R Max Clothing

First things first who are you? Where are you from?
I’m Russell “R Max” Maxwell, artist / designer I’m from Savannah, Ga. Its bout 31/2 hours from Atlanta, GA

Describe fashion, where you are based at?
My line consist of graphix t-shirts. The t-shirts display pieces of my personal artwork. My artwork has been described as urban pop art. My art is influenced by Andy Warhol, Jean-Micheal Basquiat, and movie / video director Hype Williams. I’m based out of Atlanta…Stone Mountain to be exact.

What major factors encouraged you to create the brand?
I started out creating designs for print and canvas. A few years back a friend requested I make a t-shirt of one of my designs. I researched and found a process in which this could be done without losing the vibrate colors of my designs. I received such a good response from the t-shirt, I made more. The R Max brand was born.


How has the brand grown since its inception?
Since the first t-shirt, the line has been well received. I’ve received recognition on television and the big screen. T-shirts from the line have appeared in the film, 'Stomp The Yard', and on 'BET's 106 & Park' & BET's 'Spring Bling' and MTV's 'Wild 'n' Out'. The t-shirts has also appeared in several music videos including Yung Joc's 'I'm a G', Big Boi's (OutKast) 'Kryptonite' & 'Morris Brown' and Gorilla Zoe's 'Hood Figga' & 'Juicebox'. The line has also graced the pages of national publications such as Scratch and XXL magazines. In addition to the original and 'X' lines, custom designs have been created for video director, Dr. Teeth; music artists Jay Z, Puffy, 50 Cent, Killer Mike, Flava Flav, and Janet Jackson; and for Radio One Morning Show hosts across the nation.

You know, the number of true connoisseurs in fashion remains more or less the same. There are those who originate with benefit, opposite those who imitate with counterfeit. Though in streetwear, everyone eats at the same table. Having the wherewithal of this, how do you handle something so personal without becoming plastic?
I try to stay true to me and create designs that inspire or provoke me.

R Max seems like it is all about positive undertones. How do you react when people hate on your products?
Art is in the eye of the beholder and as long as my pieces provoke a reaction my job is done.

Being in business for yourself what are the pros and cons?
I love working for me…it’s very rewarding and sometimes frustrating, but nothing beats being the boss and lovin what you do. However I also have a great 9 to 5. lol

What were some of the biggest challenges for growing RMax in its early years?
The biggest challenge has been lack of knowledge of the fashion industry. I’ve been reading, learning, and just doing.
Do you have any plans to expand the brand beyond t-shirts?
Yes, I’m currently working with another designer to design a line of jeans and casual suits.
What's the biggest stereotype that your brand catch?
My biggest stereotype is that the line is a street brand that only appeals to hood n**gas that like nasty girls on their t-shirt. However I have pastors, white guys, females, etc. rocking my t-shirts.
Any other brands that you are planning or would like to collaborate with?
I haven’t thought about any colabs at the moment, I’m just trying to get more exposure for the R Max brand.
Where is the brand currently being distributed?
Colour Painting Trends - Auburndale, FL; Flava - Whats Yo! - Valdosta, GA; Nu-Fashions - Columbus, GA; Raw Blue - Newport News, VA; Fashion Forward - Burlington, NC; Mike Express - Nashville, TN and also at www.rmaxclothing.com
What are some of the themes behind you shirts?
I would say my designs are from things that inspire me, from music, music videos, movies, current events, other artists…basically life in general.
Tell us about your background in fashion and design.
Actually my background in fashion is short, however I’ve always been into art. I’ve been drawing since elementary school. I started doing logos and flyers once I moved to Atlanta. A few years later I started producing art for print, which led me to the t-shirt line.
How does a brand in today’s fashion market stay innovative?
The best way to stay innovative is to stay true to yourself and not be afraid to take risk.

What characteristics embody a R Max consumer?
My consumers are everyone, everyone has an eye for art and can see the art in my line. My art has a wide range of themes and so does my consumers. I have designs that pastors of the church wear to designs rocked by the hood.

What else are you up to at the moment that people should be aware of ?
I’m currently planning an All-White viewing party in Savannah for the 4th of July. The event is sponsored by Patron.

How, if at all, do you work differently when designing for a t-shirt compared to other media?
When I design logos, flyers, or website it’s the clients vision I’m designing around. When I’m working on one of my pieces it’s my vision.

What is your personal favorite piece from the collection and why?
I love all of my designs but if I have to choose it would be one of the first designs I created for a t-shirt…design #05. Design #05 seems as it’s coming out of the t-shirt…3D effect.

Where will RMax be in five years?
Creating.
Any last words?
I would like to thank all of my supporters, and thank you for this opportunity.