JANIEL RICHARDS

DESIGNER, ILLUSTRATOR

“Growing up, I couldn't say "I hate it here," even as I joke. My family ain't play that. I grew up in a strict Trinidadian religious household where I was told "hate" is a powerful word that shouldn't be said lightly or ever for that matter. It wasn't until my 17 y/o sister started saying it every day that it stopped becoming triggering to hear -- it was one of those tik tok colloquialisms, and I became the oldhead telling her to stop saying it. Then I realized that while my mom is right that words are powerful, it's also the intent and attachment you give the words that are equally important. I initially made this shirt in February as a gift for my sister's bday to make light of her favorite phrase. Everyone has their own definition and usage, but my sister would legit wake up and say it. She's the person that lectures me on water waste and systemic racism. She's the wittiest and grimmest person I know. Some would classify her as the "angry black girl." Jokes. She's a badass who just happens to be frustrated. The fact of the matter is we don't hate it here. At least not most of the time. Most of the time, I love this shit so much I don't know how to describe it - the nights, the stars, the sky, the looks, the lookers. I mean, uh, I can't get enough. But it's those I can get enough of that make the former true. The duality of life is interesting like that - how I can strike a duckface pose mind breakdown, wear a smile on my face with this shirt on, or even cry on the brightest of days. So while the phrase is pessimistic, people should be able to say how they feel. I made this to encourage conversation and share the importance of expressing feelings, such as anger, during uncomfortable times. With the hopes that we acknowledge our discomfort, harness our rage, and be intentional with our joy.”

BLACK & DEADASS

“I've lived 90% of my life in Brooklyn, NY, and one thing I've learned is to always keep it a buck 50. There's power in the tongue, and to speak power into yourself is to speak with intention that is true to yourself. 2020 has made it abundantly clear that life is a blessing, family is the key, and the bag is mine. And I refuse to let anything change that — deadass.”