Life & Work with Joel Lopez of Sylmar

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joel Lopez.

Hi Joel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born and raised in the San Fernando valley. I grew up skating which heavily influenced my style and drive to make clothes. In 2018 I started my clothing brand DeathBrigade. After meeting so many cool people and making new friends I wanted to be able to document all the cool things somehow so I started my own Magazine company under the name Usual Suspects in 2023 with my wife Isabella Ortega and close friend Kreig Casarez.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ve been blessed with many supportive people around me. My friends and family are my main motivation. From buying my clothes, to helping pack orders, to modeling, to even help setting up events and packing out the house. It hasn’t always been super smooth though, I’ve had to pick and choose my battles on losing money trying to bet on myself. Making clothes can be very expensive and can cost a lot upfront. It’s hard to please everyone and sell everything so there have been times were I take a loss trying to make something.
The magazine world is a bit harder to navigate because there’s more coordination with other artists. Sometimes people don’t understand or trust us just yet. We’ve been ghosted and let down as well.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I own a clothing brand under the name Death Brigade and I co-own a magazine under the Usual Suspects that highlights local artists of all mediums.
I think I’m most proud of how far we’ve come along. As I mentioned, I was very shy growing up so the fact that I’m doing this is cool as hell.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I’d say growing up I was the shy kid in class. Very timid and to myself but outspoken with a few. I was the kid that refused to raise his hand to use the restroom in fear of being noticed.
I grew up playing and loving the sport baseball and skateboarding. I’d say skateboarding is what helped me get out my shell. From making plans to skate to gaining confidence on trying new tricks, to later being inspired by all the cool clothes I’d soon be exposed to.

Pricing:

• T-shirts $30
• socks $8
• beanies $24
• magazines $30

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Deathbrigade.us
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usualsuspectsmag?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
• Other: https://Usualsuspectsmag.bigcartel.com

Image Credits
@naviewashere
@analogue.er
@salvad0randres