We recently connected with Francisco Reyes Jr. and have shared our conversation below.
Francisco, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?
I’m Francisco Reyes Jr., AKA, Never Made. Born and Raised in Los Angeles.
Back in my teens and 20s, I was involved in the punk scene and skateboarding, two worlds that taught me the DIY (Do It Your Self) ethic.
When I couldn’t find a job in my field after college, I worked odd jobs during the day and poured my energy into honing my craft by night.
That dedication paid off when I landed an internship at Studio Number One, the creative agency founded by none other than my biggest inspiration, Shepard Fairey. Working alongside industry giants like Shepard and Cleon Peterson only fueled my passion and solidified my path to being a full time creative.
And thus, Never Made was born, inspired by Shepard’s iconic OBEY campaign. Under this alias, I’ve been able to express my vision across a wide range of mediums, from fine art, limited edition screen prints to murals and neon sculptures.
I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with some incredible brands and artists, from Shepard Fairey and Obey Clothing to The Hundreds and Red Bull. Plus, I’ve had the opportunity to work on commissioned projects for big names like Lana Del Rey and Disney, while also making my mark at cultural events like Complexcon and Worldwide Walls.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
So, after spending 11 years working with Shepard Fairey, I decided to go solo last March. It was a bit scary and exciting at the same time, you know? Leaving behind the comfort of job security and venturing out on my own felt like a big leap. I had my moments of doubt, grappling with imposter syndrome. Learning to navigate through all the ups and downs has really helped me grow, both personally and professionally. It’s been all about discovering myself, bouncing back from setbacks, and pushing past what I thought were my limits.
I’ve also started my own design agency named “Design Bedroom” where I take on client work.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Stays the same
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
My upbringing is a testament to resilience. As a first-generation Mexican American, my parents immigrated to this country in pursuit of a better life. Given the statistics, I could have easily fallen into the wrong crowd, but my parents instilled a sense of creativity in us from a young age.
They encouraged us
My upbringing is a testament to resilience. As a first-generation Mexican American, my parents immigrated to this country in pursuit of a better life. Given the statistics, I could have easily fallen into the wrong crowd, but my parents instilled a sense of security and creativity in us from a young age.
They encouraged us to express ourselves freely, allowing us to dress however we pleased as long as we didn’t look like Cholos. That was strictly prohibited. They supported our interests and hobbies, whether it was sports, skateboarding, music, or art, as long as it kept us away from trouble. Their guidance allowed us to chart our own paths and discover our passions.
For brown kids, the odds are stacked against us. In predominantly “White” industries, like the one I’m in, we often have to work twice as hard to get half as far. However, times are changing, and I’m determined to be a part of that change.
My mission is to inspire the next generation of artists and designers, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. I want to show them that regardless of the obstacles they face, their voices and talents are valid and deserving of recognition. It’s about breaking down barriers and paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse creative community.
Contact Info:
- Website: nevermade.com
- Instagram: nevermade, @thedesignbedroom
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NeverMadeLA/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/263585107
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