It was 2009 and X-Men Origins: Wolverine came out in theatres. I was in eighth grade and admittedly, a huge Marvel Comics fan. Although the movie did not live up to many’s expectations, the accompanying video game of the same title had critics raving. A young Trevor knew he had to have it in his possession; the only thing standing in the way was a $50 price tag. I pleaded with my parents to buy the game for me but that was a lost cause. I was twelve. Going on thirteen, but no where near the age to have a job.

Then, inspiration struck in a Michael’s store. I was shopping with my mother when I came across a packet of Ed Hardy Temporary tattoos for $2.50. In 2009, anything with Ed Hardy on it was a high commodity (only the “cool” middle schoolers woar it). The packet came with 30 different tattoos; I figured I could sell each tattoo individually for a $1, $1.50 even. If I sold two packets, I would have enough to buy my videogame! And I did, plus a little extra for some candy!

Ever since then, I have been bit by the entrepreneurial bug. I was my mom’s “little business man.” As I grew older, I grew a deep interest in fashion. Combining both my love for clothes, and my business mindset, I decided to take my chances at a clothing line. Towards the end of eighth grade, I started *R*O*V*E*R*T* Original Designs. I would visit my local Walgreens and buy blank trucker hats which I would then draw custom images on. I was making money. I soon up the ante in high school with a new line Tye Die. Clothing. I would tie dye shirts, socks, shorts, and hats. I even had a website which allowed me to have sells all over the country and twice in the United Kingdom. I was making money!

It was the summer going into my senior year of highschool and someone asked me, “So what’s next? Are you going to tie dye shirts forever?” It was then that it dawned on me- I limited my own progression as a designer by focusing only on what my peers would buy. Tie dying shirts and drawing on hats was no where near the caliber of design that I was looking to accomplish. So I went online, bought a sewing machine, and taught myself how to sew. In 2013, I released my current clothing line, TRVxBLK (pronounced Trev Blake.) Now my focus is less on the money and more on creating items to practice and perfect my craft. I would describe my current design aesthetic as a spin on basic forms, prints, and colors to create a dynamic effect on the consumer’s eye.