FeedMeCoolShit.com » Benny Gold

Benny Gold

Benny Gold is a machine – A design machine! (Although when he does chill he can be found on his bike or skateboard around the streets of San Francisco).

Owner of Stay Gold Creative, and part of the main design team at HUF. Benny has worked for clients like Real Skateboards, Nike, Levis, and Mash etc…

FMCS: Hi Benny How’s things?

Benny: Things are good. I just got back from NY. I am glad to be out of the snow.

FMCS: Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and what it is you do, also fill us in on the ‘Stay Gold Creative’ company.

Benny: I am a San Francisco based designer and fine artist. I am best known for creating the original identity of Huf, and most of their t-shirt graphics. Other then that I basically am a skateboarder living out his dream. I have been fortunate.

Stay Gold Creative is the name I have been working under for a long time. I use it when I deal with clients for work. I have worked with clients including, but not limited to, Nike, Adidas, Wired Magazine, Timbuk2, The Body Shop, DVS, path, Real Skateboards and Stussy.

FMCS: Let’s talk a little on HUF. You have done a lot of work for this clothing company. How did all that start, and how has the HUF projects affected your creative output? Do they allow you freedom?

Benny: Working with Huf has been great. I have been with them since the beginning. Huf opened up so many doors and opportunity for me. I am forever grateful to Keith for that. I plan on growing the brand with Keith and the rest of the crew forever.

They have turned into much more than just a client to me. I really care about the brand. Big things to come from us in the Huf camp.

FMCS: We noticed that HUF have asked you to create a sister brand to their main line called the ‘Benny Gold Line’ with a launch date of this spring 2007. Sounds like a great opportunity, how is all that going?

Benny: I am really excited about this. I have been working hard on it. All the graphics are done and at the printer right now.

The line is about things that inspire me (skateboarding, track bikes, ditching work and enjoying your day). I will post some production pics from the press check on my site really soon.

FMCS: The NEW ERA cap has become quite a clothing icon and we know you dig designing for this headgear. What is it you love about this item?

Benny: The fitted is a great canvas. It is an everyday wear. I have been rocking caps forever and I am glad to have an opportunity to put my flip on it. My desk is currently filled with NEW ERA production samples right now.

We design a lot of hats that never get past the sample stages. I want to make every hat hot.

FMCS: We really dug the NIKE/HUF Quake pop-up store project. How did this materialize, was it hard work, and any plans to do that again in the future?

Benny: Thank you! The whole Huf Quake project was great. I spent about 2 years working on it. From original concept, design and execution of the shoes and clothing offering.

Nike came to us and asked us if we want to do a pop up store for the release. Of course we were stoked. I thought it was going to be up for a few weeks, but the shoe sold out so fast there was no need to have the store up past the weekend. Thank you to everyone for all the support!

FMCS: San Francisco is a rad city man! How long have you been out on the West Coast?

Benny: I have been out here almost 10 years. I came out the day after I graduated college. SF is the best. I don’t really see myself anywhere else.

FMCS: How does skating influence your design work?

Benny: Skating influences everything I do. If you are a skateboarder you know what I am talking about. It changes the way you look at things from the clothes you wear to the way you see your surroundings.

Every crack and curb is something to me. Skateboarding keeps me focused on the details.

FMCS: Any Shout outs and love to spread?

Benny: Thanks to Johnny from FMCS for getting this interview going, Sidney Lo for the portrait, my fiancée Hiromi and Keith for all the support over the years.