Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Bobby Lerma. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Bobby, thanks for joining us today. Has your work ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized?

Maybe not misunderstood, however interpreted my work and designs a different way, and I have no problem with that. Coming from a border town, I get a lot of my ideas from street culture and downtown’s districts here in El Paso, TX. I’ve created this new era, this new idea from my city called ,“GatorCity”. People have asked, What does alligators have to do with a desert city? Are there even alligators there? It’s a nickname I created for the city, which was inspired by the Plaza De Los Lagartos, a fiberglass sculpture located in the heart of El Paso’s downtown. I’ve always looked to incorporate our city’s history and culture through our pieces. We wouldn’t consider it basic city “merch” either, it’s bigger than that. Now as people are understanding the concept of “GatorCity”, they’ll know the designs are El Paso inspired.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

My name is Bobby Lerma & I’m a Fashion and Graphic Designer for OMO, a street fashion brand based out of El Paso, TX. I got into this industry when I was a senior in high school. Before I started OMO, I would buy & trade a lot of Vintage Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren pieces. I saw the value of clothes and thought it would be great to create something this big one day. I then moved on to selling “BOOTLEG” Supreme Hoodies and would sell them to all my friends at my high school. Yes, I was getting sales and many people wanting them, however, Supreme was not my personal brand. This is where it all started for me as I created my brand, called OMO, which stands for “On My Own”. During the early times of OMO, all we would sell is T-shirts with simple graphics of the logo. Not too much thought into the clothing since I didn’t know how design yet. However now, we focus on concept and quality of the clothing, which ranges from pieces like Travel Bags to leather products, outerwear and much more. I have a team that helps me layout from the photoshoots, to styling and marketing. The crazy thing is though, that none of this feels like work. I love what I do and I love creating art on clothes. That’s what I call it, “Art on Clothes”. Something special about OMO, is that all of our pieces are made in house. In house meaning, my uncles family business, a screen print shop. I get to see the process from my sketchbook to my iPad onto the clothing. The process to some people might be overwhelming, however with me, it’s the total opposite. That’s why I believe OMO is so special and different. With genuine concepts and progression, you can take any idea and make it happen.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I strongly believe you have to be involved and show support in others craft to creative an engaging audience. Going to events, concerts, pop ups, art exhibitions and all these gatherings is so much more than what they are. I see them as networking events. It never hurts to show out and make connections. Plus, more of these connections and networks you create can at times be more genuine in person compared to meeting them online. A more open and diverse community can also support this issue and create big impact on it. How I’ve mentioned, that’s why I’ve created “GatorCity”, for the people of El Paso to come together and strive through art and any other creative outlets you can present. It’s important, not only for us at the moment, but then next generation of artists and designers to come.

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

I find it amazing that I’m working in an industry that is constantly changing. It allows me to learn more on how trends work and how fashion sometimes goes in a circle. One of the very best things about the design world in general is that it’s constantly evolving and redefining itself. I can find inspiration anywhere I go and can get the most creative ideas from the most random things. I can express myself through a canvas or a garment, and that speaks volumes.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @omo.fao & @bobbylermaj
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/bobby-lerma-3924b119a
• Other: Email [email protected]