Jonas Jean – 180ronin

Can you tell us a little bit about how you got started designing t-shirts?

Well it started many moons ago back in 05 I was still in college, at first I had no intentions/interest of designing t-shirts to sell to people. One day I was in class doodling and really liked this sketch I did, so I brought it into illustrator and just messed around for fun.

I liked it so much I had a friend of mine print it on a t-shirt for me I wore it one day and I kept getting stopped on the street by people wanting to know where I got my shirt and also a lot of my friends liked it. So my friends and family encouraged me to design t-shirts. I’m a real humble person so I was against it at first, I thought to myself who would buy something I created? I wasn’t no one special just a dude who loves doing design. So one day I was out hanging out and shopping with a few friends and could not find anything I liked. I dont like to have something everyone has, I like to be an individual and different and then a ninja popped into my head and said “you could do this” and then I thought why don’t I?

So I got slapped in the face with so many cool ideas and concepts that I would of love to have on a shirt. So I began doing my own shirts of stuff I would wear and soon I just fell in love with designing tee shirts.

What (or who) inspires your designs?

Man what doesnt inspire me? But if I have to narrow it down I would have to say that Japanese culture plays a major role in what I do. I love everything about Japan from the culture to the people I have always been into everything about Japan since I was 5 yrs. old. Im also inspired by music (all types) cartoons, video games, my surroundings and other designers. Design to me is just a beautiful thing that all people should take some time to enjoy.

What are your top 5 sources of online inspiration?

newwebpick.com
designyoutrust.com
pingmag.jp
designflavr.com
computerarts.co.uk

Can you talk a little bit about your process for creating a new design, from concept to completion? How long does a design usually take to create?

I really don’t have a set process I’m always thinking about design whether it being posters, shirts, logos etc… so when I conceptualize an idea for a design I sketch it down in my sketch book. Once I get hired for a project or I just feel like doing a design I flip through my book and begin to see how I can build upon what catches my eye and see where it best fits. If that doesn’t work than I research until something just clicks!

After the final product is complete I always step away for a day or two and just not think about it. I like doing that because it allows me to look at it with fresh eyes so I break down the design more until I’m happy with the end result.

If you could see your t-shirt being worn by somebody famous, who would it be and why?

Wow this is a tough one hmmm…. I guess I would have to say the hosts of G4′s Attack of the Show Olivia Munn and Kevin Pereira reason being they are just too cool!! I cant choose between the both of them I bet they are really fun to hang out with and they seem really down to earth.

What was the biggest mistake you made when you first started selling tees online?

The biggest mistake I made when I first started selling tees online was caring about what people thought, the reason is because my first design bombed when I actually started to sell tees. The reason was because it wasn’t fun anymore I felt pressured trying to please people, I also felt limited to what I could create. Until one day a ninja crept into my dreams and said “Hey be yourself!” (damn ninja lol) ever since than I just create what I want however I want. I’m my own worst critique at the end of the day I have to love what I created 110% if I don’t I just trash it.

I’m very proud of the work 180ronin puts out, design is love and we love design so through design we are spreading our love to the world. We want people to represent and wear 180ronin because they love and appreciate the tees we put out and we’ll give that love they showed us back anyway we can.

It’s our way of saying thank you for buying a 180ronin tee and we are honored that you wear our product! I know not everyone will like our work but I can’t take it to heart everyone has different taste.

Do you have any new projects coming up that you’re really excited about?

Yes definitely! I have some new designs in the works and an upcoming children’s book.

See more of Jonas’ work at: www.180ronin.com