We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terrance Diggs. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terrance below.

Terrance, appreciate you joining us today. 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 originally learned apparel design by doing freelance work in college. My freshman and sophomore year I was doing apparel design for brands in Maryland from music to streetwear. If it was a graphic tee, a hoodie, a hat. I could do it. I remember doing a project for my cousin, Logicoma, doing concert merch. That was the first time I was able to sit down with printer, use my skills from Towson University about working in print to make sure the product came out perfectly.

Knowing what I know now, I wish I knew processes earlier in my career. Resources like
YouTube, TikTok, even reading can really help hyper focus what you’re looking to do when creating a collection and how to execute correctly. The clothing processes from turnaround times, production, storytelling, fulfillment, even customer services are all aspects of the businesses you need to know if you want to create a brand that lives in this clustered world.

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

If this is your first time reading about me. My name is Terrance Diggs. I’m a Baltimore-area-based designer, entrepreneur, and all-around creative. Most notably making my mark as owner of the streetwear and sportstyle brand, D17. Since 2016, I’ve applied my Digital Arts degree from Towson University and imaginative marketing skills to create a diverse portfolio of Maryland creatives and brands; as well as working for ASICS on global social media campaigns.

I’ve been able to use D17 to center around three things: Athletics, design, and community. We engage in creating opportunity through sport. I’d say I’m most proud to say we sponsor four soccer programs in Maryland that play in the UPSL, EPSL, and Maryland Majors. We created running gear for runners in the Portland and Baltimore Marathon. We also became a founding partner of The 3rd, a community of Women of Color entrepreneurs.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Now that I’m truly all in on my creative journey, my goal is to use my platform to create opportunity. Right now, we are doing that through athletics and design. Through each sport that D17 currently supports (Soccer, running, golf, basketball, etc.) How can I bring solutions to grassroots organizations that support our communities? How can we teach new runners the benefits of running within the black community? There are a ton of answers that I’m looking to find and learn for myself. How I saw LeBron James growing up or Virgil Abloh with Off-White. Could I be that to someone who wants to start a brand or start their creative

journey.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Oh, I know a great story. Back in 2021 D17 was able to be featured in Complex Magazine on “The Mailroom with Racks Hogan”. As many people may know, Complex is a well-known media outlet. How would I be able to get on here? It all started with a DM. I was able to locate the host of the show and sent him a proposal to have me featured, but what do you do after that? You must give back to your online community. Yes, Complex gave us more followers but what value can you provide them? So, when we hit 700 followers on Instagram we gave out free shirts to each of our followers as an appreciation to them. We care. We love their support and we want them to know that.

I’ve done social media for a long time (See my website to see for who). I’ll give you these pieces of advice. Always listen to your audience. Keep them top of mind when you’re developing content, community management, and your posting schedule. Make sure what you’re doing aligns with your goals. Create content that resonates with your followers; allow them to feel inspired, educated, or motivated. Throw in some funny stuff too from time to time. If there’s an opportunity to tell a story, tell it. Let followers feel like you’re inviting them into your world.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.d17terrance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d17terrance
• Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/d17terrance