About The Brand

So tells us about yourself and your brand?

- My name is Marcus Fitts, I am the creator and founder of dazed civilians clothing. When I’m not designing or scheming, im probably raving about Chipotle, dominating some call of duty, enjoying nightlife, looking for cheat codes for xbox or sleeping. The brand is definitely meant to cater to a specific crowd/group of people, those who crave creativity, originality and exclusiveness. We hope to inspire people to appreciate art and all things design.

How did you come up with the name?

- Creating something that was greater than clothing was really engraved in this project. I didn’t want to design another clothing line. Creating a movement and a society built around art and good design was essential. This birthed “dazed civilians”.

Description of your line?

- Dazed Civilians can be interpreted in two different ways, the natural trendsetter and the civilian who has had a “creative epiphany”. The people who make up this dazed society are trendsetters not just in clothing or fashion but in all aspects of life such as, music, attitude, excelling in school, sports, knowing how to have fun. It’s a reach to achieve something different and that it’s ok to be different and have an “outside of the box” mindset.

What influenced you to start the line?

- I’ve always been interested in designing tees even at a young age. I couldn’t afford the clothing that was trending and wasn’t impressed with the clothing I could afford. I really admired companies that represented a positive message and influence that stretched beyond their apparel. I am truly inspired by artists and companies such as Johnny Cupcakes, Obey and Aja Imani.

How is your brand different from others out there?

- Dazed Civilians creates more than graphics on computers or art on Tees. I consider myself to be a true artist gaining inspiration from many experiences I’ve faced in life and expressing it as art. I know who my target audience is, allowing me to cater and give them what they want. Thinking outside the box, allowing fantasy to merge with great design will overcome many other brands that only come up with good designs with no real meaning. Too many brands are chasing money.

Are there any challenges you run into while running a business?

- The list is long especially when running a business by yourself, while still in college. The hardest thing is getting he word out in the world about your brand. Learning how to deal with criticism in any form and never letting mediocre people, lack of respect or acknowledgment turn you away from your love.

What ways did you find promoting your brand work?

- Social Networking sites such as Facebook, Kickstarter, and forums, Blogs etc worked really well. All my friends on Facebook changed their profile pictures to the classic logo, which created a lot of hype and interest.

Is there any future plans for your line?

- Dazed Civilians is 2 weeks fresh. The list of future plans stretches across continents. We are gearing up for the summer collection and even planning ahead for next fall and winter previews and look book. We hope to attend the next magic trade show in 2012 and work on getting some custom cut garments such as jackets, sweatshirts and tees for males and females. There are so many things we are working on that I am excited about. We just had our Fall/Spring preview Release party January 15th 2011, which was a huge success. It was the 1st time we’ve release the line to the public.

Any last shout outs?

- Mad props to Kidsyc@Brandywine band, Hangfire bar for all their support, DJ Phivestar, (www.soundofkurdice.com), the man on the 1’s & 2’s, all my family, friends, teachers and people who have supported and helped launch the brand. Also the best print shop in Savannah, GA who sponsored the release, Dilated Spectrum (dilatedspectrum.com).