Artoholik World 08

There was no true thought or concept to this illustration. I was just exercising my right to use a pencil.

I got bored today and decided to color it. I only put 10 minutes into this but its not so bad.

Tell me what you think!

Happy Hour with J.A.M.E.S. WATTS

My partner Aaron interviews a very DOPE rapper by the name of James Watts.
I had a change to chill with this dude a couple of times while being around Aaron, and it was a pleasure each time to chill with an artist who appreciate their craft as much as he does.
Click on the image to check it out.

Happy Hour with Prafetic Clothing

Rickey Brame the Owner and Creative Director of Prafetic Clothing approached The Artoholiks with a vision to help him bring his clothing line to life.
When Rickey first came into the studio, he had a note book full of drawings and ideas, so our job was to get his ideas print ready. The first part of the job was to illustrate his drawings. The illustrations opened the door to creating the branding/logo, online presentation and other collateral. I had a lot of fun every time Rickey stopped by the studio because of the common goals that we have together so i decided to interview him. Check it out….

What up Rick?

 

 

Nothing much, just glad to be here.

 

 

You have a very unique name (Prafetic) and the logo isn’t easy to identify, how did you come up with the name and what does the logo represent?

 

Well, years ago when I first began sketching designs for my line the name I had chosen was Shachah which is Hebrew for the word ‘Worship’. I had originally chose that name because each and every one of us worship someone or something. Whatever you give your attention to the most is what you worship. But this particular form of the word worship denoted worshiping God specifically. After moving to Jersey and doing some research my wife and I discovered that there was an organization and also a band that was also named Shachah. Even though the name wasn’t trademarked I wanted a name that was original and distinct from all others. To be totally honest, I was a bit frustrated because I had to come up with a different name for the line. After about three days of much prayer and thought, Prophetic came to mind.. So I rendered the spelling a bit and made it Prafetic. I believe the change happened for a reason, and it was good because the name Prafetic correlates better with the purpose of my line. My logo which is a figure of a Seraphim also has Biblical significance. Seraphim’s are ministering angels who are closest in proximity to God. Seraphim’s have six wings and they use two to fly, two to cover their faces, and two to cover their feet. The are associated with light, ardor, and purity. There is so much more I can say about the word Prafetic and Seraphim’s, but I’ll leave it at that.

 

How long have you been planning to create a clothing line? And what where some of your steps in doing so?

Since about 2001.. a long time I know! When I first decided I wanted to launch my own clothing company I was still in school and working full time, so I really didn’t have a lot of free time in which I could give it my undivided attention. When I was in Portland everything was basically on paper. But after I graduated from school and moved to Jersey, I was able to take a couple more steps forward. The first graphic designer I partnered with sort of caused me to take a couple steps back. But again, God works everything out. I met Iquan of the Artoholiks (you) and so far we have completed all my graphic design work including my website, business cards, MySpace page, and line sheets. So I am in a good place right now, anxious to launch.

 

Now days everyone is producing t-shirts and clothing lines. How do you plan to market Prafetic and make it stand out? Do you feel like you have a nitch?

 

I believe people are looking for originality, not a clothing company that simply follows the trends. You are absolutely correct, clothing companies come a dime a dozen. Every day it seems a new clothing line emerges. And most of them dissipate after a couple years. And just as important as originality is to a start-up company, purpose is just as important. I’ve created this clothing company with a purpose which is to speak life into the world. If I have a design on a T-shirt the words will be words of encouragement, words the world needs to hear instead of catchy phrases you heard on a movie or in a Hip Hop song. I believe my line will stand out because it is distinct from all other clothing companies. What other clothing is there that will have printed on a shirt, “I give you a new command that you should love one another”?

Hopefully I answered your question.. lol

 

What steps have you taken so far to start Prafetic? And what challenges are you facing while doing so?

 

So far I have my line sheet completed, my website, business cards, and all my designs in the correct format to have everything screen printed. There are thousands of screen-printing companies in Jersey and New York, so finding the right one was a challenge as well. But after a lot of research I’ve found the right screen-printing company that will print all my shirts. The only challenge I am facing is simply capital. Starting a clothing company is expensive!!! So right now I just have to be patient and save… and look for a miracle.

 

 

I know you came from Portland to the New York area to start your business. Now that you’re here has the new location altered any of your plans? Or is everything going as planned? How do you like this side of the country anyway and why do you think it makes a difference in your plans?

 

I’ve always wanted to move to the east coast and I knew that this is one of the best places to launch a clothing company since it is one of the fashion capitals of the world. When I am out here among other young people who have launched their own businesses I am more encouraged. That creative atmosphere is not as potent as it is in Portland Oregon. Challenges are a part of business ownership, and the challenges we encounter along the way have the potential to aid us in our future success. You can either learn from your mistakes and challenges, or let them destroy you. So I believe that moving out here was destined and apart of the future success of this clothing company. And though Portland Oregon will always be my home, I love Jersey and New York! I’ll be out here for a while.

 

With having a family and daytime gig, how do you find time to concentrate on Prafetic? What inspires you?

 

Well, family always has and always will be my first priority above my business; and bills have to be paid… lol.. But it’s like they say, you have to do what you have to do. On my breaks at work I go to a secluded place and work on my designs or make phone calls. We can all find time to do things, we just have to make some sacrifices sometimes. But the things you accomplish are always worth the sacrifice.
What inspires me? God inspires me, he is the Master Creator.. He created this entire world. Also this world inspires me… The news inspires me, things I read in books inspires me, my wife and daughter inspire me. There is so much inspiration out here, but God is my primary inspiration.

 

What technologies and electronics are you using to run Prafetic and communicate? And what gadgets do you have your eyes on lately?

 

I’ve been a Mac man for a while, so that is my preference right now. Right now all I have is my Mac and my Blackberry 8800. This March I will be upgrading my phone to either the iPhone or the new Blackberry Bold. I am still kind of indecisive, but I am leaning more towards the iPhone.

 

Finally, when can we expect to see the line and where can we shop for it?

 

Hopefully late January, early Febuary of 2009!!!

Arto Red – A

I was doing a little bit of Christmas shopping in Montclair this weekend and decided to drop in Urban Outfitters. I love the store because of the weird and unique stuff you can find. It’s like a cool thrift shop, except a little more expensive (I think that’s what it really is lol). I stopped by the tables with all the funky items and discovered a huge A and it just so happen to be red. Hmmmmm, I kinda feel like they made it for me. I’m a loser though, because i didn’t even buy it.

arto-RED Knife

WoW! This is dope! I honestly didn’t think that anyone would submit stuff so soon. But I love it! Thanks Jimmy.

SEXY Art?

I’m not sure what I was thinking about when I started drawing this piece but I GREW to like it as I continued to draw. I do remember at this time I was into stars, veins and hearts for some reason. I had fun working this piece though; I actually scanned and started to color this. NOTE: I never scan and digitalize my free style drawings. When I draw in my notebook it’s more of an escape, I gain a peace of mind, just going off the top of my head. Being a GRAPHIC DESIGNER, you’re always creating for others based on their wants and needs. It’s easy to forget that your creativity is a gift and that it’s important to express it to yourself sometime too.

arto-RED Gaterade

Thanks Aleesha for being the first to submit to the Arto RED Catergorie.
Mmmmmmm, I’m thirsty now!

Who goes harder than Brooklyn?

Jay-Z debuted his new single “Brooklyn Go Hard” and the Artoholiks not only appreciate the great MC for his music, but most of all for this video. When the video surfaced on the internet, it struck a cord within me that hasn’t been struck in a long time, especially when it comes to music videos. The display of actionscript and unique type, brought Jay’s message to life in a unique way that all artist in this digital grind can appreciate. I look forward to seeing more and more artist embrace the pros of dynamic technology. Until then, The Artoholiks will continue to go hard! Thanks Jay!

Common: New Album Inspires Ike

Last night I struggled as I was adding the finishing touches to the Mother Green Project. I got to the studio around 9pm and sat there until 12am with nothing completed. By this time I was very frustrated and contemplated calling it a night. It then dawned on me that Common’s album was due to release December 9th. I looked at the clock and noticed that it was only minutes before midnight. When midnight struck I loaded the Itunes Music Store and purchased Common’s album, Universal Mind Control. This was the juice I needed; I ended up working until 3am finishing the bulk of the work. Thanks Com!