The boring answer is that 'pin' is actually the middle part of my real name, which only a handful of people including the tax man know! The cool answer is that I'm sharp like pins and constantly seeking perfection. To add to this coolness, PINS is the acronym for 'Pins Imagination Never Sleeps!' and it really doesn't!
What got you in the custom game?
So, there I was - Fashion with Business Degree in hand, parents happy and proud, everything seemed nice - it is at this point you think to yourself 'Ok should I go get a full time job or take a gap year?' Then one day, walking home after munching the phattest frankfurter deluxe with extra onions at Doughmasters, I noticed a new shop which just opened up in the ends stocking all the freshest New Era caps and I was like… Ohkayyyy! So I took a waltz in, had a look around and instantly had a thought. 'Why not customise some of the hats with characters or graffiti lettering then sell them on?' That kicked off my custom game way back in 2005. Throughout my five years hustling in the business, I've mastered various techniques from airbrush, hand-painting and spraycan art on to surfaces including clothing, furniture, exterior spaces and of course, sneakers. Previous clients include Mariah Carey, Usher, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl Cole and Sway to name but a few.
Nice work PINS! Is Krispy Kreme the biggest influence in your life?
Ha! No my mum has an over-ridiculous work ethic which I admire and got mad respect for! Regarding artwork, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali are my biggest influences, the bold and surreal and Krispy Kreme for staying true to the game after all these years providing possibly the most krispalicious donuts ever, the Chocolate Dreamcake. You could say Krispy Kreme donuts is to me, what the Campbell's soup can was to Warhol, a reflection of the consumer world we live in.
Any secrets or projects?
No secrets myself, but I know loads of other peoples, I'm that guy you can tell your deepest, darkest secrets to and I aint gonna tell no one, I'm cool like that, just call me Uncle Pins! As for projects, expect more personal bits 'n' bobs, more crazy sneaker concepts and more donuts!
Do you work with other peeps?
I love doing everything myself, gives me a great sense of ownership and allows you to learn different aspects of the design game. To see a concept develop from an initial sketch, through to a wearable piece of art is a good feeling! Seeing it on other people is even better! I'm all for collars, and would bang heads with like-minded peeps, but right now, I feel I need to set the pace and knock out fresh bits under my own terms.
What are your long term aspirations?
To be one of the coolest brands out there without trying to be a cool brand. To continue to display my imagination by any means necessary. To make people think and smile when viewing my work. To get the go-ahead from Nike and design the most dopest collection of AM90's ever with matching apparel!!
So you're a 90-man all the way?
I own Vans, Adidias, Puma, Jordans, Supras etc and have been drawn to them because of good design or colourways, but when it comes to good design AND comfort, I would have to say the AM90's are on-point! Love an air bubble! Thank you Tinker Hatfield for exposing your air bags! But yeah, I love all types of fresh kicks, the smell, the taste and the whole 10 minutes it takes me to format the laces so they just drop right. It's all about them droopy loopy loops, it's a Souwf London ting from school days!
INTERVIEW BY DALE PARR
www.soleheaven.com
Sharp as PINS
So…you love the arts? Spent most of your school day doodling in your notebook? Maybe you enjoy creating designs and dream of them being displayed in a boutique somewhere along Brick Lane?
It’s time to turn your dream into reality. The only difference between you and an actual designer is they stopped dreaming and started to “do!”
Meet 25-year-old Pins, whose name abbreviates to “Pins’s Imagination Never Sleeps”. After discovering he had a passion for art at an early age, Pins decided to turn his dream into reality. He has since been a success in the customisation and design industry, with the likes of Usher Raymond, Kelly Rowland, and our very own Brits Sway and Cheryl Cole donning his designs.
We caught up with Pins to give those budding designers out there a little encouragement.
Tell us a bit about your background. Which area of London did you grow up in and what was it like for you?
I grew up in South London and have lived there all my life. South was not as bad as it is now when I was growing up. It’s where I grew up but I do feel it’s time to move on. I’m regularly up West End and feel the creative vibe a lot more up there with different people and different styles, and no one really eye balls your every move like back in the ends.
When did you first discover you had a passion for the creative arts?
Art has always been in the blood from an early age. My mum has always been artistic, specialising in Fashion Design, Pattern Cutting and Fine Art. My dad was a draughtsman who specialised in Technical Design for various buildings and constructions. My earliest memory of when I caught the creative bug was when I studied my GNVQ Advanced Art and Design course. The course allowed me to be expressive and channel my ideas through various uses of creative media including Fine Art, Textile Design or Graphic Design. I found these forms of art easy to adapt to and was able to create with no set rules or restrictions.
After deciding to go forth with your ambition what was the next step you took?
I went on to complete my GVNQ Course then my BA (Hons) Fashion with Business course at Sussex University which covered various aspects of Fashion, Graphic Design, Marketing and Business within the Fashion Industry. I felt once the course was complete something was missing. I still didn’t know which area I wanted to specialise in, so I took some time out and randomly entered the clothing customisation game, which allowed me to combine my graphic skills and print techniques onto various textile surfaces.
I have been customising clothing and designing for about 3 years since graduating taking on freelance projects and anything I could put my creativity on. I then co-founded The Ugly Kids Club brand in which I was responsible for a hefty amount of concepts and designs over the course of 2 years. I learned a lot about myself; what I can do and where I needed to improve. Now my main focus is my label PINS, which will reflect my creative brain in all its glory.
How did your friends and family respond when you informed them of your ambitions?
I have always had 110% support from family and friends. I feel this is critical, as it helps during hard times and phases you go through in life, they definitely keep you grounded.
I’m sure I’ve seen your designs somewhere before…
I’ve hit up some festivals such as Glastonbury, Bestival, Bloomfest and Nass Fest where I would sell custom bits and printed tees, as well as on on-the-spot customisation. Also been fortunate enough to have a residence at the Jumpoff (a hip hop night at London’s Astoria) where we would have an allocated space to sell t-shirts and other merchandise from.
What about Usher Raymond, Kelly Rowland and Cheryl Cole? That must have been exciting.
Previous clients included Usher, Kelly Rowland, Mariah Carey, Cheryl Cole, and rapper Sway to name but a few. I have to say the Cheryl Cole hoodie which she wore in Part 4 of The Passions of Girls Aloud was special, probably because I’ve always had a thing for her. She most definitely has the X Factor! She told me she framed it in her house so that was nice!
Do you have any particular expectations for the future?
I expect I will grow as a brand and continue to be actively creative in all that I do.
Sounds great, but how do I get started?
I would recommend reading my story in the ‘About’ section of my website, www.pinspired.com to get an idea of how I started. Find out what you’re interested in, what you like doing and if you need any special qualifications. Get as much hands-on experience as possible in your chosen area even if it’s unpaid. There’s a lot of free help out there so make the most of it and get out there!
What are you waiting for? The time to get started is now! Make it your priority to research the free courses there are available and gain experience. If designing is not your forte but you’d like one of Pins unique designs in your wardrobe visit www.myspace.com/pins83 or email him at pins@pinspired.com.
Until next time, stay sharp like PINS.
Rickshaw Magazine
After successfully completing BA hons in Fashion with Business, Pins entered the customisation game. Throughout his 2 years in the business, Pins has moved up the levels and mastered various application techniques from airbrush, hand-painting and spray can art. His creative ability was notices by community organisations and schools where he was able to deliver custom workshops and offer his skills to the young people. During his time, Pins met up with the likeminded creative individuals through Myspace, who are simply known as The Ugly Kids Club, a collective of customisers who each bring their creative skills to the table. As well as a Freelance Artist, Pins is also director and designer of The Ugly Kids Club, which has now expanded into an exclusive T shirt brand and design agency. His previous clients include Mariah Carey, Kelly Rowland, Cheryl Cole, and Sway to name but a few.
Pins love of food and all things sweet has been evident throughout his designs and maintains strong concepts such as the famous Donut range clothing which can be viewed in full krispy effect at: www.pinspired.com or email unclepins@googlemail.com
