Screen Shot: Nora Inu

City Based: Long Beach, CA

What inspired the brand name?

One of my favorite directors is Akira Kurosawa and one of my favorite films of his is “Stray Dog” or as it’s called in Japan, “Nora Inu”. I liked the sound of that and how it conjured up the image of an offbeat, misfit character somewhere on the outskirts and thought it was a perfect fit for the kind of stories I wanted to tell.

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

After college, I thought I was going to work in the animation industry but things weren’t playing out how I imagined and I started to look for other ways to get my designs in front of people. With clothing, while it wasn’t my background, I started to think of it as an extension of the work I was already doing. Just a new medium with its own 'rules' but at the core of it, the same vision. And it seemed like a good way to get my work out there because your canvas becomes something wearable that people can share, making pretty much everywhere a potential gallery or exhibition of sorts.

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Anything other than trying to force the process. Watching movies made by directors with a unique vision.

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

Missing out on opportunities because of a lack of preparation or experience. But instances like these are a chance to learn so you’re well prepared for the next one.

What is the biggest success you have had?

Building a decent following of people who are just as excited as we are about our work and the pieces we put out.

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

Random scribbles. Flattened out, crumpled paper. Visible brush strokes. Subtle imperfections in handmade craftsmanship. Patina.

Favorite color to use?

There aren’t any colors I purposely try to utilize. What’s more interesting to me is a color’s relationship with another color and how well they harmonize or clash, depending on the intended effect.

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

Independent shops that are in tune with underground and emerging brands in the local scene. Bodega or Dover Street Market would also be cool.

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Kapital. They don’t take themselves too seriously, they’re willing to experiment and go the unconventional route, amazing craftsmanship, and they always maintain a sense of play throughout their work.

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

In a year, I see us continuing to develop the brand and really pushing what we can do in terms of design with a lot more experimentation. I also see us working more with other brands and creators. In 5 years, I’d like for Nora Inu to expand into other mediums and establish a central hub for other artists to unleash their creative potential and use as a jumping off point for their projects. Like a laboratory for creative ideas. I'd also like to have a flagship store.

IN 5 WORDS OR LESS DESCRIBE YOUR BRAND?

Freewheeling, pop art, and cartoons.