Screen Shot: NOVEL©INDUSTRIES

City Based: Atlanta, GA

What inspired the brand name?

The name stems from a few things actually; So I don’t want to box myself into doing or creating any single genre of things; hint the all encapsulating “INDUSTRIES” — I love craftwork!

Also, I really REALLY like collectibles/novelty items; so — “NOVEL”

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

I realized I wanted to start a clothing brand at my godforsaken high school! My good friends Xavier Lee and Nico are really talented rapper/songwriters so I took it upon myself to make merch/ cover art for them!

What helps you get over creative blocks?

Whew! Creative blocks are the worst like my longest block was a span of 5 months I felt like SHIT, but I made it through so here are Joshua West’s steps to making it through the drought!

I tell myself I will make it through

Taking time off to do OTHER things you enjoy.(Personally this is watching Anime and playing Video games with some of my favorite people especially Florian I love that guy !). We all have an odd desire to be established by 25 but there is no need to rush honestly — it’s okay to be a late bloomer!

Keeping good people around me; their kind and honest words keeps me going and keeps me balanced!

What is the biggest mistake you have made?

The biggest mistake I’ve made might have to be working with manufacturers that I didn’t have a relationship with — it always leads to disappointment

What is the biggest success you have had?

I have a decent amount of small victories lmao nothing to really brag about !

A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?

Cartoon/Game color schemes and The Depop explore page but I don’t think that’s that weird tbh

Favorite color to use?

Previously it was red/blues but now —GREEN! I’m sad to say I have become my mother lmao she loves green and I guess I do too now

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

The Good Company shop

WISH right here in Atlanta

ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Design wise, I am inspired by my friends FTHRNICO and POPSTAR BENNY and have been for the longest— some of the most talented digital artists/designers I’ve ever met!

When I started out all I would see on my timeline was “ART BY NICO” and it really pushed me to step my game up nigga was taking all the commissions and I needed some bread !

Brand wise, MADBURY, Online Ceramics And Dertbag!

Lifestyle wise, Nigo — have you seen that niggas old crib omg so many collectibles!

Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?

Tbh...idk! It’s scary thinking too far in the future all I can hope is that I will be as blessed as I am today currently.

In 5 words or less describe your brand?

Uh “The bee’s knees “