In 2008, I found myself surrounded by an abundance of unused sketchbooks, each filled from front to back with my drawings. This prompted a creative shift; I decided to transform those sketches into a t-shirt line, giving birth to RA-NYC. This venture became more than just a clothing brand; it was a dynamic creative outlet that connected me with a diverse community of artists, particularly within the hip-hop scene.
My immersion in the brand was total. I took on the multifaceted roles of creating artwork, designing the logo, building the website, and coordinating photo shoots. Each stage taught me valuable lessons about the importance of branding and promotion. While I stepped away from printing t-shirts in 2013, the experience was invaluable. I cultivated a network within Brooklyn’s creative community that continues to influence my work and projects today.