Steezius Interview
Taylor Pursely, better known as Steezius is an upcoming fashion designer and the co-founder/owner of the brand, Ice Athletic Club with his brother, Anthony Perschon.
I came across Taylor through Anthony’s YouTube channel as I was searching for 75 Hard content at the beginning of my health and fitness journey [75 Hard is a mental strengthening program by Andy Frisella] and was very inspired by his creative pursuits.
I am a huge believer in looking after your mental and physical so that you will be able to create the best art possible whilst living the best life you can. These guys are paving the way for this message; putting 110% into everything they do.
I was lucky enough to be able to interview Taylor to talk about his brand, inspirations as well as get some tips to share for those looking to get into the fashion industry by pathing their own paths.
Check out Steezius’ interview below!
Nadine: Tell us a little bit about yourself. How did you get into fitness and fashion?
Taylor: My name is Taylor Pursley. I go by Steezius. I am 22 and I live in Downtown Salt Lake City, Utah.
Fitness: I had always played sports when I was young until I graduated high school. I was then forced to take that energy into the gym. I started studying and training everyday in calisthenics when I was 17. The room for growth is endless with calisthenics and the gym in general, which is why it is still something I learn about and progress in to this day.
Fashion: When I was really young I unknowingly learned a lot more than the average kid about clothes and fashion from my Mother. She owned her own boutique and I remember we used to watch project runway together. As I got older I became obsessed with Hip-Hop and Rap. Those artists heavily influenced my sense of style. I would go as far to say they were the reason I decided I wanted to start my own clothing brand.
N: Where do you get your inspiration from?
T:
Visual Artists
Musicians
Film/Anime
Outwear Brands
Metaphysical Concepts
Experience
It is hard to just give one example because all of the sources blend together.
To me inspiration is anything I see or hear that triggers my desire to create. One day I want to trigger that same desire for others through my work. It will be my way of thanking those who did that for me.
The things I have listed have truly filled my life with deep passion and meaning.
N: How would you describe your style and who are some of your favourite designers/artists?
T: Style:
Clean
Creative
Cozy
Favourite Artists:
Glassface
Vangoathe
Samuel Ross
A$AP Rocky
Smino
Mac Miller
N: Walk us through a day in your life.
T: Honestly my days are so different from week to week. Right now I wake up and workout, run errands, then come home; shower and eat a meal.
I tend to get my work for Ice Athletic Club done as early as possible. That consists of various things that change day to day. Some of which include creating designs, mock ups, tech packs, shipping orders out, sewing or printing, website work, etc.
After I am done with my ICE work, I film content for @steezius which is my personal Instagram. Right now I am making custom pieces for some commission work; I sometimes draw for my page and I also make streetwear content.
After that I try and relax or do something to keep my mind fresh.
N: What are your favourite tools for your art and could you share a bit of your process from idea conception to the final product?
T: I like to start out using Procreate on my iPad to sketch out concepts. I have been using Procreate for 3 years now. I have the most experience with this program so I would say that it is my favourite tool.
Once I have the idea ready, I really just wing it from there. When I make mistakes or if it doesn’t go as planned, I just layer on top of it or switch up the original design. Once it is finished I always take “streetwear photos” of it on me and in a street environment. I film the whole process of the creation as well and I edit it into a montage.
Creating for Ice is a similar process, but it also requires me to outsource some work from the manufacturer.
N: You’re currently doing 75 Hard. How has that been for you and what advice can you give to those looking to start that you’ve learned over the weeks?
T: Unfortunately I had to stop doing 75 Hard. The challenge was building great habits and was pushing me hard physically. It was however affecting the workload I was able to take on for Ice Ath. Club so I chose to focus on building Ice so this year will run smoother.
If I had any advice, it would be to prepare yourself going into it. Have a strong reason you want to do it and find support as well. The support is going to keep motivating you to keep going. Anthony and I wanted to create that for everyone. He has continued to do that even better now that he can focus on making the YouTube videos vlogging the process. That was ultimately the goal for us so we could help everyone get through it.
N: Any exciting projects that you can tease right now?
T: NEW ICE COMING NEXT MONTH
N: What tips can you give to an aspiring fashion designer and/or business owner?
T:
Learn how to Use Adobe programs
Learn how to market on social media
Build a team that shares the same drive
Build a community before you try to sell yourself
Give out value for free
Thank you so much Taylor!
Follow Taylor on Instagram: www.instagram.com/steezius
Visit his website: iceathleticclub.com