Conversations with Ty Young

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ty Young.

Hi Ty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been into sketching, anime, comics, graffiti, skateboarding, and tattoos. My tag name was INK’D.

Before fashion I was an A&R with Beasta Music Group. We were under Interscope Records. I was at a cross roads with my music career, when artists, Jibbs, Frescokane, and Rubix and graffiti artist Brooklyn suggested I start putting my artwork on t-shirts.

I did a sample shirt to have artist wear in the music videos I was directing. I did an impromptu photo shoot & short film for the brand I created that took off. My buddy Brandon introduced me to his brother, Dwight Carter, who put my brand, ENK’D, in its 1st 3 fashion show.

Our slogan is Leave Your Mark. Which seemed to resonate with the creative and skateboarder in and outside the city & country.

Being from various ghettos in and outside of St. Louis, I wanted to show we are more than the negative images were all boxed into. With cinematic visuals and vibrant colors with a long mystery of myself to keep the focus on the brand and the community we were building and apart of ENK’D has truly been embraced.

We’ve been published and I’ve had and the pleasure of receiving more than 3K in selfies worldwide of individuals wearing the brand. The little spray can kid image has become a symbol that we to continue to spread and encourage the message of leaving a powerful positive creative mark on those around you.

Aside from clothing, we’ve done skateboard decks and we’re working on collectible figures amount other collaborations.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Starting a brand from scratch takes a lot of focus, research, and growth. You have to remember it takes more than one individual to build a brand and life doesn’t stop as you build.

I’ve dealt countless outside challenges and most came from those closest to me.

Figuring the financial separation of personal and business is something that should be established out the gate.

Don’t be afraid to look for a mentor.

Trademarking, copywriting, legalizing your company is beyond important. There are those that literally wait online to steal ideas.

There are times it can and will feel overwhelming. Look at it as a sign that it’s time to level up again.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a sketch artist. Known for my Popular Misfitz graffiti & anime influenced series of artworks.

I’m also known for being apart of StL’s graffiti, skateboard, and music communities.

I visit schools and programs to mentor others.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
We’re currently opening our 1st brick and mortar in St. Louis’s Cherokee Street District. We’ve sold in various parts of the world.

During my recent travels to China, I was asked to bring the brand there and to Tokyo. I’m seeing us growing as more than a clothing brand. With multiple stores and products. I look at brands like Supreme, The Hundreds and Pop Mart as blueprints.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enkdbrand
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enkdbrand
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/enkdbrand
• Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/enkdbrand
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/enkdapparel