We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Thomas Espinosa a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Thomas, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

The first time I ever earned any money from my artwork, was when I was in high school. I was entered into a art competition by my art teacher. I made a mixed media painting that was something that i had almost thrown away. It was a large painting that i had kept in the trunk of my car and had gotten ripped. About a week before the show I found out that it ripped and thought I had nothing to submit, my teacher told me to use it and make it better even with the rip, so thats what I did. I attached real tiles to a piece of painted cardboard and screwed the cardboard into the painting just under the rip. I ended up winning this art competition and the prize was a $2500 scholarship to use as I wanted. I decided t invest in myself and buy a laptop, more art supplies, and a car that I really wanted (I was in high school).

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started in the clothing / design / craft industry in 2015 while in high school, after I won a scholarship and bought my own laptop and art supplies. My teacher helped me learn how to turn my artwork into computer designs and how to turn those designs into stickers, t-shirts, etc. My brother and I worked out a way to sell stickers and t-shirts using our designs and the schools materials, and our teacher let us. After I graduated I decided to start a design and clothing business while going to school for art and design. I left school after 1 year and continued to run my business while I worked other jobs. In January 2022 my brother and I decided to start a clothing business together. We wanted to make streetwear for our kids and our friends kids, and we wanted them to match with clothes for adults. We were trying to find a name for the company, and in February 2022 my brother died in a motorcycle accident. Months later I decided that for his legacy and to help his children that I would continue the business. I decided to name it Little Brothers Clothing in honor of my brother. In 2023 we struggled to stay relevant and even struggled to pay for our website, but thanks to donations from family, friends, and customers, we were able to keep our website. last February 2024 we invested in a new way to make money from our designs. We bought a laser engraver/cutter and started selling wood and acrylic crafts, signs, gifts, and so much more. We’ve also changed the name of our business to Little Brothers Clothing & Crafts. Since this change we have tripled our annual earnings and have opened up to a whole new audience.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is watching my kids be inspired and awed, not only with my artwork but with me being happy with my work, and getting to do something I love as my job.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve always wanted to make a living off of my art and designs, but now I want to make sure my kids have something of both me and their uncle to continue when they are adults, if they choose too. I also want this business to thrive for my niece and nephew that my brother left behind, so that they have something to remember their father by.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.littlebrothersclothing.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/little_brothers_clothing/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlebrothersclothing
• Twitter: https://x.com/LilBros_Clothes
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlebrothersclothing