We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jorge ‘Thriller’ Gomez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jorge ‘Thriller’ thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
On September 16th, 2023, The Money Studio presented Palomitas de la Revolución. A curated art experience celebrating powerful Latina women throughout history. The event showcased work by creatives from Inglewood, South LA, and East LA.
The event started at the M Bar, located in the lobby of The Miracle Theater. Bolero group Tres Souls from East LA performed under my piñata installation named, ‘Diamantes Noir.’ The walls displayed artwork from Andreina Giron, Selena Najar, Onel Ordaz, and me. Our sponsor Madre Mezcal decorated the bar with true Mexican flavor and Aguas Locas sold their traditional aguas frescas. Paleteria El Paraíso had their paletero cart selling paletas de limon or Jamaica with mezcal. My mom, Mary Gómez, curated a humble menu that was served at the bar. KCRW became our media sponsor and advertised our event on the radio.
The Miracle Theater opened its doors to the public and Nuestras Raíces opened with a folklorico performance. The beautiful diverse crowd got up to sing and dance along. I took the stage to give insight on the show, say my thank yous and introduce my next piece; Palomita, a film I wrote and directed. But not before Lluvia, my two-year-old daughter, stormed the stage to make her presence known. As soon as the short film was over, Maya Arce took the stage with her mariachi. She then led the crowd of over 400 people to the backyard of The Miracle Theater.
The audience enjoyed an outdoor gallery that featured work from Merrick Morton, Catrina Esperanza, Andreina Giron, Josie Macias, Selena Najar, Onel Ordaz, Daniela Garcia Hamilton, Lucy, and Joey Gill. I built an interactive installation that resembled a front yard in the hood. It included a bench press, trash bin, lawnmower, and BBQ grill. Everyone laughed and danced into the night.
The Latino population makes up most of the city of Inglewood, but we remain silent and in the shadows. I believe we are pre-conditioned to behave that way. Growing up I went to a predominantly white middle and high school. That’s where I discovered what the word racism meant. My father advised me that if I wanted to get ahead, I needed to work hard and keep my head down. That’s the kind of attitude most Latinos have taken in Inglewood. Susie and I made it our mission to show the Latino community what is possible when we pull our resources together and support one another. No one donated any money to this show, it was paid completely out of our pockets. To make this show a reality we used our various skillsets from design, branding, advertising, interior design, marketing, mural production, project management, sign painting, sign printing, and silk-screening.
In the end we surpassed the theaters capacity of 400 people, our names made noise in city hall, and most importantly in our community. I proved to myself what I am truly capable of. I built ideas, artwork, and business relationships. All while running my business, delivering projects, and being there for my family.
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 Jorge ‘Thriller’ Gomez I’m a brand designer and graffiti writer born in Guadalajara, Mexico and raised in Inglewood, CA.
At the age of 10 I was introduced to graffiti when I witnessed my classmates sketch on his folder, by his uncle Fuzz from the CSM crew. That sparked a curiosity that would stretch into a 24 year career in the sub-culture.
Upon graduating high school, I began a four year graphic design program where I would receive my bachelors. A trade that would introduce me to various disciplines within the design industry. Including branding, advertising, interior design, marketing, mural production, project management, sign painting, sign printing, and silkscreening.
In 2020 I opened The Money Studio, where we build brands for BIPOC owned businesses and allies in the city of Inglewood. We encourage companies to convey their stories and preserve their cultures. Reminding people that health is wealth. A healthy relationship with our finances, community, partners, and environment fuels our journey. Like our ancestors, we teach our values and techniques through the stories we share. Making sure we capture our present, honor our past, and visualize our futures. Money is not what’s in your pockets or bank account. It’s the motive, the dream, the education, the plan, the mindset, and the style.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
Tapping into my communities, I say it plural because I feel like I belong to a few. The design community, the art community, the graffiti community, and my Inglewood community. These are also the things I am most passionate about.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon hill.
Sagmeister: Made You Look.
Tibor Kalman: Perverse Optimist.
Brutally Honest by Emily Ruth Cohen.
The Brand Gap by Marty Numeier.
The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
Contact Info:
- Website: themoneystudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorge.gomez.design/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jgomez-tms/
Image Credits
Onel Ordaz Dérly Barajas