Today we’d like to introduce you to Martin Outstruct.
Hi Martin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As a Peruvian American, you would not see a lot of streetwear or fashion brands really represent us. Throughout my childhood, I would always be made fun of both from my brown peers and white peers because I dressed too “Emo” or “girly” but I simply did not care about their feedback and continued to dress however I liked. I was just always such a huge fan for mixing different sub-genres together and making people say “HOLD UP WHAT IS THAT?”. It was cool because outfits are an art expression that can speak volumes without saying a word. That is why I got into the clothing brand world.
Since middle school, it was very hard to find any clothing brands that really represented the loud and vibrant brown subcultures that make up my identity because I loved streetwear and hip hop but also loved pop-punk and skinny cheetah jeans. Back then, everything in the early 2000’s was super one sided. From that realization, my dream was to create collection of Spanish streetwear theme clothing brand that brown and different immigrant subcultures of SoCal can totally rock or relate with. I’ve made clothes since I was 15 but once I was finishing up community college, I really wanted to move forward and start my own clothing brand because that concept of an awesome brown-owned clothing brand never left my mind. And then Outstruct was created.
Since our start, we have been all around SoCal showing the art and demonstrating that brown creatives are here to stay and strive. If I can do it, we can all do it. I still till this day have no fashion or retail experience but I just fast forward and move because life is short and we gotta try our absolute best to make each day count. We already had many artists rock or co-sign Outstruct such as from J Balvin, Jesse from the Neighbourhood, Steve Lacy, Madeintyo, and so many amazing artists from all over the world. Today, we not stopping at all, we still make awesome Spanish graphic t-shirts and clothing that represents the diverse brown subcultures. We striving and we here to inspire our brown community.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
The road was never smooth but the thing is, there is a road and eventually, we can cross the finish line and get the trophy! Yes, I have faced so many obstacles such as a lot of self-doubt and self-hate but I had to consistently tell myself to cut it out. As artists, we have to stay strong-minded always because sometimes that self-doubt can really consume you.
Also, to just take it easy and take a good break once in a while because we can’t overwork ourselves either otherwise we could truly burn out. Relaxation and finding ways to decrease your stress is super important.
Sometimes my thoughts would go crazy and had moments where I just wanted to stop but my heart and mind would tell me the struggle won’t last for the whole lifetime. We just have to fast forward and be optimistic and to be kind towards everyone because it’s hard for everyone in the end.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the owner and creative director of Outstruct. My tasks are to manage the clothing brand in all aspects and create many clothes that represent true expressions of me and the brown subcultures of SoCal. I am very well known for being a part of many events in the Valley and Los Angeles. I also take majority of my own photos and visuals for my clothing brand.
I am most proud of how I still am able to run this clothing brand and knowing I did not have any fashion or retail experience, I just had the drive to do it. I always got denied by so many unpaid and paid internship programs from fields that I love, so I wanted to strive with this clothing brand to show that people of our generation are capable to amount to anything, we just need the strong determination and the patience too. I started this off with no friends or support in the first couple of months of the clothing brand but I was still determined to create this. Right now, I feel like I have connected myself with multiple friend groups and wonderful people who truly represent the meaning of Outstruct. To stand out and be yourself in the fullest way possible no matter where you come from or what obstacles you face. Estrella Energy.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk Taking is essential for many artists of all different art worlds. I believe risk taking is important because at times, it is able to open doors that you did not even existed. We could find individuals or groups that could help us grow or better yet, grow together. Because of me taking risks, I have had opportunities to create some amazing collaborations such as being a part of art events, live shows, and even throwing my own events.
I am beyond thankful for every connection and person I have had a conversation with during my journey. That would not have happened if I did not take risks. We got to stay optimistic!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.outstruct.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outstruct
Image Credits
All Photos Taken By Martin Outstruct Model: @heavensativa Model: @getoutdood Model: @djmichaelmiguel Model:@getoutdood Store Location:@playoffssfv Model and Edited By: @tif.wav
