We had the good fortune of connecting with Manny Valdez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Manny, what do you attribute your success to?
The most successful factor to my clothing brand is to constantly keep creating as well as brainstorming new prints and graphic designs, Another very beneficial factor that’s been allowing my clothing brand to expand is always being on the look out for available spaces that will allow me to have a pop up shop space. These spaces usually consist of outfoor markets, nightclubs, and often just putting up a rack of t-shirts on a busy Los Angeles street corner.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My designs focus on graphic imagery of popular culture that investigate queer identity, hyper sexuality, and nostalgia. I use Typography and graphic designs on apparel for shock value through the use of silk screen printing and rhinestone embellishment. I work with various graphic design tools such as Adobe programs, silk screen printing, and textiles adornment. Rude, Crude, and Popular Culture are the three words that influence my art work. The designs I create can be worn by everyone, anyone, and in between. The journey and evolution of my clothing brand has been about 4 years and through that time I’m constantly thinking and implementing new ways to set up and pop-up shop display and incorporating new materials for graphic t-shirts.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I love this question because I am deeply in love with Los Angeles and love any oppurtunity to show family and friends the city. I would start the beginning with day time activities like checking The Broad and then wandering into Chinatown for some amazing Chinese food places. Silverlake and Little Tokyo has amazing vintage shops, coffee shops, and food spots that are great for day time activities. For nightlife fun I would definetely take them to Precinct DTLA. I love Precinct because it’s a mix crowd of queer and gay personalities that engage with everyone!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
The Los Angeles night life as pretty much been my go to destination for setting up a space for pop-up shops. Two specific club promoters who specifically have allowed me to always have a space for my clothing brand is Ray Hernandez and Dean Buckley. Not only do they promte several events for Precinct DTLA, but they are resident DJ’s there, and bartenders.

Instagram Handles: razorsharrrp, buck_deanley

I would also like to recognize the amazing Isadroa Spreads. She’s an amazing, fierce drag queen and also has also allowed me to have a space to be a vendor at her drag shows. Instagram: iasadoraspreads

Website: https://bizarreincident.com

Instagram: bizarre_incident

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/BizarreIncident

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.