Screen Shot: Enigmatic

City Based: San Diego, CA

What inspired the brand name?

I've always had a passion for the unorthodox and unconventional. The concept of being yourself, even if it isn't necessarily what is typically expected, is something that really resonates and sticks out to me. I have a massive book of synonyms that I flip through from time to time to find words to better explain my thoughts, and one day, I came across enigmatic. The idea of being enigmatic has stuck with me ever since, and I knew the word would be a part of whatever creative endeavor I would decide to embark on.

At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?

I always knew I wanted to do something involving my art. I love creating. Putting things into the world. The idea of making a brand came a couple of years ago, but I never really looked twice at it. It was just an idea, like a "wouldn't it be cool if" type of thing. Once I started actually getting pieces made earlier this year I was so mad at myself for not starting sooner. I started almost on a whim. I knew I'd wanted to start a brand for a long time so one day I just kind of, well, did.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

I would say the biggest thing that helps me get over creative blocks is to remember why I am doing what I'm doing in the first place. It can be really tough to sit there and make design after design where each one just doesn't give me that feeling. The feeling that my best designs do. It's demeaning, because often times there is just something off and I feel bogged down for not knowing what it is. Like I know I can do better, but I don't know how to. This can lead to a creative block where I am unsure of myself. Remembering why I started designing and why i've chosen this path in life motivates me to keep going, even if it isn't easy. Remembering to be grateful to be doing what I love to do.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

My biggest mistake has been being lazy with product pictures. I took some really half-assed hoodie laydowns for a piece that my following was super excited about and posted them without thinking about it. I lost soooo many people. I wasn't even trying to be lazy, I was just so excited to get pictures out to everyone who was waiting on them that I didn't take the time to make sure they were at least somewhat good looking. A piece that I had spent so much time producing, slowly teasing and getting people excited about was immediately diminished and there was nothing I could do about it. And to make it worse I had no one to blame but myself..

What is the biggest success you have had?

I would say my biggest success has come from being personal with my following. It's just me doing this and I think people can really see that. Of course, the momentum hoodie is a banger and sold out when I put it up for sale and also sold more pre-order restocks than I could hope for, which has really helped me become more confident not only as an artist but as a designer as well. I just really try to let everyone who follows me know that I'm really into this. Enigmatic is coming from my passion for creating.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

I always feel inspired by my girlfriends work ethic. She puts 100% into everything she does and always inspires me to do the same.

Favorite color to use?

My favorite color to use is probably just black / white. I think there is something so exciting about a piece of art that speaks through sheer imagery alone. I would like to use more color though. I often times find myself avoiding color solely because I worry I would ruin a design by using the wrong colors.

ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?

Not particularly. I really enjoy being the one who sells pieces to my customers. Writing notes to every single person who orders is one of my favorite things to do. If I were to sell in a brick and mortar shop I would want to be there, like a pop-up. Maybe a local shop would work, but I don't know.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

My biggest inspiration would have to be Basketcase, a brand that also comes from San Diego. I really respect and look up to the way Zach has taken an idea and created something so striking and uniquely it's own. Hard Jewelry is up there as well. The way Will connects with his fans is so cool. I find inspiration in all the small brands doing what they do. Atelier Eau Rouge is another stand out for me as well.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF AND THE BRAND IN 1 YEAR AND 5 YEARS?

In one year I see myself still doing Enigmatic full time. Hopefully I have a space where I can make more of the clothing pieces myself. I still want this brand to grow- and I don't think it's going to stop any time soon. In five years, phew. Who knows. Hopefully by that time I have the ability and facilities to make whatever I want. At this moment, I am limited in creating only what I know I can actually make. In five years I want to be able to consistently make concept into reality, no matter how ambitious.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Enigma, Passion, Love, Creativity, Curation