Features
Thread Heads – Hollywood Overdose
Interviewer: Shane Richardson
Company: Hollywood Overdose
Full Name: Lamar Timmins
Role In Company: EVP Sales / Marketing
Webstore: www.hollywoodoverdose.com
How long has the clothing company been going? How did it all start?
HO: It started in fall 2007, as a partnership with a good buddy of mine (Vladimir Karlov).
It’s basically the story of two aspiring entrepreneurs with an appreciation and understanding of the hardcore music scene in Montreal (Canada).
We had the knowledge, the plan, the contacts and the perfect name Hollywood Overdose. It was just a matter of raising the funds to get the business going.
After being denied business loans, our young college minds made some very lucrative investments (when the economy was somewhat safer!) and found a few silent investors, which then gave us that little boost we needed to get things going.
What were your main goals when you first set out?
HO: For us, it was all about getting into the music scene. We wanted the Hollywood Overdose brand name to receive the same recognition as any big band name would, in the scene.
Have you achieved or surpassed these?
HO: Hollywood Overdose has succumbed to continuous growth and recognition on a global scale since its creation (thanks to the internet). It has come by many obstacles in the past, but has proven its success.
We believe that the brand has a lot to offer and therefore our goals must change all the time to meet current trends or demands in the music scene.
What is the ethos behind your company?
HO: Hollywood Overdose is about music, individuality and the strength to succeed in life’s many little obstacles.
How do you come up with designs?
HO: Hollywood Overdose is inspired by what the music industry brings our way. With more recent designs, we’ve been privileged to work with aspiring tattoo artists and local talent. The idea is to keep our image fresh while meeting our fans fashion tastes.
Could you please explain the design process from idea to product shipment?
HO: Our lines work by season usually (i.e. fall, winter, spring, summer). Everything must be sold out in the previous season, before the new shipment is ready. Basically, the team decides what style of garments to work on for the new line.
We then decide how many men and womens designs will be made, and what accessories will be produced. Once the designs are in place, we edit them to the exact size and quality needed for printing. Afterwards, it’s off to the print shop. In the meantime, we notify all our vendors about the upcoming merchandise, as well as our sponsored bands.
When everything is ready, we host a grand photo shoot with awesome aspiring models, to get pics for our websites and advertising accounts. Voila! Everything is then ready for sale online at www.hollywoodoverdose.com or in store (Canada).
Do you feel band endorsements are key to getting you noticed? HO: Band endorsements are key, they give great exposure at low costs, and you get to meet very interesting people in the business. It definitely does take effect especially promotion during the shows of those bands and of course being recognised on their MySpace pages.
But one thing we have learnt is that endorsements work both ways, keep both sides happy and you will get complete cooperation. So, here’s to all our bands, models and promoters, chek’em out on our site.
Which of your current or past ranges has been most popular?
HO: Our GUNS hoodie will always remain the pioneer of its kind, very popular and it will be available in more colours soon. The Talk Shit shirt was a complete sell out at Warped Tour ‘08 and remains an online favourite, but we believe that this summers’ choices will gain many sales as well.
Have you found anyone trying to copy your designs, if so what have you done about it?
HO: It’s a cutthroat industry and people will try to profit of your artwork. There has been copyright infringement on Hollywood Overdose artwork, but with proper negotiations, the situation has been taken care of. We do ask that all distribution inquiries be made before hand.
What would you say to people thinking about starting their own clothing range?
HO: It is a huge commitment and requires a lot of discipline and ambition. Understand that there will be rough times. But in the long run, all your hard work will pay off.
Be prepared, and understand the industry. Hollywood Overdose has made some great relationships and friends. It has come a long way and still has a lot to learn.
We hope to keep building and reinforcing the brand name, as well as the trust in our fans.
Anything they need to watch out for?
HO: Haters! Choose the right people to do business with. Not everyone has the same intentions or share the same vision as you do.
Finally, plug your current range:
HO: I invite everyone to browse the brand new website coming out this May, with lots of new gear and promotions.
We offer worldwide shipping at low cost.
Please join our MySpace, as well as the official Facebook group.
Hollywood Overdose Webstore
Hollywood Overdose MySpace Page
Hollywood Overdose Facebook Group
Hollywood Overdose Smartpunk Store
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