Screen Shot: NEWTYPE
Website: newtypeofficial.com
What inspired the brand name?
The Universal Century timeline of the Gundam series. There's a theory in this timeline but I'll let everyone look that up and immerse themselves in that UC Gundam history.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
In high school I was enrolled in AP Studio Art. In that class I was able to paint/build Gundam and even design shirts. Soon, I started designing t-shirts for clubs throughout my school. All of that was funded by the clubs and school so it was relatively easy to print my designs via expensive online printing companies. However, in college I realized the difficulties and expenses of printing my own designs through these same companies so I found a group of friends and shared my concepts and ideas. They were all for it and we all invested in everything we needed to start up a small clothing brand (printing press, plastisol inks, silk screens, exposure unit, emulsion, etc.). Things started off really slow and we got busy with school work. A member stopped seeing the potential so he stepped out and never paid his promised investment and the group soon fell apart... A year later, I decided to fool around with the printing press that was collecting dust in my dorm room and things turned out extremely well. Started to sell practice shirts around campus, made a ton of money to re-invest into better threads, and was inspired and motivated to start a brand with my roommate who helped me a ton with the practice shirts and learning how to screen print.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
Vintage anime, documentaries, toys, music, breakdancing. You'll be surprised where creative ideas and concepts can be found.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
Believing in people who don't believe in you.
What is the biggest success you have had?
The launch of the website really skyrocketed sales and opened my eyes to how much potential the online market has.
A source of inspiration people may find weird?
Anime Artbooks. Buy some, sit down, and just enjoy them. You'll be surprised how many ideas flow out of them. I recommend: Haruhiko Mikimoto's Gundam Art Book: Into the Sky.
Another Brand that inspires you and why?
Romantic Crown is a South Korean clothing brand that I have kept my eyes on for awhile. Their stuff is really pretty, original, and very inspiring. Their photo shoots are also extremely aesthetically appealing. They have a very good sense of breaking the boundaries of comfort but also not striding too far.
Are there any retail shops you would live to see you brand in?
St. Alfred, KITH, Bait, Bean pole (빈폴) ... But these are just dream
What advice would you give to a new brand owner?
I'm a new brand owner so it is weird answering this question... However, my biggest advice is to stay motivated, positive, and passionate. If you're not motivated and passionate about your brand, I guarantee none of your designs will speak for themselves and inevitably lead to the death of the brand.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
Become one with robot damashii
