Who would have thought that success would come from a spray can?
Running the streets leaving his mark through graffiti, his objective
was to always leave a permanent landmark. From buses to walls his name
was made evident in the streets. Making ends meet by hustling his one
of a kind innovative creations, Ernesto Flores, CEO of Ill Skillz is
living his dream. Unlike the competition he makes it his priority to
set trends and make statements through his original designs.
Ill Skillz started in his bedroom with a box of t-shirts, a stencil,
and a spray can. "I would sell the shirts for $12 and flip the money
to buy my first silk screen machine," explains Ernesto. Creating a
buzz with local underground Hip Hop artists the streets began talking
about Ill Skillz. His designs created such an impact that major Hip
Hop clothing lines demanded his aesthetic appeal. Incorporated in
projects working with moguls like Dame Dash former CEO of Rocawear and
CEO for Pro Keds, this was the beginning of what he calls 'cooperate
vandalism.'
"It's not what you know; it's what you can prove." And clearly Ernesto
lives by his company slogan
Within the time frame of one year Ill Skillz proceeded to prove
himself he exceeded 2.5 million items printed which include t-shirts
and apparel, stock print and mix tapes. Within this time Ill Skillz
was also contracted by Beyonce, Universal Music, Shady Aftermath,
Makavelli Branded, Pitbull, Machete Music, Cooperate Thugz Ent. and
many others.
"I have a passion for my culture, and this is the reason why i do it. For the Latino, Graffiti
and Hip Hop culture."
Graffiti is not a distant memory, it has become a stepping stone to
what now has become a reality, a cooperate reality.Written by Lyme Lite Media.
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