ARTMONU; a little behind the scenes

Last week I was lucky enough to shoot for this new up and coming brand ARTMONU, of course I had to share photos with you but why not give you a little more than that. I was able to sit down with the creator and speak to him about the brand a little.

Where does the name ART MONU come from and why did you decide on that as your brand name?

ART MONU stands for A Reformed Theology, May Others Now Understand. The name basically plays on the fact that people almost worship art and fashion to the extent that it might be a religion or theology. My brand is basically the combination and reformation of these two concepts; creating a new way to look at art and fashion.

The name was actually really random. I was originally going to have a name called “Aphluent” then it went to some other name that I can’t even recall at this moment. ART MONU just stuck out to me and I’ve been with it ever since.

Where do you pull inspiration from?

I can pull inspiration from anything and everything but my main inspiration is from urban architecture and unique textures. I also draw inspiration from avant garde fashion. Really, anything unique and artistic inspires me.

Do you see yourself expanding beyond hats?

I really never even intended to do hats, surprisingly. I was originally going to do abstract clothing but once I saw this opportunity it fit really well into the concept. To answer your question though, I do see myself expanding into other branches of accessories and potentially shoes. I want to provide unique accent pieces that really make a statement for people but I’m honestly in no rush to expand too soon. Hats are the main premise, the rest is extra.

What is one of the more difficult aspects of creating this brand?

The most difficult aspect of creating this brand was and still is marketing. I’m actually really bad at social media/marketing so when it comes to promoting my brand on the internet, I find myself struggling at times. I’m slowly working on it but I’m more focused on making sure the product is up to par before any extreme promotion.

How far do you see it going?

I see this brand going very far… as in I can work for myself and nobody else. I don’t know if I’ll be considered the Chanel of the hat world but I know it will be something that people recognize as competitive and lucrative.

Who are some celebrities both male and female that you look to for inspiration.

I’ve honestly never been big on celebrities but I can say that both A$AP Rocky and Pharrell are my biggest male inspirations as far as style and expression are concerned. As for female inspiration, I’d say Teyana Taylor. She has that streetwear side to her but can dress it up as well.

Anything else we should know about you and ARTMONU!!

Although ART MONU is about what I had mentioned prior, it’s more about self-expression and pushing boundaries. I want my hats to be known for their quality, craftsmanship, but more so for their ability to make people feel like individuals. So often do I get “wow you have a dope hat! I’ve never seen a guy wear a hat like that” (in reference to wide brimmed hats) that I want others to have the same experience.

In regard to myself, there’s not a lot to say. I’m just a creative individual with a passion for bringing my thoughts to life in one way or another. I don’t even look at money as a focus, it has been and always will be about creativity for me.