Mark and Jessica from Fatlace!

One of the best things about being a designer is having the pleasure to meet many talented people. I’ve meet Jessica through close friends when I made the move to NY. Not only did she help me survive the big city, but she has open my eyes to a culture I had no clue of, the sneaker culture. Through Jessica I've met Mark. Mark enlightened me about the sneaker culture through an initial chat at the Wild ‘N Krazy Kidz party, thus it lead into this interview.



Since briefly working with you on a flyer recently I’ve become more aware of your work. To those who are not aware of what you do, tell us a little about yourself and your work?
Mark Arcenal. Designer. Amateur Race Car Driver. Car builder. I've been in the design world since 1994 working at many agencies. I left that world to go client side and went to GAP for a year and now I'm working for Nike as the Global Design Lead for Sport Culture.

Since opening Fatlace, how has it change you? And how has it changed the community?
I started fatlace in 99 and it was a blog about hip-hop and all the things I liked. Today, it's the same but with more people involved and more insight. The blog was def one of the first out there. I've had a few stints at opening retail doors but this time it was our time to shine. The store itself not only helps bring the younger generation into Japantown but it was built Green! Our architects and builders, form 3, thinks only green so it was built using sustainable and recycled woods.

Was Fatlace something you envision doing while you were young, to seek entrepreneurship?
It def was. I was always about the hustle. I started my first business in 95 and knew it was something I liked doing. I just hated doing the books. I actually had to relinquish all ownership of the store since taking the nike job but I still help with design and consulting.

How did you find yourself at Nike?
A good friend invited me to campus to check out the campus and meet people. Didn't know I was going to meet with VPs and higher ups. End of the day, they asked if I was interested in working... I've always wondered what it would be like so I didn't want that question looming over my back the rest of my life. I was offered a job as the creative director at ESPN a few years ago. I didn't take it and I still wonder.

What are your thoughts about working at a big corporation such as Nike?
Its great. Nike does a lot for the community. They've paid their dues, made mistakes, and have bounced back to become even a better company. The people they hire all have a similarity in them. All driven. The designers they have are the best out there.

Could you eventually see yourself working at another big corporation or would you change the pace after Nike?
Probably do a solo project.

You’re like a little contradiction (in good way of course). You work at a big corporation (nike) and you are a part of a small company (fatlace), both involve your interest in sneakers. How does your work in both places reflect one another? Does one job have more influence on the other?
I think I influence both. You take from the streets and learn from the big guys. Nikes accelerated my thought process and you learn from so many people here. Almost everyone has had their own project in the past.

I remember having this conversation with you at the Wild ‘N Krazy kids party. I had mention that this market for sneakers has a tight connection with its consumers and has its own culture. How in the future do find yourself redefining it or being a part of it when it evolves?
Sneakers are for life. I've felt the same way since working for champs at Hilltop Mall in Richmond in 1985. When sneaker culture hit the mainstream in 04, I tried to separate myself from it cause it disgusted me. I took my racing life serious for a few years and Look at me now. Back in the sneaker life.

What do you see it evolving it into?
Not much. I've been forecasting culture clashing for the past 3-4 years. Now everyone who's into cars, are into shoes, and are into bikes, and into etc... Fatlace is in a good position cause we've covered those bases and everyone knows it.

Cough. Cough. Sorry I'm a little under the weather.How in the world do you find time for YOU? How do you keep balance?
I keep grinding no matter what time it is. It's kinda nuts. I work till 2am everyday and have been doing it since 95. When I'm with my fam, I try to turn it off and play with my kid Brooklyn. When I'm racing is when I feel it's "my time". Never in the day do I just sit and veg. It's not in my personality. Ask anyone that knows me and I can't not be doing anything. Like now for example, I'm waiting for my project GTi getting tinted and I hit you up so I can finally get to answering you Q/A, listening to old school cure beats!

Lastly what can we look forward to seeing in the upcoming year for (Nike or Fatlace)?
As for Nike.. Amazing stuff.
And for Fatlace.. A few cool collabs and more products. The wall project begins. We're looking for really upcoming artist to paint up our main wall and have art openings. If you're fresh, hit us up. We'd love to see your work.

Thank you so much Mark! It is always a pleasure. Good luck with all of your future endeavors. We’ll be on the look out for you, Nike and Fatlace's goods!

Fatlace is located at
1630 Post St.
SF, CA 94115
www.fatlace.com