It's My Style Show

What makes Becky the Great ahead of the game in Custom Designing is her impressive ability to separate each customer individually and give them a piece of art that represents them in the most personal way possible. Over the years Becky has not only used her talent to land some of the industry's hottest performers and athletes but Becky humbleness has helped her continue on with great success in custom designing. I was able to catch up with Becky and get the low-down on her career, her accomplishments, and what it means to her to be GREAT!

How did you get started doing custom Design?
I was working for a middle school in 03 and I put on a play with my 14 aftercare kids. A dance part in the play demanded 12 shirts and hats. I called the local airbrush shop and the prices were unbelievable, so I bought what I needed and taught myself. Then a friend asked me to do some stuff for him and it blew up from there.
You are known for working with most of Nashville’s biggest rap artist and other celebrities and athletes can you tell us a few?

Yes, I have done many things for Anthony Hamilton, Nappy Roots, and DJ Jelly (ATL). I have also designed exclusively for 50 Cent, Eminem, Rick Ross, Katt Williams Trina, David Banner, and NFL players like Dante Culpepper, Clint Hart, Roman Oben (Chargers) and Jacob Ford (Titans).

You call yourself Becky the Great, what is the meaning behind the Great?
Well, I didn’t give myself that name, but because I was good at a wide range of things, someone just gave me the name. But NOW, it has a greater meaning to me. Everyday, I live like it’s my last. When I’m gone, I want people to remember me for the life I’ve lived, and how I’ve helped people. It’s fine to be GREAT at doing shirts, but its FAR better to be GREAT for being a humanitarian and a ROLE MODEL. I truly believe being popular is fine, but it’s what you do with your popularity to help others that matter the most. To be GREAT means to be LARGER than usual, I don’t want to be the average. I want to be GREATER.
Being in Tennessee and doing fashion it’s hard! How do you stay focused and driven in such a slow area but keeping up an ever so changing industry?
Being that I am a CUSTOM designer, I don’t have a LINE. I can change along with the industry. I pay close attention to current trends along with popular trends from the past. I try to implement CURRENT trends in my designs. Nothing worse than OUTDATED custom clothing~ lol
Are there any stores in the Tennessee area you would love to see your work displayed?
PHATKAPS!!! If I seen my clothing sold there- I think I'll feel like I MADE IT!
Custom Design is a very interesting field that I love seeing the different artist and their different styles so what makes Becky the Great different from the other custom designers?
I think what makes me different from other designer's is, I don’t just make shirts and try to get a celeb to take a picture in it for the sake of exposure to my line. I design according to the individual’s personality. I put thought in every piece. Like, Anthony Hamilton’s style isn’t like Young Bucks style, so why would I make them the exact same styled shirt? That doesn’t make sense to me. I like to get a feel of someone’s style before I design for them.
You won the 2008 SEA Award for Best Clothing Line and you were nominated for the 2009 SEA Award for Best Clothing Line. How does it feel to be recognized for all your hard work?
It feels GREAT! I’m also nominated again for the 2010 awards. It lets me know that people respect what I do. I don’t really campaign to get votes. I like to get them the right way. I want people to vote for me because they like my work and feel like I deserve the award. Not because they like me as a person.

I’ve seen some of your work, but what all do you design can you give me a run-down?
I mainly design t shirts, shoes, jackets, jeans and some hats. But I’m more known for my T-shirts.
What has been your favorite project to work on so far?
That’s a good question, I did some work for an artist name RIP CASHVILLES ACE, he wasn’t tight on his budget and it allowed me to be as creative as possible. He ordered at SWAROVSKI stoned hoodie that had over 2000 stones in it. A Lot of times I limited in my creativity because a lot of people can’t afford more than the average lettering.
Are you working for a company or do you work solo?
SOLO! I started working with a friend named Grass from Futurekicks.com when I first started but since 04, I’ve been doing it alone. No Street team, nothing. Well, my daughter helps me occasionally, but that’s about it.
When you look back from when you first started till now, what would you say your biggest accomplishment is?
My GREATEST accomplishment was the day I met a legend from the ROCK STEADY crew (NY) name Crazy Legs. I designed a shirt for him and met with him and LOVED IT and I'll never forget that day!!
So tell me what do you think the future holds for you and your fashion career?
I’m working towards remaining CUSTOM and open up my own store in Atlanta. I plan on bringing other designers in with me, and have an entire DESIGN staff for any design needs. A one stop shop!! I also want to hold classes for at risk teens teaching them how to become an entrepreneur in the fashion industry!
How can people get a hold of you when they need some designs done?
I’m ALWAYS on twitter so, if u want to find me, I’m there @jusBECKY. Or to view my work go to MYSPACE.COM/futureairbrush
Interview by: Lakeithea Anderson