Role: Co-FounderOrganization: Create Build DestroyDate: Summer 2007–Summer 2011
In 2006, my cousin Tyler Ben-Amotz started making graphics and silk-screening them onto shirts. His designs were loud, and often based on rap lyrics. He called the project Create Clothing. Around 2007 I asked if I could help him out. I was interested in the clothing business (partly inspired by another t-shirt company called LOLA) and thought it would be a cool experience to try and wholesale the shirts to stores. Over the next few years the graphics and brand evolved, and Jesse Zorski and Jordan Boyea joined us. I was mainly responsible for sales and production. Our t-shirts were sold around the US, and eventually in Europe and Scandinavia (with showrooms in Milan, and Denmark). We made stickers, matchbooks, and hats. We threw a bunch of parties. We had a lot of photoshoots. We had a blog that I posted on religiously. Over time I learned how to use Photoshop and Illustrator, and started making our product catalogs, brand graphics, etc. I also learned HTML and CSS (thanks PJ), and managed our website. Back then I didn't see myself as a designer, or even as a "creative" person. But working on this project gave me a lot of confidence towards making things. I am forever thankful to Tyler, Jordan, and Jesse for such a fun journey ☺
createbuilddestroy.com
