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

Murphy, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I grew up watching my mom sew theatrical costumes for productions her and my father were apart of. I’ve always been fascinated by her aesthetic. She gifted my first sewing machine to me once I took an interest after college and relocating to Chicago. She showed me the basics of the machine and a couple of her tricks of the trade before leaving my new apartment. From there I learned through trial and error. Always trying expand my patterns and push a little further every time. Now that I’ve made it to Brooklyn, I’m trying to give it everything I got for the main stage.

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.

A nineties baby through and through. Moved around a bit while my parents juggled life before finally settling in the Central Valley of California. I got really bored living there w the minimal recreational activities available. My parents (god bless them) never wanted to give me money for name brand clothes, so I was always staying thrifty. Thus M Squared Customs was created w masking tape, a spray can, and a white tee. Through high school I experimented w stenciling, bleaching, and hand painting clothes. I started sewing my own garments in 2015. I was inspired by the community around me at the time. I happened into a vibrant creative scene that encouraged and helped me grow. I was drawn to strong textile that were unique and striking. Over my time in Chicago I was able to host numerous fashion shows and pop-up shops! After spending lockdown in Chicago and things began to loosen up I was craving a change in scenery. Fate fell into place and I was able to sublet a room w some college friends in Brooklyn. Last year I was able to host my first New York pop up for the collection I released. Since then I have been working on a body of one-offs I plan to release this fall. My name is Murphy Mayer and I am the found of the cut and sew clothing company M Squared Customs.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

There are many rewards. I find the creative process to be therapeutic. The act of sewing helps me practice patience. In particular to clothing design I enjoy every step of the production of a collection from picking out the fabrics to opening the doors to the pop-up. There is a nice balance to the process of time spent alone then the time spent with collaborators. At the end of the day I love nothing more then to see the right garment on the right person!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I wish I could tell you I want to be the best worldwide. I’m thankful to be an artist at all. I’ve always been less goal oriented and more of a enjoy the journey state of mind. Not necessarily the best for productivity, but I was taught to have your art work for you and not have to work for your art. I hope to be able to continue express myself thru cut and sew clothing design. Anything more than that is a blessing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @msquared.customs

Image Credits
Tori Howard, Brianna Bennett, Brendan Mark