A famous Chicago Poet once wrote, “They say life is what you make it So I wait quick on a spaceship so I can take it as high as the stakes get” (Common)
To come from such a historic city as Chicago, Illinois that has birthed so much legendary talent in music, art, fashion, politics and creatives. Knowing this would probably be intimidating to most but not for the amazing artist I’m about to introduce you to.
He holds his position as a great honor and definitely stands amongst the legends confidently making his mark on fashion and art. This designer’s work makes our minds wonder and stare in complete awe and fascination. He is definitely an artist you want to follow and know on his journey. Hold on tight to your kicks this article will “Knock your socks off” as well as “Blow your mind”.
How does being from Chicago contribute to your creativity, as well as inspires you when designing? “I feel that with me being from Chicago it helps with my creative thought process due to the culture, hustle and grind from this city. Honestly it’s a lot of things that inspire me but when it comes down to my thought process for designing it could be any traumas that People experience, what’s popular, trending Social matters that’s going on in the world or possibly appreciation for things.”
Who would you consider to be your muse and why? “One person that I have to say would be my muse or inspiration will be Kanye West just because of the fact that, not only is he a Chicago native but he’s a creative genius when it comes down to marketing and creative art in a way to express. Honestly in my opinion it’s really genius level.”
What artistic character traits best describe your genius and why? “My best artistic trait I have is being able to relate to a lot of different genres and create the vision for whichever canvas that I’m painting or designing.”
Is there a complexity to your talent? “The complexity of my talent is the fact that with every piece that I design and create they’re all different but relatable and in some ways whether it be the color schemes or sometimes just the genre of the message that I’m trying to convey to the consumer.”
What song plays in your head when you are focused in your zone, creating your art? “Honestly whenever I’m in my zone as far as creating, it really just depends on the mood that I’m in. For instance, if I’m doing a project that I know it’s calming, I’m listening to R&B music. Or if I’m just in my zone and I’m working on something really dope I’m listening to Hip Hop that way I can just get lost and stay focused.
Tell me, what are some of your favorite pieces you have created? I would love to know what your favorite personal pair was that you created for yourself? What was the design and what was the significance of the piece? “Some of my favorite pieces that I’ve designed were the “Pop Art Retro” design that I did for the “Galleria Sakura Art Museum” out of Paris, that was another one of my pieces that I really liked. “Spirited Away” I designed on a Nike blazer just because of the fact that it was really detailed, and it was also based off of a Japanese anime that came out in 2003.
My favorite piece that I created for myself was my “Sprite Air Force Ones”. One day I was craving a Sprite and by me jokingly craving the drink. I was thinking, how about I design a pair of shoes and just have the Sprite logo with the Sprite colorway”. The crazy thing is that once I designed the pair, I received so much traction and so many compliments from creating the design. So many people liked the idea. Which led to the design growing on me”. Once I officially posted the sneaker on my Instagram, Sprite Romania reposted the content. Then once the Sprite brand saw I was the artist, Sprite posted my work as well as offered me a Brand Ambassador deal and story.
It's been amazing sitting down with you and blessing the readers with your creativity and thought process. Your art is truly “Legendary in the Making” . You are such a genius. How can our readers connect with you? The way to connect with me Via my Instagram page @kamiford as well as at kamiford@gmail.com with any ideas or collabs.
In closing to quote Kami’s favorite creative/ co-native.
“To whom much is given much is tested, get arrested guess until he get the message. I feel the pressure, under more scrutiny and what I do? Act more stupidly” (Kanye West “Creative Genuis”)
