Jarod Hammond, a fashion designer and FIU student based in Miami, is redefining streetwear with his innovative approach. His designs push the boundaries of style, blending urban edge with fresh, unexpected elements that elevate the genre to new heights.
“This clothing brand motivates others and encourages them to pursue their passion, remain disciplined, and rock original wear that is comfortable and stylish,” Hammond says.
Hammond, a quiet and easygoing child, grew up in Jacksonville surrounded by his siblings. But at the age of 13, he began to withdraw and struggled to manage his anger and frustrations as he got older. He found himself in need of an outlet, and that’s where fashion comes in.
Hammond often sells his clothes at outdoor vendors and markets his items on social media platforms, such as Instagram and Tik Tok. He experiments with products at FIU’s Ratcliffe Art + Design Incubator, trying paint on fabrics, heat pressing vinyls, designing the products in Procreate, Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, before the products are shipped to a manufacturer in Pakistan
“Our prices range from tees at $20, to hoodies at $55, currently,” Hammond says, adding that he ships anywhere. “We’ve made over $2,000 in sales from our previous collection of hoodies.”
His clothing business began about two years ago when he turned the first prototype into the real thing. While a senior who attended the Frank H. Peterson Academies of Technology Hammond painted his first logo, which defined JDGRAFFICS.
“I originally drew the shark logo when I was in 8th grade, but it was a sketch of a shark missile, almost in the form of a human,” Hammond says. “I drew this when I was angry to express myself, so I kept the angry expression on the shark but used the brand to promote a positive message.”
Lauren Stone, who bought one of Hammon’s hoodie’s a month ago, said, “I wear it twice a week, as it’s not only comfortable but people ask me questions about where I got it all the time.”
“I have an incoming brand partner, Claudy Louis, who is starting to get more involved,” Hammond says of a second-year international business major he will be working with. ”Our audience caters to anyone with a passion, non-specifically, and those seeking to be disciplined.”
One of the slogans seen on Hammon’s items is: “Supposed to be relaxing this passion makes that impossible.” That’s a callback to a J. Cole lyric on his song “Heaven’s EP,” which is featured on Dreamville’s D-Day Compilation album.
“J. Cole is an artist that can resemble the energy of JDGRAFFICS,” Hammond explains. “The quote itself resonates well with those who are passionate, as grinding and operating in your passion isn’t as relaxing as we love that passion.”
Hammond’s streetwear collection is attracting customers including fashion models, each week. Networking, collaboration, and a continuous effort to build a community are helping defining the brand. New connections promote an uplifting network, contributing to overall success and customer engagement.
“This brand brings the impossible to life and doesn’t only promote clothing,” Hammond says. “We’re promoting a movement and an experience for our customers. The movement is, ‘Nothing is impossible.’ Through our usage of motivational quotes, texts, and personal positivity, others will be able to identify our designs as positive and make an effort to excel amongst their passions. Together, we will build a community with supporters to allow for connections, creative involvement, and for others with a passion, to tell their story.”
Hammon is looking to expand his streetwear brand by meeting other designers and testing new marketing strategies, including open vendors and online marketing.
