Meet YEK | Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with YEK and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi YEK, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Growing up, creativity was always encouraged and supported by my parents. Naturally I’ve always imagined myself making a living off expressing myself in one form or another. Not to say I’m completely there yet, just always had (still have) this inner knowing that eventually that’s how things will pan out. Also as I got older I found that working for people isn’t very fulfilling for me and that I’d rather die than be bound to any sort of 9-5 or corporate job no matter how good the money/security is. My time and freedom are most valuable to me.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my journey. We all have one. I think it’s important for us to tap into, shine light on and stay true to our stories. I’m proud of this world I’m creating with the brand and that I’m able to display it through my own lens. Seems like for the longest I helped others refine and express theirs, it’s time to focus on mine. I’m excited to continue creating/connecting with likeminded people and to see how far I can take this thing. I don’t want to stop at clothing.

Honestly nothing I’m doing seems super “professional” yet. Kind of just accepting opportunities as they come and figuring out what works best for me. I guess some aspects are easier to navigate than others, like content creation for example. I learned a great deal working with Champion. They taught me how to take a product and construct a universe around it. All that it entails too, like attention to detail/color palettes, prep/organization and most importantly how to build a team that feels more like family than anything else. Very grateful for those experiences and the folks I met there.

I’d much rather put myself and my story into the brand than talk about it. Anything I create or have my hand in will always be out of love, healing and the deepest sense of expression anyway, so if you search hard enough I’m in there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Assuming that my friend visits me during one of the cooler months in AZ, I’d have to kick it off with a good South Mountain hike and maybe some smoothies from Early Bird Vegan (a South Side gem) after. Downtown Phoenix has a few of my favorite spots with some of my favorite people to catch up with, all conveniently within walking distance from each other. Futuro Coffee, not just for my regular horchata with a shot of espresso but their displays of pop-up art that get rotated frequently. Mount Sunny offers a list of wellness services that I would definitely have to sign my friend up for before leaving or at least get them right with some supplements and a naturally dyed garment. If you’re my friend then you love clothes, Now Or Never is one of my favorite retail spaces so we’re absolutely sliding there to do some shopping. There’re plenty good eats out here but I wouldn’t let my friend leave without trying my top 3. Desert Island Eatery, a family owned Jamaican spot that serves a lot of love. Green New American Vegetarian, undefeated comfort food that’s completely plant based. And lastly, Jinya Ramen, a classic spot that my beloved circle of friends and I frequent.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without question my brothers Lee and Brandon deserve the most credit. They provide different perspectives, knowledge and wisdom that not only help me navigate life but the brand as well. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without these guys. Beyond grateful for this unit we’ve built.

Website: www.yek0ne.xyz

Instagram: yek0ne

Youtube: https://youtu.be/c5MWBq2r2ck

Image Credits
Cole Seefus @cseef (self portrait) Matt Keough @mattrkeough (white AF1 product shot) Oscar Madrigal @aintnojody (campaign/model shots)