About 10 years ago I joined together with a good friend and began designing for a clothing brand he created. Design came easy to me putting my ideas on clothing and having someone pick it up and really feel it was an incredible feeling. After he refused to grow with his line I walked away with just the experience. Years passed and I wasn’t too involved with the street wear design world, but was still hugely involved in the street wear world. Street wear is a way of life its had a huge influence in the hip hop and the skate world. We have all seen street wear grow into the monster it currently is, and it’s growth doesn’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon.

I’ve noticed individuals grow into not just street wear brands but into a way of life for most who consider street wear their world. Just last year I was at a release party for an up and coming brand I had heard a lot of hype around. As I saw what they were promoting and the low quality they were producing it instantly upset me. This wasn’t what street wear was too me it was way bigger than that.  I went home that night and just began to design weeks turned into months and it just hit me this was a passion of mine that I felt the need to pursue. Shortly after I started my own brand, releasing a small collection of 4 items early this year. Its been one hell of a journey with a lot of ups and some downs. Creating not only a brand in DeadlyBonds but a lifestyle is no “walk in the park” more like “a ten mile hike”. Not saying this to discourage anyone. There is no better feeling than the feeling you get when someone picks up your finished product and cant wait to put it on. I have put together a small list of helpful tools for those trying to build their very own lifestyle brand in hopes it helps spark the minds of the future street wear greats.

This post is for people who want to:

Start a t-shirt line – Create your own clothing line – To create a streetwear brand – ideas to help you start your own streetwear brand from the ground up

 

Pick a Name //

As simple as this may sound I must say this is one of the hardest steps. Picking a name isn’t just picking a name, this name represents the lifestyle you are trying to create. At the same time this step shouldn’t be your one and only focus. From my experience I could definitely say I went through 3 names before coming across DeadlyBonds. That didn’t stop me from designing it was from designing and becoming a part of the LA street wear world  that the name crossed my mind. Great names come to you as you began to filter out who your brand is. No name is permanent and you should experiment all options.

 

Create a Logo //

Creating a logo is what makes your brand unique. Polo wouldn’t be polo without the widely known and loved logo. Something as simple as that can really blow your brand up. Be careful when you outsource your logo design you don’t want your idea in an other persons perspective. Chances are no one sees it the way you do.

 

Get a Blog  //

Things have really changed since the early days of street wear. You know have the tools to make your brand as big as you possibly want. Blogging is a tool that works in your favor, and it has endless opportunity. This is a way to reach people you wouldn’t normally be able to reach. Tumblr is a great tool that is completely free of cost and can really take your lifestyle to the next level. This is a must have for street wear brands, its a platform to share your brands passions with the world. The amount of traffic it can drive is simply up to you. By posting content related to your brand and following people who have the same interests as your brand this can only affect you positively. You never know your followers can easily become your biggest fans, share your media, and now their followers can see what you have to offer. I can’t stress how important these free tools are and how simple as well.

 

Get a Camera  //

Everyone has an iPhone these days and although it can probably be called one of the best phones on the market at the end of the day its just that, a phone. If you are really serious about taking your brand to levels you’ve only dreamed of this is a must. This purchase can take you from beginner and make it look like you have been doing this for years. The quality of picture is something you must have if you plan on using photos on your brand site. Also doesn’t hurt your social media if your pictures are high quality. I would always recommend to stay in your price range on this one and as your brand grows so should your quality in all aspects. One affordable recommendation would be a canon digital rebel T4i very possible you can find this under $600.

 

Products // What kind?

As a start up you always want to keep your cost low. If your a start up brand its always a good bet to start off small. You don’t need to have every product know to street wear you want quality not quantity. If your speared yourself to thin your not making the best possible product. Last thing you want is for a customer to get your gear and be disappoint. You don’t know how many customers you could of just lost due to that one person. Pick what your good at and what seems to be working and stick to that while you grow your brand.

 

Manufacturing //

This step can easily be a a stumble for most designers. Finding someone who can manufacture your brand within a timely manner, at a low cost, and have great quality can seem like only a dream. In reality all it takes is foot work and time. Unless you already have someone who fits all these standards your just like i was looking for what seems impossible. This step takes patients and the ability to keep a positive attitude. Manufacturers can be some real difficult people to deal with but as long as you learn from your mistakes you’ll find one sooner than later. For those in the LA area its always good to start downtown. I have a different shop for different items sometimes one place might not have great quality on hats as it does on tees.

 

Sales //

Foot work is also key for this topic. Your product isn’t going to sell if there is no accesses to it. Social media is a great drive for your sales being able to share your product on a large scale at no cost sounds like a win win. There are tons of boutiques who are just waiting for the next big thing to take a spot in their store. Something to drive more traffic can benefit them as much as it can benefit you. Having an exclusive site where you can house all your items in an easy way to pick up sales. You can promote your own site on social media and offer free gear for social media contest. This tool is one of the best to drive traffic your way. Lastly trade shows are KEY just think about it tons of people looking for what you offer in the same place. Most times these people have no clue who you are and if they feel your brand you just gained a potential true follower.

 

Promotion //

Costly promotion is a thing of the past you can now blow your brand up without spending a fortune. I can not stress enough how important social media is this is a must have. Who doesn’t want free promo on a site that millions have accesses to its just to easy. Use social media as much as possible and post daily. Some key sites are Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, Pintrest, and possibly facebook. Use the free tools that are placed in front of you.

 

Growth //

 

If street wear is a real passion to you growth is something you should expect. As your brand grows your quality has to follow. You can’t grow as a brand if your not constantly making your products better. Everything from your designs to the feel of your clothing. Growth comes with the lifestyle so always make sure your prepared for growth. Thinking out of the box is key for your growth. Something as simple as printed socks can make your brand a staple in street wear. Plant life socks really put Huf on the map who knew socks could make you a street wear icon. You never know what idea is gonna elevate your brand to new grounds .

As a brand DeadlyBonds has shown me so much growth and I’ve learned not only things about fashion but life as well. Hopefully the tools I have shared with you all can help you in your street wear ventures. Don’t forget to check us out at Deadlybonds.bigcartel.com

 

Photo Credits: Top photo // TWO Face London

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