Teruo Artistry is a fresh, design-first clothing company inspired by a collective of artists who dedicate their lives to creating something from nothing... by any dreams necessary. Teruo Artistry believes what you wear defines who you are.
Their name comes from the founders' grandfather, Teruo Iyama (1919 - 2007), United States Citizen who was incarcerated in the American concentration camps during World War II. Instead of leading a bitter life after his release, Teruo rebuilt and became a successful entrepreneur and fine artist, the epitome of the American dream. He was an accomplished oil painter, carpenter, tailor, gardener and business man, who consistently created something from nothing.
Launched by two brothers and complimented by a flair for design and business, Brian and Timothy Watters wield one of the coolest websites online (www.teruo.com), where they showcase radiant fashion designs, sponsored artists, self-managed online magazine, and music releases. The renaissance men even offer their designs on skateboard decks! Jump on their website to watch videos of Timothy as he renders inimitable portraits of celebrities including President Obama, Michael Jackson, Kurt Cobain and many more.
We caught up with Brian Watters to get the latest scoop on Teruo, his connection with San Diego and plans for what’s next:
The LIST: What affiliations do you guys have with San Diego?
Brian Watters: We regularly attend the AGENDA Show. We are currently negotiating with a couple San Diego area stores to carry Teruo and we sponsor SD artist DJ IZM.
The LIST: Teruo Artistry is made up of family and friends?
Brian Watters: “Yep, my brother Tim, our sales guy, and I all went to UC Santa Barbara. Our finance guy was a classmate of mine at USC Business School.”
The LIST: You sponsor DJ IZM in SD. What does Teruo look for in sponsoring artists?
Brian Watters: “We look for artists that are original and passionate. We sponsor all types of artists, not just musicians.”
The LIST: Any thoughts of incorporating Tim's series of portraits into the line?
Brian Watters: “Yes, we’ve been working on this for a while. The Chamber Music hoodie is actually a rendition of an original TTW painting.”
The LIST: In 2009 you guys held a Teruo Spring Fashion event in Los Angeles, participated in a breast cancer fundraiser at the Playboy Mansion, and designed for this year’s Sunset Strip Music Festival. If that’s not enough, what else have you been up to?
Brian Watters: “We showcased out products at the Playboy Mansion, where my brother Tim’s portrait of Hugh Hefner was the key auction item of the evening. Our band Terra Incognita also performed at the event. We also put together a mixtape with Chris Cornell, DJ Skee, Prophet & Teruo Artistry. We’ve got some really cool stuff going on you can check out here:
• Chris Cornell x DJ Skee x Prophet x Teruo Artistry SCREAM Mixtape album: www.teruo.com/other/djskee_mixtapescream.
• Brand new Life In Stereo online magazine issue: www.teruo.com/lifeinstereo.html
• Features in Antenna and Vibe: www.teruo.com/press.html
• Our artist & designer’s latest works: www.youtube.com/watch?v=QeZWULw_FU0
The LIST: What's your #1 product right now?
Brian Watters: Our best products are the Life In Stereo and Mic Roots prints. The Chamber Music hoodie is a hot item as well.
The LIST: What's next for Teruo?
Brian Watters: The number one priority is to build brand awareness. We want as many people as possible knowing about Teruo Artistry. We have a number of new designs dropping soon and we are working on a number of music projects. Long term, Teruo Artistry will have flagship stores in LA and the Bay Area... We will also be in specialty boutiques throughout the world and have a reputation for quality, originality and creativity.
By Eric Hendrikx
money.
ReplyDeletevery dope company
ReplyDeleteThanks for the love!
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