I wrote my most-read article with 1000+ reads and then dropped a smoke bomb and haven’t posted again since.
The last half of my absence has been, me stuck thinking about how do I get back into this again...
Do I just start posting like nothing ever happened? Would anybody even notice?
Probably not, so I could.. but that goes against one of my brand-building principles of transparency so, I guess I should stick with those values for myself.
A little life update on me.
Around the time I stopped posting, is about the time I started a new job. I underestimated how much mental load newness would take up… so my writing naturally dropped off. And then once I adapted, summer in LA finally kicked off.
So here is a recap of what I’ve been thinking whilst I’ve been gone:
1 - With American soccer going crazy for Streetwear brands and designers, does this start to transition into other sports? For example, the AFL.. are they going to jump on this trend and start collaborating with local streetwear brands? I really (really) hope not. Just like they started doing the fashion tunnel photos... best to leave it alone.
The NBA has been flirting with this for a while and I feel it makes a lot more sense than another other sport. Basketball and street culture go hand in hand. The most notable recent creative director hires for NBA teams, are Ronnie Fieg for the Knicks and Don C for the Bulls.
2 - What is the difference between fashion brands lacking original ideas and following trends to maximise sales and profits? Similar to the whole soccer and fashion thing now.. How many soccer jerseys from fashion brands will we see in the next 12 months? The brands who have an authentic connection to soccer will be the ones who ultimately do it well.. those who don’t, I’d hold off buying, as they will end up discounted at the end of the season.
3 - I spent a week in Puerto Escondido drinking bulk mezcalitas with a good mate, which was incredible. One thing I kept finding myself drawn to, was the handwritten signage all throughout Puerto. I loved the playful type fonts you’d see everywhere.
4 - The legacy Spanto (RIP) has left around LA, especially Venice is crazy. His story is fascinating across all aspects of his personal life and his brand, Born X Raised. (More to come on this.) Right now it’s hard to find a wall in Venice that doesn’t have a Spanto tribute on there.
5 - What the hell are the Chicago Bulls doing? Please blow it up and go for a youth movement. Don’t be stuck in the middle.
6 - Will Ange ball work?! And what does it look like post Harry kane? I’m excited for Ange ball and glad Kane leaving removes some of the pressure. I love how he’s playing the kids and think even we may not make top 4, we will be exciting to watch.
7 - Substack vs Beehiv.. Is the grass always greener? Is Beehiv where I will suddenly be read and discovered by 50% more people?
8 - I’ve also realised the importance of my notebook. When I’m writing/sketching/scribbling in my notebook, my brain works in a much more effective way. I think more creatively and constantly think of new ideas and perspectives. When I don’t, I just float through life, which isn’t bad but it doesn’t feel right for me.
9 - I’m also learning to surf. It’s extremely humbling but something I’m loving. To quote the little kid from Point Break - “Hope you stick with it. Surfing's the source. It can change your life.”
10 - I’m back reading a lot. As always books tend to be a mixture of branding, sports or pop culture related. List includes: It Was All a Dream - Biggie and the world that made him by Justin Tinsley(currently), How Brands Grow by Byron Sharp (currently), Action Hero Scouting Report by Shea Serrano, Akker on Branding by David Akker, Alchemy by Rory Surtherland(one of the founders of Ogilvy), Ogilvy on Advertising by David Ogilvy, Status and Culture by W. David Marx, Fans First by Jesse Cole, 7 Seconds or Less by Jack McCallum, Trust Me I’m Lying by Ryan Holiday and a few rom coms that are bad for my rep.
So there you have it...
What’s been going on with you? What brands have been catching your eye in the last few months?
Hit me back just to chat if you are a Slim Shady fan, or be like Craig David and fill me in.
Dos