displays — the shadow it throws is great!
This picture of Travis Barker wearing a Benny Gold shirt surfaced on twitter. Crazy timing – I just found a missing box of these exact shirts while packing to move into our new space. I am going to include a FREE Doughboy B shirt with every shirt ordered from the online store (while supplies last). Get at it.
The latest episode of hypebeast.tv caught up with me to talk about the growth of the Benny Gold brand and the transition from a home office into our brand new retailer/design studio.
I am honored to have a profile and appreciate all the support hypebeast has shown me over the years! Thank you!
Here is the first full look at the new Diamonds Embroidered New Era which is part of our Spring Collection for 2010. The cap is featured in three colorways, each boasting a wealth of great detailing while still maintaining wearable tones. Available soon through Benny Gold retailers.
We have been fortunate that our seasonal New Era offering has always been well sought after. This season is no exception – the sneak peak we released has been getting a lot of interest.
One of the most frequent questions that I get asked is about my design process. I decided to give you a quick look at the way I go about designing a shirt graphic. There are many ways to achieve the final design, this is just the way that works best for me.
1. It starts with inspiration. I have always listened to a lot of reggae music and I love the artwork that adorns classic dancehall covers. For the Stay Gold Rudie design I decided to base it on Jamaican rude boy culture. I flipped the popular saying "Cool Off Rudie" or "Rudie Can't Fail", from the Clash and Derrick Morgan to "Stay Gold Rudie" to fit the brand.
2. Once I have the inspiration I sit down and write a list of key words that relate to the concept. A list really help me put my ideas into a solid form. I circle, highlight and pull out the words that relate the best and help push the concept.
3. After I have a bunch of keywords that I like I start sketching the ideas into visuals. I use tracing paper because you can layer the design and it allows you to work on the individual parts separately until you get it just right.
4. Once I have a sketch that I am happy with I pull out the light table and ink the design. I try to ink the design as clean as possible with a fine tip marker. The cleaner the design is inked the less cleanup will be needed in the computer.
5. The computer is the last step of the process. I use it for cleaning up the artwork and getting it ready for print. I want everything I produce to have a hand crafted feeling to it. I want you to be able to see that I personally touched each piece and it wasn't just a found image or clip art. Pushing and pulling at the points in illustrator till you have it right. The hand drawn type always takes the most time because it has to flow perfectly.
Printed, shipped and finally available in our online shop here as well as Benny Gold retailers. Rudie can't fail!
* This is of course a shortened version of my design process, but hopefully it helps you figure out what works best for you
“I’ve got to keep on pushing I can’t stop now Move up a little higher Some way, somehow” — Curtis Mayfield
No matter what life throws at you got to keep pushing through it. Skateboard inspired graphic of flat spotted wheel with broken bearings is a constant reminder to keep going regardless of where you are at in life. John from Boston knows this and sent in a picture of his tattooed pushing leg along with another picture of an undisclosed individual.
Not into tattooing it on you and want a reminder that is less permanent? We still have a few shirts with the same graphic available in our shop here.
Carhartt Europe asked me to design a few shirts for them. They released the shirts as part of their artist series along with designer Eric Elms. I am not only honored to be part of the series, but excited to have them released next to a designer that I highly respect.
The last few months have been really hectic with designing the new line, building out the new office / retail space and working on various logo projects for clients.
New line sheets are finally out for the Benny Gold brand and orders are starting to come in already. I can now get back to moving into our new space. If you are lucky enough to live close to a store that stocks the line please remind them to get their orders in. It's the customer support that has got us to this point.
If you are a shop that wants to stock the line also please hit me up at sales@bennygold.com with store name, description and a list of other brands you carry. I'm going skating the rain finally stopped in SF.
The new issue of UNDR RPBLC MGZN just dropped. Photographer Jerry Buttles has a series of artist portraits featured in the issue. I am honored to be included with other San Francisco icons: Mike Giant and Jeremy Fish. This might be the last portrait shot of me in my current home office as I am moving the studio into a beautiful new retail space in the Mission district of SF.
Dealer in Gold Profile: Exit Skate Shop, Philadelphia
Monday, February 01, 2010
EXIT Skateshop had a really nice feature on the largest skateboard site out right now The Berrics. They highlighted some Benny Gold clothing (check 2:36), so I thought it was only right to repost it on our site. Thanks Steve for the shout and stocking the line. I really appreciate it! I need to come out and skate your park with you soon!
