Today we’d like to introduce you to David Santiago.
David, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My passion for imaginative art and clothing began back in 1985 when I was just 7 years old. I was fascinated by the characters and designs of brands like T&C Surf, whose clothes my older cousin modeled. The Gorilla was always my favorite. Ever since then, I’ve dreamed of starting my own radical clothing company as an adult; I’ve always been self-employed so I can live the risk-taker lifestyle and have flexibility to get up and go whenever adventure calls. In the early 2000s, I was totally immersed in the fixed-gear bike scene, constantly pushing boundaries and seeking new thrills. I’ve always had a bit of a lone wolf spirit, which earned me the nickname “The Wolf” among friends. In 2015, a serious injury sidelined me from serious biking and white-water swimming, which had been my great passions in life. At the time, I couldn’t imagine ever returning to those activities I loved. But the wolf spirit inside me never settled. When COVID hit, and the world shut down, I saw it as an opportunity instead of a limitation, even though it meant losing most of my remodeling and cleaning business. With more unexpected time on my hands, I decided to finally make my childhood dream a reality. I channeled my energy into my digital design skills and building my clothing brand Lunar Harvest Collective.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road to launching Lunar Harvest Collective has been anything but smooth; however, the obstacles along the way have only fueled my determination. First, the serious injury in 2015 derailed my active lifestyle and took a huge mental and physical toll. Recovering to the point where I could cycle again took perseverance and patience. Against the odds, I healed up and rediscovered my love of skateboarding in my 40s, even after a 30-year break. I also got back on the bike again. With this renewed rush of excitement, I decided to finally make my childhood dream a reality. Just as I was getting back to my old self, the COVID-19 pandemic hit and resulted in losing most of my business virtually overnight. It was a financial struggle, but focusing my energy on my passion project of starting a clothing brand is what got me through such a difficult time. I taught myself new digital process skills entirely on my own during the lockdowns. With limited resources, I had to be creative and resilient to turn my vision into a reality. But the setbacks only strengthened my DIY ethos and reaffirmed that I couldn’t imagine pursuing any other dream career.
While it certainly hasn’t been all smooth sailing, embracing the challenges put even more meaning into finally achieving my goal. I’m proud to have turned adversity into inspiration for my one-of-a-kind clothing line.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve never been one to follow traditional career norms. Even in school, I prioritized thrill-seeking adventures and pursuing my creative passions over academics. I’ve built a life centered around freedom – whether it’s exploring unknown parts of California on bikes with friends or channeling my imagination into designing clothing. In my early professional life, I tried working some more mainstream jobs at big companies but always felt like an outsider, creatively stifled in that corporate atmosphere. I’ve found the most fulfillment being self-employed or working gigs that provide autonomy and flexibility.
As an artist and designer, I’m driven by passion not paychecks. My career has been defined by fearlessly chasing inspiration wherever it takes me. I’ve honed my skills through hands-on experimentation – no formal training required.
While my professional journey hasn’t followed a rigid path, every experience has fueled the creative spirit and resilient hustle that allowed me to successfully build my clothing brand. I wouldn’t trade the unconventional career I’ve carved out for anything.
Any big plans?
More than any specific plans, my main goal is to keep growing and improving as a person. I strive to be a lifelong learner, constantly expanding my skills and perspectives. There are always new digital techniques to master fresh creative frontiers to explore. I never want to stand still. In particular, I’m focused on cultivating more discipline and consistency in my daily habits. My free-spirited nature can also be a double-edged sword at times. Establishing a firmer routine will allow me to maximize my productivity and evolve both personally and professionally.
Looking ahead, I hope to continue innovating and pushing boundaries with my clothing designs. Seeing Lunar Harvest Collective grow from a passion project into a thriving brand would be a dream. I also aim to inspire others along the way by sharing my unconventional path to success.
While I don’t know exactly what life will throw at me next, I’m determined to absorb the lessons and continue honing my craft. Staying present to appreciate the journey while still chasing new horizons – that’s my approach. When it comes to both thrills and self-improvement, the wolf is always hungry for more!
Pricing:
- Graphic designer T-shirts- 30 dollars online @ lhcwolf.com
- Brand tagged w/ graphic designs~T-shirts- 25 dollars when direct ordered @ lhcclothing.com
- Hooded Sweaters 45-70 dollars online @ lhcwolf.com
- Custom branded hats 25 dollars direct order @ lhcclothing.com
- Designer backpacks from 48.50-55.00 dollars online @ lhcwolf.com
Contact Info:
- Website: lhcclothing.com
- Instagram: lunar_harvest_collective_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LunarHarvestCollective
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lunarharvestcollective
