Mute Da World / FlatBlack Clothing

2012-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:00

2012-02-12T16:50:00.000-08:00

2012-02-12T16:47:00.000-08:00

How to start a Christian Clothing Line Series 2

2012-01-28T18:08:00.000-08:00

This series will outline a step by step process in creating a Christian Clothing line. FlatblackClothing.com is a Christian Hip Hop Clothing line established 1n 1997, we also support and help other new clothing lines as well as assist individual artists with print and design.

Series 2
In our last session we covered the "Why" question and the conceptual components of just getting started. Now we will assume that you made the decision of doing this clothing line and you know what niche you plan on doing. So lets begin with addressing the idea of Christian themes and artistic style. I have seen many Clothing brands that use biblical messages in their shirts the most common are: Parady: (an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialize an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation). Example the use of the McDonald's M logo, but underneath it says "Messiah" Over one billion saved. This type of concept adds humor to the biblical messages. Other common designs are the use of holy phrases, terms, passages and Christian symbols and recently the MMA cross and wings symbols with glitter and Rhine stones are very popular. So My point here is to do your research as to what type of designs or what look are suited for your niche. I believe that the more original you are the more you will separate your brand from others. I personally feel a little uneasy when someone shows me their new ideas for a clothing line made up of all clip art. and then ask "what you think". I honestly believe in original art, weather its ink, pencil or computer generated as long as it has the edgy and well crafted. Research not only other Christian brands to make sure your different but also what mainstream brands are there where you can draw inspiration from. We at Flatblack Clothing have a definite influence by Tribal Gear, Seventh Letter, Maxx 242, FatCap by Hex and many other old school Graff brands. While we are influenced by theses brands we do our best to create original art that will not be confused with those brands. Which leads me to this very important point of Branding in itself. Though Branding is important I think design is more important in a clothing lines first exhistence. When some one is really feeling your idea and art they will buy it no matter what is says or who did it. The design hold up to its own. Afters the look and feel of theses designs are well established then a Brand or Logo begins to appear. Unless you have a very large budget where you can spend one year prior to the launching our your brand promoting it in Magazines, Ads and large events then you can create a buzz or a demand for your product. But if your like me on a shoe string budget you cut as many corners as you can. I have seen new Clothing lines where they have started with hundreds of shirts with just the name of the line in differently fonts and colors. Even if the name itself is cool like, Sanctified, Believers, Holy Rollerz, Jesus Freaks or anything out of the bible. The buyer who does purchase one will most likely want to see more. It takes a long time and a lot of promoting to get a brand to become a household name like Marc Ecko, LRG or any other mainstream brand.
Till next sesion hope you'll be blessed.
Zender One
FlatBlack Clothing

How to start a Christian Clothing Line Series1

2012-01-26T18:08:00.000-08:00

This series will outline a step by step process in creating a Christian Clothing line. Flatblack Clothing (dot com) is a Christian Hip Hop Clothing line established 1n 1997, we also support and help other new clothing lines as well as assist individual artists with print and design.

Christian Clothing is very different to mainstream clothing lines, one would almost say it's far more challenging for several reasons. I. The audience is very limited. 2.Christians and Churches can be very critical and vocal about their opinions. 3.There are NOT too many other brands or stores that can become a mentor or a support. C28 is probably the leading Christian store with its NOTW brand (Not Of This World), our brand FBC (FlatBlack Clothing) focuses on Christian Hip Hop, making our audience even smaller.
The First Step the designer or founder of the clothing line must decide is "WHY" do you want to do it in the first place. Is it to make money, help uplift believers, get your message across, or support a ministry. The reason this is important is that in the first stages of development your WHY has to carry you through all the rough times. Most people when they get started get stuck on the Logo phase, but establishing your "Why" will help lead you into your Vision, which in turn will help you into your Mission. For example: If you are a skater and your Why is to open up a chain of Skate Parks in Churches, you create a Christian Skate Brand. Your Vision is to see Churches with Skate parks and kids wearing your brand, and your mission is to produce quality designs that are embraced by Christian youths who skate. Once your Why is established you then begin to brainstorm your business plan, a lot of people get stuck here too because they think they have to form a traditional business plan, like for a bank loan. Here the plan is to get the "action going" and to help create a track to stay on just in case things get bumpy. Example: A. Find a cool name for the brand. B. Create a temporary logo. C. Do 10 sketches for ideas for shirts. D. Create a list of possible resources. E.Call pastors to see if we can create skate events.the longer the list the better.
This plan will be edited over and over, even the company name or logo may change, so don't be over critical like if it's gonna get trademarked right away. I have seen this time and time again where a clothing line gets over critical on their first design, spending months on what should of taken them weeks, or even days.
Remember to establish your audience, who are you targeting? Hip Hop, Skate, Tattoo, Rockers, Conservatives. What ages? Teenagers, families, kids. The more you know about who you are trying to reach the easier it will be to define your company look or the artistic designs. Hope this can clear the air a little on just the conceptual part of getting started. Till next time. Zender One

How to start a Christian Clothing Line 1

2012-01-25T01:03:00.000-08:00

I have been asked many times how did I get started or what steps are needed to get a Christian Hip Hop Clothing Line. As some of you know we have been designing Gear for Flatblack Clothing since 1996. We did not start as a Christian Clothing line but just as an underground Graf gear. God put a calling in my heart to turn the brand into a Christian Clothing line probably like in 2002. I am going to begin a series of step by step explanation of how we got to were we are. I hope this series answers many questions or possible can motivate new Christian brands to get out there and get going. Stay tuned and share this info.
Zender One
Flatblackclothing.com

Rocked this at Toyota of Glendora.

2011-09-09T17:06:00.000-07:00

Grand Opening

2011-09-01T17:21:00.000-07:00

2011-06-24T01:14:00.000-07:00

Hesperia Yard, The Refuge

2011-06-24T00:22:00.000-07:00

Zender Yard

2011-06-24T00:10:00.000-07:00

2011-06-23T23:55:00.000-07:00

San Diego Mural4

2011-06-23T23:28:00.000-07:00

San Diego Mural

2011-06-23T23:03:00.000-07:00

san diego mural

2011-06-23T22:59:00.000-07:00

back yard production2

2011-06-23T18:48:00.000-07:00

back yard production1

2011-06-23T18:13:00.000-07:00

Saturday April 9th 2011

2011-04-05T13:15:00.000-07:00

Painting live.

2011-03-24T23:11:00.000-07:00

2011-03-24T22:33:00.000-07:00

Zender One A.D.5 homage with OG Dread 2011

2011-02-28T17:49:00.000-08:00

Zender Painting in San Diego Part 1

2011-02-23T11:56:00.000-08:00

Zender one and Kube 9

2011-02-23T11:53:00.000-08:00

Flatblack Clothing , Fig Leaf Apparel at Gr818ers.

2011-02-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

2011-02-14T15:07:00.000-08:00

The Gre818ers, San Fernando 2011

2011-02-14T12:21:00.000-08:00

Gre818ers

2011-02-14T08:30:00.001-08:00

On Sunday Feb 13 several divers groups from the San Fernando area joined forces to put together an event for the community to share the love and magic of positive hip hop. Now We at Flatblack Clothing hold positive hip hop at heart. This event included many local breakers and poppers, live DJ's including legendary DJ Haaze, along with an art exhibition at the house of Brews. Hats off to the Whizz Kids and all those that supported this event. Peace.
Zender One

6 back Sticker combo

2011-02-08T20:36:00.000-08:00

Durable Vinyl Stickers are now available at flatblackclothing.com Pick some up while supplies last.

Sunday Feb 20th

2011-02-07T21:22:00.000-08:00

The West coast event that will covert all elements of hip hop, Breakers, BBoys and BGirls, Graff and DJ's.

Sunday Feb 13

2011-02-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

WWW.THEGR818ERS.COM

FEBRUARY 13 2011
STARTS AT 1 PM!!!

THE GR818ERS ARE BACK AT YOU AGAIN WITH ANOTHER GREAT ART SHOW! IF YOU COULDNT MAKE IT TO THE LAST ONE DONT MISS OUT ON THIS UPCOMING ART SHOW AT THE HOUSE OF BREWS!!

YOU CAN EXPECT...
AMAZING ART BY TALENTED ARTIST DISPLAYED INSIDE HOUSE OF BREWS!
LIVE MUSIC AND ART HAPPENING OUTSIDE!
GREAT DANCING GOING ON ALL DAY!
GAMES AND ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES!
RAFFLES FOR MANY THINGS!
DELICIOUS FOOD & DRINKS BEING SOLD!
& TOO HAVE A MEMORABLE FUNN TIME !
BRING YOUR FRIENDS & FAMILY!

DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT!
HELP THE GR818ERS THROW MORE MONTHLY EVENTS!
WWW.THEGR818ERS.COM

Night of Champions

2011-02-07T21:08:00.000-08:00

Flatblack Clothing, Bands, Skaters, Dancers, Jodie Nelson-Pro Surfer, Matt Barkley-USC Football, Wade Yandall-UCLA Football, fun and games. Bring your Huddle, Bring your High School, Bring all your friends-Introduce them to FCA!!! A Night you don't want to miss! Free In N Out starting at 5:45 to 7:45.

Friday, February 11th, 2011 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
@ Mariners Church, Community Center/Student Center.
Mariners Church
5001 Newport Coast Dr.
Irvine, CA 92603
Share this event!!!

FlatBlack Clothing News: Flatblack Clothing in Wilmington Dec 10, 11th 2010...

2010-12-04T22:19:00.000-08:00

FlatBlack Clothing News: Flatblack Clothing in Wilmington Dec 10, 11th 2010...: "Flatblack clothing will be a part of the Urban Arts Crew Dec 10th 7pm to 10pm 12pm to 5pm December 11th 12pm to 5pm Both events held at 626..."

Rain in the Desert Event

2010-12-04T22:17:00.000-08:00

We had an absolute blast at Thermal CA rockin the Elements for Christ. Representing the First Element Graff...

The S.O.G Girls...

Fernando: FigLeaf Clothing Zender and Faye Flatblack clothing

Rain in the Desert Friday Dec. 3rd 2010

2010-11-30T09:08:00.000-08:00

This year, all of Coachella Valley is invited to gather under one roof in the love of Christ and music! So Blessed Ministries together with The S.O.G. Crew and Christ is Salvation Church presents the '3rd Annual Rain In The Desert Concert and Festival' on Friday, December 3rd, 2010. So Blessed Ministries produces an annual event marked by the greatest of musical talents found in the Christian music world and by the Christ healing message of love and unity called 'Rain in the Desert'. It's an event brought to the streets of the Coachella Valley to redeem lost souls to Christ, heal broken hearts and restore unity to broken families. And, it's a night full of laughter, dancing, music, free food, and give-a-ways! The December 3rd event will entail music by live bands, worship and praise, hip hop groups such as The S.O.G. Crew from Anaheim and others, and an all fantastic dance group! There will also be a Night Volleyball tournament after the event for all you sports lovers in the Coachella valley! All ages are welcome! Event takes place at: Christ is Salvation Church, 87295 Main St, Thermal, CA 92274. From 6:00 pm-10:00 pm. Admission is Free! For more information contact: Lezette Garza (760) 851-7689. We'll see you there! God bless!
With Special Guests Nation of Salvation, Shizzle, Dog Squad and Unrated Ink. Also all the way from Colorado Souled Out Creatiions.. Special Guest Live Graff: Zender One of Flatblack Clothing.

Flatblack Clothing in Wilmington Dec 10, 11th 2010

2010-11-30T08:54:00.000-08:00

Flatblack clothing will be a part of the Urban Arts Crew
Dec 10th 7pm to 10pm

12pm to 5pm

December 11th 12pm to 5pm
Both events held at 626 Avalon Blvd Wilmington CA 90744

Biola Piece

2010-11-23T01:28:00.000-08:00

Zender One of Flatblack Clothing was repin the first Element of Hip hop at Biola University.

Also Check out the Piece at Califest in Bakers field.

Soula Soul Sunday Night @ 7pm

2010-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

Come out to Biola to check out some Positive Hip Hop, Live Graff by Zender One. Flatblack Clothing inda house.

Saturday October 23, StrongTower Store Grand Opening

2010-10-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

New store to open up in Madera California, We know that as a Christian our options of where to shop can be limiting, especially if we talk clothing stores. Yes, we have Family or Lighthouse, but after several minutes there we feel old kind of grama/grampa-ish. Now if your a teen you could find NOTW available at some Malls or even at some BlueNavy stores, but if you live in Madera CA (close to Fresno) You can now find a wide variety of NOTW gear, Truth Soul Armor, Sanctify, Fig Leaf, Crown Clothing, and YES, the number one Urban Hip Hop gear FlatBlack Clothing. If your in the area, come by and pick up some gear, hear some music, or watch Zender One paint live. you cant miss this.

CaliFest 2010 Friday and Sat.

2010-09-30T17:25:00.000-07:00

We will be setting up shop Friday night October 1st in Bakersfield California. Fully loaded with the newest gear and we will be paining live on Saturday afternoon...

Hesperia Shop

2010-09-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

FlatBlack Clothing went down to Hesperia to paint live and promote. Stocked up a small shop called "Toys Rnt Us" Inside of the Indoor swap meet off Bear Valley in Victorville. Open 10am to 7pm Sun, Mon, Thurs, and 10am to 8pm on Fri and Sat and CLOSED Tuesday..
They have a large selection on Paint and a grip of other art supplies...And Now a grip of FlatBlack Gear...Stock up Peeps.

SOG Crew Jerusalem FlatBlackClothing OpeningDay Crunch Media

2010-09-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

Representing Truth, Life and positive Hip Hop...

2010-09-12T09:43:00.000-07:00