DESIGN: Bryce Ybanez showcases his artwork by creating T-shirts for his clothing brand Freshside.
By Andrea Alvarado, Staff Writer
From first grade art projects to painting on canvas, Bryce Ybanez (11) has always enjoyed drawing and designing. During his eighth grade year, he became interested in street art, which inspired him to take his artwork seriously. “I guess it was the concept of rebellious acts and subliminal messages that caught my eye in street art,” he explained. From then on, Ybanez worked to create designs that would send messages to his generation.
In his freshman year, Ybanez decided to showcase his artwork in a different way by founding Freshside, his very own clothing brand. “Seeing how shirts can be unique with different brands made me want to create something that was mine—something that would allow my artwork to catch everyone’s attention,” he said.
Inspiration for his designs spurs from the duality of modern society. “Most of my work is chaotic and black and white; it is how I view the world and society that surround me,” Ybanez noted. He also draws inspiration from the successful work ethics of Steve Jobs and Johnny Earle, who is most commonly known as the creator of the Johnny Cupcakes clothing brand.
Recently, Ybanez’s most successful shirt design depicts a rose dream catcher and the phrase “Live. Dream. Create.” “From this specific design, I hope that people are inspired to take action with their dreams. Dreams only stay dreams unless you pursue them,” he said.
Ybanez looks forward to the upcoming spring season for the release of his new line of designs. He also hopes to branch out his clothing company so that the shirts can be sold at local retail stores. Though he is unsure if he plans to pursue a career with his clothing brand, Ybanez notes that it would be a pleasure to continue designing in the future.