Today we’d like to introduce you to Cen Si.

Hi Cen, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I am a fashion designer who specializes in apparel prints and graphics, and people sometimes call me a textile designer as well! What I really do is draw artwork, by hand or digitally, that is printed on garments, accessories, and sometimes even home items!

I entered the fashion industry after being sponsored for my first collection, during which my designs walked down the runway at New York Fashion Week under my fashion brand’s name, “Conmoto.” My collections were full of color, prints, and personal elements. However, the reality is that to sustain a brand, I needed more corporate experience. I then started working as a designer for several fashion brands, including 205W39NYC at Calvin Klein, Rag & Bone, FIGS, Tory Burch, Ulla Johnson, Gap, Thom Browne, Natori, and Theory. I wanted a diverse portfolio with different aesthetics to learn as much as possible.

Two years ago, I decided to continue building my own brand, Conmoto. Within fashion, I was most passionate about drawing; it seemed like the most tactile/creative part. So, I built my business model as a print studio that provides creative and unique artwork for leading fashion companies! Think special collaboration drops, beautiful florals, and graphic impact on clothes that make a statement! I also decided to keep the name “Conmoto” consistent with my original debut collection, because the name carries special meaning to me. The heart behind the musical term “con moto” is for all of my prints to carry momentum and a unique spirit. Each its own main character, these prints are creatively birthed, non-generic, and rich in composition.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Starting your company has lots of ups and downs. The most common thing is for anxiety and doubt to creep in and discourage you from taking a leap of faith. When you have a vision, and no one else is able to see exactly what you see in the beginning stages, it’s hard for some to support you without questioning some of your decisions. Most of my friends and family were very supportive of my decision to pursue entrepreneurship, although some questioned the risks and wondered why I would leave a well-paying job and burn through my savings. The most important thing I learned was to trust myself and be my best friend during the times when I did not receive enough external validation. Trust your perspective and vision!

Another thing I found difficult was the waiting season. That’s when I questioned myself: Are my products not good enough? Am I doing things wrong? While it is true that the saying “there is always space for improvement” is valid, sometimes it’s good to know that it may simply be a timing issue. My business started flourishing at the perfect time, and I believe building a good, sustainable business takes time!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Conmoto?

It all starts with a spark. As a design studio, we value the creative process as much as the outcome. Each of our prints/artworks is thoughtfully hand-drawn, taking inspiration from vintages, art, and anything really — making it a great visual piece for storytelling. Our brand is a creative hub with no limitations, and businesses come to us to purchase our artworks and copyrights.

What I’m most proud of in regard to my business is that leading fashion companies come to us because they trust our perspective and unique view. Some of our clients buy and use our artworks directly as they are, while others choose to allow us to research and propose unique drawings for special projects. We feel very honored to be trusted with the front end of creativity. I would love for my company to be remembered for “unique taste and approach” and “outside-the-box creativity.” We create with passion and a point of view, rather than simply executing.

What matters most to you? Why?

Kindness and integrity matter the most to me. The fashion industry is known to be very cut-throat and very competitive. However, I’ve always believed that “more than one can win.” I don’t believe in a scarcity mindset; there’s enough to go around for everyone, and I’ve seen many examples of “we can win together.” Everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses, something that only they can bring to the table. I love the feeling of creative people letting down their guards, sharing skill sets, and collaborating with each other to create something spectacular.

A lot of people I’ve gotten to know over my corporate days have gone out of their way to help me so much with my business. Without them, it would have been impossible for me to be where I am today, and I am so grateful! I’d like to think that being kind, sincere, and respectful toward everyone has brought divine connections along my journey!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.conmotostudio.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conmotostudio/

Image Credits

All credits: Conmoto LLC