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Justice

Justice is known for knocking out his own innovative and often daringly provocative designs, but he can also quickly adapt to being JC Penney-friendly.

The 29 year-old Michigan native has his own clothing line, 20TwentyTees, which consists of fresh graphic tees – surprisingly all priced at only $20.

The line includes this unique Michael Jackson tribute tee, and the very popular Obama “Run DC” tee which got media love from the likes of XXL magazine, 106 & Park, and Kanye West‘s blog:

So where does JC Penney come in? Justice is also designing for professional skater Ryan Sheckler‘s clothing line, with JC Penney as the largest distributor. RS by Ryan Sheckler is backed by Wicked Fashions Inc., also license holder of Southpole.

RS by Ryan Sheckler

Kiki got a chance to speak with the multi-talented artist and find out what it was like working with huge brands like Timberland and COOGI, working with Kanye West and more – check it out:

DrJays.com: Every tee in your clothing line, 20Twenty Tees, goes for just $20 retail. With the designs being so fly distinct, we’re sure you could get away with charging more. What made you decide to make them at that price point?

Justice: “The price was based on honesty. I argued that I can turn around sharp design quickly, and my production is at a reasonable price.

“I can hit the consumers over the head, but honestly I feel that the real reward is people appreciating the designs and embracing them to the point where they would buy more than just one.

“Seriously, I design like a speed demon. I figure that I’ll focus on the quality and quantity of the tees and see if I can create a “No Limit Records” effect, business wise (laughs)”.

DrJays.com: What inspires you when it comes to the tee designs?

Justice: “Life and Music. I love being in NYC. I do a lot of people watching and not just for style. I like to find a person in the streets and invade his/her brain creatively.

“For instance, if I see someone who strikes my interest, I’ll perhaps plan their day or next move. View their taste and style through their perspective. A little weird, but thats me. I’m always envisioning the next”.

DrJays.com: Do you plan on eventually expanding the line, or launching another one?

Justice: “Yeah, I have a few things in the works. I don’t really move too strategically these days but I have a lot of things and collaborations in the works.

“The economy has everybody going nuts and its effecting me from fully launching what I really want to do. Until then, I’m just art directing for brands and 20TwentyTees”.

DrJays.com: You currently design pro skater Ryan Sheckler’s clothing line, which is more mainstream than your raw designs for 20Twenty Tees. How did this come about?

Justice: “I‘ve already had a solid foundation with the VP/creative director at Wicked Fashions Inc. (License holders of Southpole and Ryan Sheckler) so when it came for the company to jump into the skate/streetwear business, we had a mutual connection and respect.

“I would of course tone it (the designs) way down…keep it cool. For the most part, make it JCPenney-mom-friendly”.

DrJays.com: Having worked with huge urban brands like COOGI, Timberland and Triple 5 Soul, did they give you a lot of freedom when it came to designs? What have been some of your favorite brands to collaborate with?

Justice: “Luckily I’ve gotten respect from every brand I’ve ever worked with. My style is so random and it’s hard to give a signature because I do multiple looks, so each brand was like “ do you”. I’m thinking because my book proves my talent?

One of Justice’s designs for Triple 5 Soul

“Which company was my favorite to work with? I’ll say G.O.O.D Music. Working with Kanye was the best thus far. I was in charge (along with Kanye) of creating the merchandise.

“For the 2005 “Touch the Sky” tour I spent four days with him, day and night going hard designing! I rarely find someone who can just go in non-stop and just rock out like we did but , it was refreshing to be able to talk music, art and style with the Ye.

“Next would be Quincy Theodore (Quigi) aka The Brooklyn Circus. Pretty exciting things coming from us two be on the look out!”

DrJays.com: What are some of you personal favorite brands?

Justice: “I’m kind of bias when it comes to graphic tees. I rarely wear anything other than my own designs, but other than that you can find me wearing second hand garments or blank v-necks.

As far as artwork and keeping original, I like what Perks and Mini is doing.

Perks and Mini x SUPER sunglasses

DrJays.com: Can you give some advice to the aspiring streetwear designers out there?

Justice: “Just keep it fresh and original, do it because its your passion not because its whats popular now! I have a BFA in fashion, I studied
at one of the hardest schools (Columbus College of Art & Design).

I was doing fashion when it was considered uncool. Everybody’s a designer these days because it’s ‘cool’ now…SMH”.

DrJays.com: Any exciting upcoming collaborations or news in your world?

Justice: “Of course, but I can’t reveal at the moment. Too many mosquitoes out there…”

See more of Justice’s work by checking out his website and 20TwentyTees.com.