Today we’d like to introduce you to Spencer Nikosey.
Hi Spencer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Killspencer 13 years ago, prior to graduating from Industrial Design at the Art Center College of Design. While focused on learning everything I could about product design, I became fascinated with building things and I wanted to build myself a sustainable waterproof bag to carry my laptop and cables. As a student, I reached out to the founder of the bag company Incase, who became my mentor and suggested that instead of making everything overseas, to take more of a hands-on approach and buy a sewing machine and make it myself. So without ever sewing once in my life I bought a brand new industrial walking foot sewing machine and taught myself how to sew.
I was in love with the utility of military-grade parts, buckles, and that philosophy, and built my first bag out of a repurposed military truck tarp I got from the curator of the American Military Museum. It was amazing, I had access to this world of technically robust and efficient military artifacts, which I washed, cut up and made into a collection of bags. I started with a Special Ops Backpack, a Weekender Bag, and a Track Bike Messenger Bag, launched a website, made a film, did a photoshoot and made really thick letterpressed business cards and individually numbered dog tags + hang tags. When we launched we got orders instantly from all over the world and I had to figure out how to make and ship the products which is every designer’s nightmare. I decided to open my own workshop and build them myself with a small team of master craftsmen.
I’m proud to say that we have been working with the same team since day one. Mauricio, Killspencer’s first hire, is still the head of our factory and has taught our whole team how to make things at the highest level. We push each other to make things we never thought we could. Today we operate out of a beautiful factory in Atwater where we design, develop, manufacture, and ship all our products direct to customers every day. We make the best products we can, using the best materials, and do so with patience and pride. Our company is founded on passion, and that philosophy is present in every stitch. We love what we do, love what we make, and make it to perfection under one roof. Check out the hashtag #AtwaterHQ to see pics inside our factory!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
To wake up every day and be able to literally build your dreams is a blessing. Work doesn’t feel like work. I love the R+D process so much. It is an infinite game. Dream it, build it, rip it apart, and do it again. Less but better. Every day presents you with challenges, but every challenge is an opportunity to design or redesign something better. Having a positive mindset is key to weathering all storms. Knowing in your heart that everything will be ok and life will go on makes it all palatable.
We’ve been impressed with Killspencer®, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Founded in 2009. We design and build premium artifacts that reflect our passion for materials and timeless craftsmanship. Our philosophy is based on the principle that every handmade product is engineered for performance and utility. Headquartered in California, our heritage is rooted in our ability to create. Dream It. Build It.
KILLSPENCER® starts with Spencer Nikosey—a Los Angeles-based industrial designer. A graduate of ArtCenter College of Design, his inspiration for performance, functionality and quality are inherent to everything he touches.
Giving a relentless effort in order to always improve—even if it kills me. That unwavering drive to succeed is what the KILLSPENCER® name stands for. It’s a nod to ingenuity in construction and the constant pursuit of excellence in craftsmanship.
From the beginning. Our heritage started in 2008 when a college course required students to visit a WWII Military Yard. It was here where the story of KILLSPENCER® evolved the idea that absolute function is artistic in nature.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Mentorship changed my life and taught me so much. Many of my early customers have become my close friends and have had a big impact on my drive + output. I would say that you can make anything happen that you put your mind to, and you don’t need a mentor to teach you that. Mentorship is great for running ideas by someone you trust and getting quick direct honest feedback. I have a lot of amazing people in my rolodex and I feel so lucky.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.Killspencer.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killspencer
Image Credits
@Killspencer
