We are Oaklandish: Budge
How were you introduced to Oaklandish and what is your role here?
I am a designer at Oaklandish. I was introduced to Oaklandish by a former employee who is a very good friend of mine. I also would hear the radio advertisements on KMEL years ago.
Did you always want to be a designer? What brings you joy in this profession?
I've always wanted to be a designer. I wanted to design sneakers when I was young. Over time I started to get more into the clothes people wore with their sneakers and kind of fell in love with the streetwear culture.
How often do you see your designs around town and which design have you spotted the most?
I see some of my designs around town in my neighborhood when I’m out walking my dog. I think I see the Roots SC designs the most. Aura Tee. Also, Sistrurus.
What is your favorite Oaklandish design? This could be your own or one created by another designer.
My favorite design that is not mine is Wasted Youth. It was the first shirt I got when I joined the team. My favorite design I’ve done is Motif.
How has working for Oaklandish shaped your understanding of community?
Working at Oaklandish has shown me how much pride the people of Oakland have for their city. There are people out there who really work hard to make Oakland better.
Have you ever met any legends from Oakland or the Bay Area? Who did you meet, and where was it?
I never really met any Oakland legends out in the city. I did meet Zendaya when she came by our HQ.
What’s your favorite album to listen to while designing that helps you focus? No skips!
Toro Y Moi ‘Anything In Return’’. One of my favorite albums.
What is one of your favorite streetwear brands, and why?
I couldn’t pick one brand as my favorite. HUF, The Hundreds, Stussy, Supreme, Neighborhood, Human Made and a lot of other brands are very influential to me.
What sneakers are you wearing right now, and why did you choose them?
Air Max 98 today. No reason for the choice just felt like an Air Max Day.
Do you have a dream collaboration?
Dream collaboration would be a sneaker collab. It’s cliche but a Oaklandish Nike Dunk would be cool. An AF1 would be cool too.
What do you think is the most important skill for someone who wants to be a designer?
Do what you want, be creative and break rules.
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Oakland is diverse and Oakland is proud. 'We Are Oaklandish' is a storytelling project created to highlight just that.
These are stories that shed light on the different experiences, memories, and opinions of the people in the city we all love. They are people who give our city its oddball spirit, its passion for justice, and its creative vigor. They lift us up with laughter, peace, nourishment, and authentic hard work.
They make us proud to call this town our home. They are Oaklandish.
Read more: We Are Oaklandish