When did the idea come about to start Methods NYC? 

About two years ago, a couple of us got together and started talking about it. We decided to pool our resources and go for it. After a couple of doors opened for us, the talk became a reality. We just thought that we could do a better job than a lot of the brands that were out at the time. 

What inspired your name, What does MethodsNYC mean?

We decided to call the line Methods because we wanted to develop a company that supported peeps who use their unique talents to make it. These are people that are following their dreams and doing whatever it takes to make them come true. They are MC’s, DJ’s, artists, hustlers, promoters, entrepreneurs, singers, bombers; basically anybody who is using their own unique method to achieve success and notoriety in their field. We are called MethodsNYC because New York City is where we hustle everyday and rest our heads at night. We love our home and want people to know where we’re coming from.

What would you like to accomplish through your label?

We want to expose people to quality art who normally wouldn’t have the opportunity to experience it. Streetwear has gotten redundant over the years. Some of the brands that we grew up with have changed and a lot of new brands are just on some corny shit. We want to breathe some fresh air into the industry. To us, it’s all about supporting innovators. We believe that by supporting these innovators, we add momentum to our pursuit of collective advancement. 

Compared to other companies you operate quite differently.  Instead of having your own in house designing team you sign artists to feature on your label. Tell us how you go to work.

You’re right; we operate very differently than most lines. We’re more than a clothing line; we are a support system for artists. We offer fresh designs from influential artists who we believe are innovators and major contributors to our culture. We hunt down artists who have been paying their dues for years and have been making an impact on their own. Methods is simply another medium these artists can use to spread their art and really take their game to the next level. Unlike other companies who give artists a flat fee for their designs we give them a flat fee and a hefty commission for units sold. Too many companies claim support as a marketing technique, but at the end of the day the only people they support are themselves, at Methods we all eat.

How many artists have signed with your label thus far?

So far, we have signed four separate artists to the label. We started the line in Spring ’04 with THESESWON and Timothy Sean Johnston. SES is a legendary NY graff writer who has been painting for about 20 years and has done work for the Misfits. He’s best known for his technical 3-D pieces. Tim is an incredible artist who has been creating quite a buzz with his art in the last couple years through his art shows up and down the east coast. He is best known for creating mind-blowing, complex, eerie creatures. His art is truly one of a kind. His figures have evolved from simple caricatures into complex creatures that embody many of the bits and pieces of his life experiences in urban and suburban environments

We are also proud to announce that we have recently signed two of New York City’s hottest artists. NYC Lase and Elik. These are two artists that have been extremely busy with their careers for the last couple years. NYC Lase was one of NYC’s original street bombers; starting his graff career in 1981. LASE is currently leading the underground art scene with his original brand of character based art. He has also been 
trailblazing with his own unique style of shows and events, setting the pace for the rest to follow! Elik is one NYC’s most notorious present day bombers. He has been wreaking havoc on NYC for the last few years. He has also written several articles for graff magazines and has organized numerous art shows around the city. 

Seeing that graffiti is illegal in many countries. Do you think more artists will look for other ways, like the internet or t-shirts to exhibit their art?

There are many different kinds of urban artists out there. Many of them have crossed over into different mediums to exhibit their art. We don’t see this slowing down graffiti anytime soon. Most of the graff sites out there are just documenting what takes place on the streets anyways. There will always be street bombers and a lot of them aren’t interested in doing anything but getting up as many times as possible.

What's your opinion on computer today's driven designs/art?

It’s cool; there are definitely mad talented kids in that field. As for where we are right now with our line, we are staying a little closer to street art and representing artists who have paid there dues in the streets through bombing, tagging, wheat pasting, etc. 

What do you see MethodsNYC doing 5 years from now?

We definitely see ourselves sponsoring different types of events that will promote quality art and music. Hopefully by that point we will have been a stepping stone for a lot of artists in their careers. We have been receiving lots of attention from overseas, so we definitely see our brand gaining international recognition over the next few years.

Any last words or shout outs?

Most def. We want to say what up to our boys at Beautiful Decay Magazine. Check out their site at www.beautifuldecay.com. They are definitely on the come up. We’ve got to give much respect to our current artists NYC Lase, ELIK, Timothy Sean Johnston, and THESESWON. Thanks to all the stores on the East Coast that have been showing us love. Props to the kids at Touch Clothing in Brooklyn. Check out www.touchcrew.com. A huge thank you to all our friends that have helped us along the way, and of course, all of the kids who have picked up our gear. Be on the look out for our ads in your favorite magazines and be sure to check our www.methodsnyc.com for news updates. 

KOLD STONE

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