Streets & Stories: My Journey with Iconic LA Artists

Growing up with roots in LA, Los Angeles has always been a part of my identity, even as I spent years in San Diego. My dad worked in LA, and I had family based in San Pedro and La Puente, so I was constantly immersed in the city’s culture. After college in Pasadena, my first big break in the apparel world was with JNCO Jeans, a brand that defined a generation in the late ‘90s.

JNCO wasn’t just a fashion label—it embodied the rebellious, raw energy of LA’s youth. Known for their wide-legged jeans and loud, graffiti-inspired graphics, JNCO clothes were like walking billboards for street culture. The brand was everywhere, from schools to skateparks, giving a voice to the counterculture movement of that era. At JNCO, I had the incredible opportunity to work alongside some of the most talented street artists who played a significant role in shaping the city’s art scene.

Back then, LA’s graffiti scene was thriving, especially in downtown, where murals and tags decorated nearly every block. Artists used the streets as their canvas, making statements and showcasing their craft. This was where I was introduced to legends like Axis, Craola, and one of the biggest influences on my career, Mister Cartoon.

That ice cream truck is a piece of LA history. It used to be parked at the RVCA headquarters and now sits proudly at the Stance headquarters, a reminder of Cartoon’s enduring impact on both street art and fashion.

Working at JNCO wasn’t just a job—it was a front-row seat to a revolution in design, art, and culture. The energy of the late ‘90s graffiti scene, combined with the influence of artists like Mister Cartoon, played a huge part in shaping my perspective as a designer. These experiences in LA helped shape the path I’m on today, and I’ll always carry that influence with me.