Soulism Clothing Brand™ was created by graphic artist Rafael Bravo, that would be me, in March 2008 while working on artwork for my 34th birthday party invite. After having spent the last 12 years as a designer in greater Los Angeles area, and a lifetime as a student of all graphic arts, I was searching for a way to bring all of my creative intensity together into a complete visual presentation. Suddenly, it hit me that the garment industry was the best way to showcase my art. I've been working at a major motion picture studio the last eight years as a sign writer. I still am. However, in all sincerity, I'm more graphic artist than sign writer, but I guess I'm still learning that discipline. Regardless of that fact, the switch seemed very logical to me... it couldn't possibly be any harder than working behind the scenes in Hollywood.
So, from that time forward, I've devoted my complete time and energy into this Soulism™ thing o' mine. From the creation of this website and the contents featured within, I have spent hours detailing every graphic element and color scheme, not to mention my very own original music featured on the home page, and every written word (to include this!). The web developer was ready to launch a few weeks after I contacted him... but I was not. Everything had to be just right. I know I'm ready now. Besides a logo, eight months ago I had nothing. Today I have something. In fact I hope I have a lot of somethings.
So here we go 'son...
I've put the last eight years of my life into a collection of graphic design. Everything is meticulously thought out. From "Long Beach to Hollywood", in print on cotton t-shirts, not canvas or vellum. Every graphic detail has its own symbolism or reference behind it. From the three stars featured atop my logo, to mere name itself. What is Soulism™? Better question, why Soulism™? Some would like to say it's about a girl, and to a certain extent they're right... but that's only because that was part of my life, as are many other things. However at this point, it's not really about that. Soulism™ is about my scars and tattoos, my feats and failures, my life, my art, and most certainly about my SOUL. More importantly, Soulism™ keeps growing and now represents something bigger. It's a new way to look at things, a new way of doing things; an authentic way of living life directly from and for the soul. What better way to exhibit that, than on t-shirts, right?
So I thank you for having cruised on by. I sincerely hope something featured on this website manages to leave a lasting impression, even if it's only one of my songs. Actually... it's probably better if it's one of my songs. The fashion 'biz is rough yo'... I gotta get out of it quick!
Buy my shirts, not my musik!
Ralph Bravo
Owner, Soulism Clothing Brand™
