The Story:
It all began in the Winter of 2010 upon a visit to my family in New York. I was currently pursuing a degree in Art at the University of California, Santa Barbara, but have always aimed to do something more. I like to look at myself as the child who dreams big. I spoke to my cousin and was introduced to street art and clothing companies such as Obey, Original Fake, and the work of Banksy. Already a big fan of Imaginary Foundation clothing, I decided to possibly jump-start a clothing company since I had been discussing it with my fraternity brother for a while. The concept of the monkey head and what could distinguish me from others was hard to reach, as I lost sleep, energy, and was constantly thinking of cool company names and a catchy looking logo. I was at a meeting for Palestinians and Jews to peacefully discuss the issues in the Middle East when I drew the monkey head. I have to say it was very random, but as soon as I saw it completed on my paper, I knew I had my logo. Originally I chose the name Ded & Breakfast to represent the company, but changed it after receiving a text from my cousin in New Jersey suggesting Warped State of Mind. I had been looking for a name that encompassed dream, reality, and everything in between as the idea of different states of mind fascinate me. So I had my name, Warped State. I needed a job, however I have never been the type to like working. However, when motivated to do things I enjoy, I will work at the cost of sleep, freedom, and fun.
A college student with no money is not a happy one. I put the business plan to work, designing images daily and handcrafting my website from scratch. It's funny too because the company actually started in my closet (I lived with two other roomates and my desk was in my closet because the room was so small). I began posting images on Facebook and other sites to gain recognition and the reception was very positive, so I kept working on more designs and eventually sought help from my parents for the business aspect. My parents have always been supportive of me no matter what, and were no different when I pitched that I wanted to start clothing company. My dad and I were on the phone every day and researching shirt companies to purchase our blanks from and once we had our companies secured, we moved to printing the shirts themselves. Within a month I had taken the business from a name and drawing to a full-scale website with over 20 designs. Commissioned work came as well, and within a few weeks I was designing album covers, company logos, and custom shirts for people who found me randomly online. More recently, the company has ventured to concerts, electronic gigs, sponsored numerous events, and been invited to events such as Tom's "one for one" charity event held in Las Vegas where we were able to sell shirts and paint shoes with our "warped" style.
Now looking to the future I hope to see success from this business prospect I have put so much time and effort into and hopefully expand in order to bring the world a clothing brand that truly tests the limits of reality and a unique “warped” artistic style. To kick off the half a year point, the company has teamed up with local artists in Santa Barbara to start bringing Warped State to the Santa Barbara area through public and urban art. Our motivation is to spread the word of our clothing movement and reinvent the way art appears on clothing. No words or simplistic/ basic designs. Only 100% custom, original, and unique designs that break reality's boundaries and test social norms. Thanks to everyone for their support so far in helping this story unfold since its start in April, 2011.
-Kyle and the Warped State Team