Elevate Talks: David Méndez Alonso
We had the pleasure to talk with David Méndez Alonso. He is an artist, designer and creator of Outsiders Division brand. He has worked for Levi’s, Adidas, Perrier and Nissan, just to name a few. His works have been exhibited in Mexico, Spain, Valencia, London, China, Germany and South-Korea. Recently, he did the art direction for the Spring/Summer 2018 Campaign of Lazy Oaf.
Could you introduce yourself, please?
I am David Méndez Alonso, a sensitive guy with a particular taste for color.
Was it tough to decide what to study?
Not for me. Sadly I can only work on things that are strongly related with creativity. I begun studying Fine Arts to get an imaginary of my own and develop as an artist.
Which was your first job?
I worked as a waiter in a bar and serving kebabs in the university. My first job in an agency as a creative was in Soon in Tokyo, a Barcelona-based agency. I had become great friends with my coworkers there. As for commissions, back in 2009, a cultural newspaper gave me the opportunity to illustrate some of its sections.
How would you describe your current job?
It’s an accumulation of errors that together form something beautiful.
How did your conception of the relationship between design and art change since you’ve got your first degree in the Unviersidade de Vigo until now?
My education as a designer at the university was non-existent. Let’s say that they helped me develop certain concepts and taught me how to manipulate materials, theorize ideas and a lot about art history but they never got me to think of design as an art possibility.
My interest on products, fashion and design has been self-taught. Each of those concepts, their systems and their intentions are the same; format is the only thing that changes.
What inspires you?
Authenticity, emotions, rebellion, youth, Fauvism, Brutalist art, Brooklyn in the 80s, the color yellow, Gus van Sant, Morrissey, just to name a few.
What makes you angry?
Apathy, the lack of authenticity, the replicants and the search for success without depth and dedication.
How did Outsiders Division come about?
Outsiders Division was a graffiti I did as a teenager and it’s a concept that has haunted me for a really long time and with which I feel very identified.
In 2012, I had the opportunity to exchange a few words with an art collector who usually bought my works in a gallery that represented me. I have always been obsessed with hats and considered them cult objects and after several conversations with him we decided to create a limited edition collection which at first was more linked with art rather than with fashion. The collection was very successful and we sold each and every model really fast.
Outsiders Division started as a project that focused on selling caps as accessories and over time it has become a brand that launches two clothing collections on the catwalk every year and has a wide range of garments and accessories.
If you had to mention your top 3 projects/works, what would they be?
1.Hotel Oasis, which is a furniture project developed with StudioStore, an architecture studio.
2. The Outsiders Division’s first collection presented on the “Fantasy Forever” catwalk.
3. The development and concept of the last Lazy Oaf spring/summer 2018 campaign.
Which are the type of clients you’d rather don’t work with?
I don’t have too many prejudices as long as the project is interesting. It would be difficult for me to get along with people who do not share my same principles and with minds that are way too closed even if opening up means leaving their comfort zone and learning new things.
How would you define “being cool”?
Being part of that different 1%, encouraging differences and living without fear.
What’s your favourite colour?
I like every color, especially yellow. I hate black, I don’t use it too much.
What is your biggest challenge?
Being able to live from my work and be happy.
How do you see yourself in 12 months?
Even if it sounds cliché, I wish I could be the best version of myself.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would like to be stimulating my illusion and creativity. Thinking about the long-term gives me anxiety and prevents me from enjoying the present which is my reality. If I’d fast forward my life 5 years I guess I’d see Outsiders Division as something more stable and consolidated, but I am sure it won’t be that way. History always stays unwritten. If I knew what was going to happen, nothing would make any sense at all.
Bonus Track: Can you recommend any movie / TV series / record / artist / Instagram account?
2. Kali Uchis’ last album, Isolation, that I heard yesterday for the first time.
3. Toni Miralda’s work. The great master.
