Meet the Men of Work Where?
Workwear has historically been prescriptive. There’s always been a dress code, a uniform with very strict guidelines. We’ve seen example of this over the decades. Denim for construction workers in the 1920’s. Full-on suiting for guys on Wall Street in the 1980’s. Yet over the last decade, sartorialists, designers and boundary-breakers alike started to rewrite the rules. Now, it’s less about what you should wear and more about what do you want to wear.
For our March Work Where? campaign, we explore the changing landscape of work with people redefining the 9-5 and workwear as we know it. We sat down with six guys who are leaders in their chosen industries and have found their own spin on the “work uniform.” They aim to be just as happy in their clothes as they are in their jobs. Read below to see how they get to work in styles that works for whatever is on their agenda.
Jimmie Fails | Actor, Writer & Storyteller
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I am an actor, writer, songwriter and musician. I like to say that I am a storyteller because those are all forms of storytelling.
What does "work" mean to you?
Work means doing whatever it takes to get the best result of the task at hand. Being relentless.
How do you dress for work?
I dress to express myself, so it really depends. Sometimes I like to be comfortable in joggers and a hoodie and other times I like to put in more effort. I really like to accessorize with necklaces and bracelets and rings I think it adds flare.
What makes the outfit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
The outfit I wore for the shoot is perfect because it’s a little bit flashy, very stylish, but also very comfortable. I like to be able to move freely.
What is a typical work day like for you?
Typical work day is reading a bit, writing a bit, rehearsing material, and watching movies if I can. Also, exercise is very important to me because it helps me focus.
How do you approach your work?
I approach my work relentlessly. I try to always be better than my last project. I am my own worst critic, so I am very hard to please. Never settle for less.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
I actually think the career chose me. I’ve always just wanted to tell stories and I ended up being able to do so. I am just grateful.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
I reached this point in my career through sticking with it. Me and my best friend had an idea for a movie when we were teenagers and we worked on it for 5 years. We did a Kickstarter, made a short film, and went to Sundance where we would eventually meet the production companies that would fund our movie and distribute (A24 and Plan B). Never expected the movie we made to do as well as it did. Again, I am grateful.
Todd Palmerton | Experiential Marketing & Festival Activation
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I do business development for some of the world’s largest festival promoters.
What does "work" mean to you?
The amount of time you spend at work is more than half of your life when you really think about it. For me, work needs to be something I’m passionate about, that I truly enjoy and somewhere I feel like I can make a difference. A lot of people are stuck in jobs where they don’t enjoy what they do and that’s really sad. Every time I’ve gone after a job, I put a lot of thought into how I’m going to get a job that utilizes all of my strengths, that challenges me, keeps me motivated and allows me to learn.
How do you dress for work?
I dress for the occasion. If I’m going to be in the room with people where I need to be more dressed up, I’ll definitely come correct. Generally speaking, I like the simplicity of jeans and T-shirts—I think it’s a classic look. I think if you’re comfortable in what you are working in, you’ll be more comfortable when you’re at work.
What makes the suit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
The suit was a classic, timeless look. It was casual but professional. There was no tie, I get to wear cool sneakers with it—that’s how I made it my own. The fact that I could rock the shoes and not be so buttoned up with it, that’s what made it so comfortable and fun for me.
What is a typical work day like for you?
There’re never enough hours in the day to finish all the work that you have so for me it’s all about balance. My work day is always about balance. How can I prioritize the things that absolutely need to get done that day and be okay with the stuff I didn’t get to, while making my family and my friends an equal priority?
How do you approach your work?
I start everyday by reading some core values of me. It gets my mind into work mode. I approach every day trying to accomplish something and trying to grow myself and the team I work with. I try to approach each day with being remarkable from a leadership perspective. It helps me to manage 12 meetings a day, 250 emails a day and 90+ flights a year.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
Being able to be happy and effect change and do something in an industry that I’m passionate about was first and foremost for me. I was looking for a career where I could be a part of creating incredible experiences for fans of music and arts. I’ve been really passionate about cultural zeitgeist, entertainment and experiential stuff from my early days of being a promoter and cutting my teeth there. I’ve always been a promoter at heart. Nothing gets me going more than working in this job and seeing 100,000 people having the time of their lives. For me, being a part of that is remarkable. I was looking for that in my job as being a part of something that was delivering creative and really highly experiential moments that are emotional for fans.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
My path was not a straight line and it’s not anywhere I thought I’d end up. So, I’ve just been holding on for the ride and happy for the process. Cut my teeth as a promoter with a group of friends in San Francisco. We opened up a lot of bars, restaurants and music venues in San Francisco. That found me in the music industry doing bookings and managing of DJ’s. Took a huge 180 turn getting hired by Red Bull working there for eight years overseeing a lot of their festival portfolio for the US and experiential marketing on the global side. Since I’ve spent the last 13 years basically living inside of subwoofer going to fifteen festivals a year, I became really knowledgeable about the festival industry. Two years ago, Live Nation created a job for me in the business development space because of my breath of knowledge.
Jon Boogz | Movement Artist
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I am a movement artist, director and choreographer
What does the word work mean to you?
For me work means creating art. My life is fully engulfed in creating meaningful artistry. Being a movement artist, choreographer & film maker everything I do is art. So, work means art for me.
How do you dress for work?
I like to dress comfortable yet stylish. I love colors. I like standing out with what I choose wear. What a person wears, can tell you a lot about who they are. I have a lively personality, so I tend to dress like my personality.
What makes the suit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
Well, being a movement artist, all my life dressing fresh is a big part of the culture. Popping being the style I’ve been studying for over 20 years now; suit jackets and vibrant colors were a part of the style of dress for the dance I do. So, having the navy blue suit on with a yellow and blue shirt underneath, with the beanie was perfect. It screamed artist, popper, sophisticated and vibrant all wrapped into one outfit.
What is a typical work day like for you?
A typical work day for me starts off with yoga first and then some green juice. Getting my body moving gives me ideas for film, dance and creative direction in general. Then I’ll proceed to write for a few hours. Fleshing out any old or new treatment ideas that I have in mind for the month, year etc. Then in the evening I’ll dance for a bit or study film. Those being my two biggest loves and jobs. I like to study the greats.
How do you approach you work?
I approach every job like a challenge. How well can we execute this film or live show? I enjoy putting ideas together from scratch and seeing a beautiful final product. A big part of any job for me is assembling the right team. It takes a village for any film or live production. I love getting the right team to execute the tasks at hand. Assigning roles and everyone working to the best of their ability at that specific role. That’s how I approach any job.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
The most important thing for me was that I wanted to do something I was passionate about. I want to do something that I can’t wait to do when I wake up in the morning. Ever since I was a kid, movies and street dance were things I enjoyed the most. Dancing professionally, filmmaking, directing etc. were my biggest dreams. So, I went for it. It was extremely challenging in the beginning, but all the hard work has been starting to finally pay off.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
After doing a year of dancing on Carnival cruise line, I moved to LA in 2009. I wasn’t booking any work for the 1st year or so I started street performing on 3rd street promenade in Santa Monica and Venice Beach until 2014. Those were the grind days. 10 hours days to hopefully make $60-$75 bucks. While street performing my friend told me about a video audition for Cirque du Soleil. I submitted my video and got offered a full contract for the Michael Jackson One show at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. That opportunity changed my life. That gave me the money I needed to start producing my own art. I started creating short films and eventually left Cirque and started my own production company. I’m currently touring a live show called “Love Heals All Wounds” and working on my first feature film. I also have a documentary coming out on Netflix later this year.
Jamal Blake-Williams | Bar Owner & Entrepreneur
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I am an operating partner of three bars/venues Harper & Rye, Peacekeeper and The Lot SF and involved in a total of five here in San Francisco.
What does "work" mean to you?
“Work” as noun transformed me into what I had to do to survive. Turned into a way of life, what I love, what I am passionate about, what I enjoy and what my partner and I describe as “What we do” while smiling. “Work” has given me the opportunity to do things I could never dream of. The ability to travel the world, support those who I love and give back to people in need.
How do you dress for work?
In the past I bartended six to seven nights weekly, so I usually dress pretty similar. I always had my own flavor, style, functionality and comfort with STYLE leading the way.
What makes the outfit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
The tops and bottoms fit great, looked great and were clothes I would definitely pick out when shopping. I loved the retro look with a modern fit of the leopard shirt. I loved the trench coat too but it’s not as practical to be wearing behind the bar.
What is a typical work day like for you?
Typically work days for me are filled with the small things. As an operator there are a million small non-glamorous tasks that accumulate. I attack them and try to get as much of them done as I can. I still keep some shifts behind the bar to keep a feeling for the clients and staff. I also try to prioritize issues that come up and need my attention. Schedule, product, checking on financials and addressing all from lost items, setting up for private events, printing menus, watering plants, making sure things aren’t broken etc. I’ve learned that constant attention to detail ensure that problems don’t build and become overwhelming. Some may call me OCD, but I call it being a productive and effective as an operator/owner.
How do you approach your work?
I approach work based on if I was a customer what would I expect in return for my hard-earned money and then try exceeding that. I along with my partners want to create positive, welcoming spaces that offer a break from the surrounding world. I feel it necessary to always strive to evolve, learn and move forward.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
I would say that my career chose me. I was always in hospitality since I was 13 years old. Very early I realized I liked the feeling of providing service, a positive experience and a fun atmosphere. 26 years later I still enjoy it. I have dug ditches, sold clothing, parked cars and been a mover.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
I worked in every position in a restaurant from busser, dish washer, host, waiter, prep cook. On my 21st birthday they asked me if I wanted to learn how to bartend and I started right away, loving it. After college I moved back to San Francisco. With no real big city bartending under my belt the only job I could find was very unpleasant. Although I didn’t enjoy the situation, I learned what I didn’t want and who I didn’t want to work for. After stopping working in that situation I found myself selling jeans to make a living always wanting to bartend again. Soon I was introduced to my now partner and his partners. This chance encounter changed my future in a sense. I wouldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. I hit the ground running and worked as much as possible becoming the Lead Bartender/Bar Manager. After a couple of years, I was given the opportunity to open up a second location with them running both bars. I worked and worked, saving and learning. After 7 1/2 years we found a location that would become my first bar Harper & Rye and with the support of friends, family and my partners become what has become the steppingstone for the success that I have today. 6 years later with multiple spaces, time to consult for friends and for business opportunities I can really say that I am grateful, feel very humble but understand the steps time that I have put in to be where I am and where I am going.
Apexer | Street Artist
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I make ideas come to life through artwork.
What does "work" mean to you?
Work is an action in our society that results in one receiving monetary gain. I have my own business, so I work but I rarely feel like I’m working when I’m making art.
How do you dress for work?
My work attire changes with the environment that I am painting in. Some days I’m dressed up and others are more casual. The only thing that might give me away would be a drop of paint on me, maybe.
What makes the outfit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
That’s a classic comfortable outfit to run around tow— from meetings to galleries and back to studio.
What is a typical work day like for you?
I get up and meditate and try to have a quiet morning. Then check emails/ make phone calls for a couple hours. Eat lunch if they day is going well then back to emails/proposals etc. Then I’ll try to meet with a friend and think about new projects. After all of this I’ll ether go to the studio or go back to design work. This is how I think the day goes but it’s more of a jumble of all of this throughout the whole day and weeks.
How do you approach your work?
My work is my private time. My approach to it is very serious and respectful that I have it.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
I didn’t choose this career it chose me.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
I can list company’s like Spotify, Go Daddy, Outside Lands Music Festival, Nissan or Puma but the real magic is with people. Be real with yourself and others and you can go anywhere you want to. I really enjoy making ideas come to life. It’s hard work that you can make fun.
Grady Brannan | Photographer
Give us your elevator pitch. What do you do?
I am a 28 year old, professional photographer based in San Francisco, California. I shoot everything from live music, travel, fashion and sports.
What does "work" mean to you?
The word work often has a negative connotation with many people but for me "work" is anything you put effort into in order to succeed or reach a goal. Whether it is waking up at 6am to build a set for a photoshoot, hustling to get in the right position at a concert to get the perfect shot, or trying to make your prom tuxedo look appropriate for a party at a celebrity’s house, I love to work!
How do you dress for work?
It all depends on what kind of work we are talking about. but for photography I like to be comfortable yet presentable. My wardrobe also has to be durable... nothing is worse than showing up to a photoshoot with a rip down the leg of your pants. I love a stretchy but fashionable pair of denim jeans, comfortable and well-fitting t-shirt and a breathable jacket or sweatshirt for 90% of my "work".
What makes the outfit you wore in our shoot perfect for the work that you do?
The denim was light, very comfortable and fit perfectly. The shirt fit perfectly, and the jacket was warm but very light and breathable at the same time.
What is a typical work day like for you?
My daily schedule fluctuates like crazy. Sometimes I am waking up at 6 am to set up a shoot or location scout, other mornings, I am waking up at noon because I was at a concert until 3 am. my afternoons are generally the same routine of working from my laptop responding to emails or editing images. all of my work is either early in the morning or late into the night
How do you approach your work?
I approach my profession with extreme optimism. With the extreme variety in types of photoshoots I do, I often find myself shooting something I have never shot before or I find myself in situations that I have never experienced. You have to have an open mind with an unpredictable job because you never know what you might find yourself excelling at or a new thing you have never done that brings you a lot of joy.
What did you look for when choosing this career?
To be honest, I didn’t choose this career. Photography was never something that I expected to do professionally. It was simply a hobby that I fell in love with at a young age. After college I started getting paid for it and everything snowballed from there. I always knew that whatever I was going to end up doing as a profession, I wanted it to be something that challenged me but also something that I enjoy... I guess you could say that I got very lucky that photography kind of just fell into my lap.
How did you reach this point in your career? Take us through your resume.
I began as a skateboard photographer in high school, shooting for numerous skate brands like Independent trucks, Santa Cruz Skateboards and Thrasher Magazine. When I went to college, I began shooting parties and college culture, which led to live music. After many internships and a lot of hard work, I found myself working for magazines like Rolling Stone, Billboard Magazine and many other large publications. These days I mainly work directly with musicians on tours or trips, documenting not only their live performances but their everyday life in more of a documentarian style. I absolutely love it because I still have the opportunity to challenge myself to be better every day while traveling around the world with some of my best friends, going to concerts and just enjoying life in general. Photography has taken me places I never thought I would go and is also the best outlet ever to unload all of my wound up creative energy. I love work!
See it all come to life in our Work Where? campaign for him and her. Then show us how you’re evolving your workwear style on Instagram by tagging @bananarepublicmens and #BRMens.
