Today we’d like to introduce you to Dylan Vartikar.
Dylan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I studied at Harvard where I majored in Economics, but to be honest I skipped class a lot to make design prints and hoodies. I was initially a music producer and I remember being so into Trapo’s “Shade Trees” – an album that was special to me at the time – that I really wanted to make my own album cover for it. Fortunately, it threw me down a rabbit hole of design, and four years later to my career as an artist in design and fashion.
To backtrack for a second – I grew up in a bi-cultural, academic family where my parents were scientists and my brother was a painter. I was always the one kind of hiding in my room quietly studying 90’s hip-hop and SSENSE (almost felt like rebelling against academic discipline). Now, I care about race, aesthetic, and mental health. I’m always intrigued by concept pieces (like The Sun’s Tirade, Mulholland Drive, Endless) and even have one of my own somewhere hidden online…
I’m also really amused with how creative work or art can be well-known while the creator might not be necessarily. The past couple of years, I’ve done some creative work for DaBaby, Billie Eilish, and Selena Gomez, and I also joined Studio FY7’s creative team which is a Paris-based creative agency. This past fall, we collaborated with New Balance on a custom 992 sneaker.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Of course, there’s always challenges, and it’s never a smooth road. But I think the reminder that struggles are better described as lessons is much needed – you’re really just learning what doesn’t work so you can make it work. It’s been cool to follow the path that’s made the most sense for me, despite, for example having zero formal design education.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Saison – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Saison is 360. It mainly serves as a creative practice, but the moniker is also used to release clothing and other products. In some ways, I would say it’s more of a research project than it is a creative studio. We care a lot about exploration and visual communication. Maybe other forms of communication soon. At the moment, we are very excited for 2021.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to drawing a stronger connection and dialogue with the audience. Being off the ground has also provided space, so I’ve been more focused on the value of trusting instincts and being at ease.
Pricing and Availability
- I consult for a number of projects, many focused in graphic/merch design, digital content, and website design – feel free to contact me at www.dylanvartikar.com.
- I’m big on collaboration – as is Saison – so always welcome you reaching out!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dylanvartikar.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/vartikar1
- Other: www.instagram.com/saisonco, www.saison.supply
Image Credit:
Dylan Vartikar, Studio FY7, Saison, Interscope Records, Bravado Intl.
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