Exploring Life & Business with Preston Dawson of Private Party For One

Today we’d like to introduce you to Preston Dawson

Hi Preston, 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?
I was born in Los Angeles and raised in Inglewood, but my childhood wasn’t confined to one place. Starting at age five, I spent several formative years shuttling between LA and Lansing, Michigan—the heart of General Motors and the hometown of Magic Johnson. Even then, my passion for cars was undeniable. I remember sketching detailed, upside-down car drawings in church when I was just six; my mom was both amused and a little freaked out by my precocious obsession. Those early experiences immersed me in car culture, and by the time I settled back in Inglewood around age 9 or 10, my dreams had already taken shape.

Returning to Inglewood during the vibrant early ‘90s felt like stepping into a whole new world. Lowriders, booming hip hop, iconic sneaker styles, and the evolving art of visual storytelling painted my everyday life in vivid color. My older brothers introduced me to the culture—the music, the fashion, and even the tech of the time, from CD’s and beepers, Motorola phones, fat rims, and Kenwood’s. Lol, no but seriously one of my older brothers was in “the game” and had all. I wasn’t just a kid with a love for cars anymore; I was soaking in the spirit of the streets. Everyday i was influenced by the music and style influences of Mack 10, DJ Quik, Dre Dre and Snoop, but also Ghostface, Raekwon, Nas, Jay-Z, Biggie. The golden age advertising of Nike with Jordan, Barkley, Bo Jackson, Griffey, and more. Brands like Ralph and Tommy with their iconic ads. Pepsi, Mcdonalds, Marketing and visual inspiration hit me like an upgrade from 720p to 6K Imax. I began drawing sneakers and clothes, and even dabbled in music production, blending the realms of automotive passion with fashion and sound.

Fast forward to the early 2000s, and I finally got my first taste of working in the car industry. I helped launch an import performance brand called Function and Form Autolife as the creative director—the face of the company. I pounded the pavement, networked relentlessly, and helped build the brand before the age of social media. Though shy by nature and entirely self-taught, I dove into photography as well around 2003, not to capture cars but to immortalize fashion and also hopefully be able to articulate the unique vibe of our brand beyond car culture. Balancing roles as a creative director, product developer, web designer, graphic artist, art director, videographer, and even merch designer, I absorbed every skill I could find because we had no resources to hire anybody for the automotive brand, i had to get hands on create our vision. Many many late nights on Google, Niketalk, and car forums were my classroom, piecing together the creative puzzle that would define my path. There was really no youtube, definitely no instagram or twitter to learn from. I actually love all the information now, but i miss that era. I miss how hard you had to work for it. It built character and skillsets you just cannot recreate right now.

In 2017, I stepped away from the car company and launched my own venture, Cubist Creative Studio—an agency born out of necessity and pure creative hunger. I didn’t have a blueprint, just an unyielding drive to pursue every creative and marketing gig that came my way. A turning point came in 2018 when a cousin—who was a director and writer—invited me onto a film set. That day, on a commercial set with Snoop Dogg, I found my new calling. I immersed myself in the art of cinematography and soon transitioned into directing, producing, and editing music videos with high-end equipment like Red and Arri Alexa cameras. Since then, I’ve had the honor of producing and directing projects for names like Uninterrupted, The Shop, Paris Hilton, The NFL, FX, Peacock, Deborah Joy Winans, and Motor Trend and a lot more i cannot remember off the top of my head.

Back in 2016, I secretly had a concept for a brand that would serve as a canvas for every passion I’d cultivated. Inspired by streetwear, visual storytelling, and the power of mystery, I created Private Party For One. More than just a clothing brand, it was envisioned as a “creative concept” that showcased fashion, art direction, music production, and more. The name itself was born from my personal experience—often dining or attending events as a “party of one.” It represented the beauty of privacy and individual expression in an age of oversharing. This project became my way of taking back the power of mystery and discretion, both personally and culturally, and a platform for me and my peers to share our creative visions.

Between running Cubist Creative Studio and nurturing Private Party For One, my days are packed with creative projects and constant evolution. It’s a grind, and sometimes I wonder about the more conventional paths I could have taken. Yet, every day I count my blessings and remind myself that I’m living the dreams I once whispered to God as a kid. Even in the struggle, I believe that sharing what resonates with me—without obsessing over numbers or widespread recognition—will eventually lead to something greater. My journey is about passion, persistence, and the willingness to experiment and evolve, hoping that it inspires others to embrace their own creative paths.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Never. The biggest struggle was once i took the unconventional path, not the traditional college and corporate path, for me it was hard to really get back on that path when things were challenging. I had to really just get tough through some scary times. Instability, not knowing where the next check will come from, etc. I have been homeless for a short time in my earlier days. I have burned through more money than i can even wrap my head around. I have dealt with so much rejection professionally i could probably use therapy for it. I really lean on being self taught which is a major gift but also a curse. A lot of learning trail and error which sometimes can slow your progression, because you go through a lot of error.

People make entrepreneurship look pretty. They make the “hustle” or “grind” sound glamorous. It isn’t. It is one of the hardest things you will ever do. You can never prepare for that. Even when youre up and you save, and stack and think you are sitting on a fortune, you learn life is valleys and peaks. If you can mentally and spiritually understand that you have a major advantage. I never did, so it was challenging but i also see the beauty in it. Like Talib Kweli’s album “THE BEAUTIFUL STRUGGLE”.

Just have to find the beauty in any and everything. I swear by the belief there is beauty, positive, lessons in everything if you choose to find it. Even death. In every struggle or hardship.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I created Private Party For One initially as a “Concept Brand”. At least that is what i tell myself. I wanted to launch a clothing brand, but i didn’t want the pressure or the boxes that could come from that. I was tired of waiting for somebody to come hire me, to get a chance to show my abilities, so i created my own brand to share my passion, and also showcase what i can do through my creative studio “Cubist”.

Envisioned as a “creative concept” that showcased fashion, art direction, music production, and just any element of creativity i wanted to explore and connect with the world on. The name itself was born from my personal experience— Often being independent and private, often dining or attending social events comfortably as a “party of one.” I also realized as i met so many people from different walks of life, and people who were successful, about how they moved with a lot of privacy and discretion. If they shared themselves personally they didn’t publicly share alot of their success of prized possessions. If they shared their success or prized possessions they kept their identity private. As the world began to share more with social media, i found this alternative more and more fascinating. And it even took me back to realizing and discovering the discretion of successful people in the neighborhoods i was from, and other underworlds and secret societies. It represented the beauty of privacy and individual expression in an age of oversharing. This project became my way of taking back the power of mystery and discretion, both personally and culturally, and a platform for me and my peers to share our creative visions.

Product wise it’s focused on what i loved to wear. T-shirts, sweats, crewnecks and hoodies, hats, jackets. More of “mature” street and casual wear. Simple, clean, progression from heavy graphics and such. I realized keeping it true to myself was the best for every aspect of the brand. Just products that fit me and some of my peers but could also resonate with any generation. From a 16 year old to a 61 year old. Everything is made when ordered, not mass produced. So i feel every piece is personal.

Brand wise i am very proud of the overall experience i am starting to curate. It’s not just about pushing product. That is not what i want to do. At first i felt the pressure to sell, sell, sell. But that isn’t what i really wanted to do. Now it is about working to curate an experience and a vibe. I am proud of that. Putting together visuals, music, beyond the products to give people different ways to connect and relate with the brand, with our mutual interests and memories.

This summer i hope to drop the Private Tape which has been 8 years in the making. I just want to create a audible soundtrack to the brand, inspired by #1 creative inspiration J Dilla beat tapes, DJ Quik Red Tape, Raekwons purple tape and some of the underground mixtapes and beat tapes of my youth. Just a soundtrack to your day. Right now instrumentals, but might be some surprises in there. Why not.

But overall focused on creating an experience and vibe. I didn’t want to just create the clothing for the lifestyle, but also the music, the visuals, I want to paint a picture, tell some stories, and remind people of the power and freedom in privacy. Advocate more privacy, and less of the damage that FOMO is causing our current state of minds. It’s ok and cool to be private, don’t let anybody pressure you into not being, especially the younger generations.

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
Easy

for Private Party For One

follow us on ig @privatepartyforone , also check out the website www.privatepartyforone.com join the mailing list and all that good stuff. If you want to collab dm through IG or [email protected] i am always looking for models, and people to collab on content with. I am a seasoned photographer so i will make sure you get some heat in return!

For my creative services and to collaborate on your brand, or business projects check out Preston-Dawson.com and Cubistcreativestudio.com and reach out through any of those sites. I am always looking for some fun projects to jump on with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: privatepartyforone.com cubistcreativestudio.com
• Instagram: @privatepartyforone @cubistcreativestudio