Mark Culmer has always had a passion for art and illustration which led him to study Fine Art, Graphics and Photography at Camberwell School of Art in London. He continued to develop his skills and design style after studying and in recent years felt the time was right to channel his efforts into developing his own independent brand.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Mark’s designs are largely influenced by Hip-Hop, which inspired the “Golden Era” Hip-Hop stamp collection \u2013 the first of his designs to be produced and sold. The design has been acknowledged and well received by a number of the Hip-Hop artists, such as Chuck D, Kool Keith, Maseo and Keith Murray, amongst others. Such positive feedback really encouraged Mark to keep going with his work.. And so began Madina \u2013 his own design company and online shop, which has seen the range of designs and products expanding year by year.<\/p>\n

As a small independent business, he values the support and feedback of the artists who have inspired him, his customers and friends. In turn, Mark tries to support other small businesses by sourcing products and printing from independent, local suppliers.<\/p>\n

All that said \u2013 Mark is on a mad mission to get his Golden Era stamps print signed by all the living artists that feature on it.<\/p>\n

What are your earliest memories of Hip Hop music?<\/strong>
\nBreakdancing – I did it in school, in the playground, at home, I guess it started from there. We\u2019d break to the old Electro albums and I\u2019d be fascinated by the cover art.<\/p>\n

When did you realise you wanted to start a clothing brand?<\/strong>
\nWell it just made sense, It was a recipe of three of my most favourite things\u2026 Design, Hip Hop & Fashion.<\/p>\n

How did Madina come about and when did it first start?<\/strong>
\nI was working on the Golden Era stamps design and feedback from friends inspired me to put it on a t-shirt. The business evolved kind of organically from there and has been growing steadily since 2011. Friends and family have always been very supportive.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nWho were your influences to start the brand?<\/strong>
\nIn it\u2019s current form I was inspired by Chuck D\u2019s line “Most of my heroes don\u2019t appear on no stamp” from “Fight the Power” by Public Enemy.<\/p>\n

When did you realise this could become a full time job?<\/strong>
\nI\u2019m not quite there with it being a full time job – I\u2019m working on it though.<\/p>\n

Describe the general process you go through to design and release of a piece of a clothing?<\/strong>
\nI am a one man operation. I have other work, so I fit designing in when Im listening to Hip Hop and feeling creative. I wish there was a formula to these types of designs but they tend to emerge, rather than me setting myself a brief and deadlines.<\/p>\n

Where do you get your inspiration from for your design?<\/strong>
\nHip-Hop culture – lyrics, record covers etc.<\/p>\n

How long does it usually take to construct a design?<\/strong>
\nVaries really, I could pluck one out of the sky and spend only a couple of hours others might take weeks.<\/p>\n

What is your favourite design you have made and why?<\/strong>
\nMy favourite design? That’s a tough one. I wouldn\u2019t want to single out any designs really. However, I have a Golden Era Stamps print on the wall and I mostly wear the R stamp t-shirt.<\/p>\n

Who are some of your favourite brands and designers?<\/strong>
\nI try not to pay too much attention with current trends, I have years of experience in design illustration so I trust my instincts. That said\u2026 I wear Adidas, Carhartt, Stussy as well as my own designs of course.<\/p>\n

How would you define the style your line exemplifies?<\/strong>
\nI like to think it\u2019s sophisticated and contains a message not just visual candy. I desire longevity in my creations and NOT \u2018fly by night\u2019 designs.<\/p>\n

<\/a>
\nWhat are the pros and cons of running an independent clothing brand?<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s risky I remember forking out a few hundred quick for my first design and thinking \u201care these gonna sell and how quickly?\u201d I took as little risk as possible. I wanted to run this in my own way without interference. I didn\u2019t seek investment just advice from friends.<\/p>\n

Have you had much feedback from the artists that inspire some of your designs?<\/strong>
\nYeeh, I get positive feedback from Hip Hop artists and Hip Hop fans.<\/p>\n

The brand is dedicated to the golden age of Hip Hop what are your thoughts on the current scene and it’s fashion?<\/strong>
\nIt\u2019s all good just harder to find\u2026. Hip Hop has grown over the years\u2026 The best artists are often underground. You might not find them on the radio but if you dig, you\u2019ll find them.<\/p>\n

Where can people buy Madina?<\/strong>
\nMadina Design products are available online here – http:\/\/madina.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

What advice do you have for aspiring clothing brands?<\/strong>
\nIt was important for me to maintain a sense of control and ownership of my work as a designer, because this is my passion, not just a business. I never had the option of just chucking cash at a project. I didn\u2019t borrow and never wanted to. I saved and spent my own money on the first batch of tees and prints and it grew from there. So my advice is not to take too big a risk. If what you’ve got is good, It shouldn\u2019t be necessary!<\/p>\n

What does the future hold for Madina?<\/strong>
\nMy hope for the future is that I will continue to do more collaborative work with other Hip Hop artists and producers.<\/p>\n

What’s your definition of Grindin’?<\/strong>
\nK.I.M! = Keep It Movin\u2019<\/p>\n

Interview by Duggs<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Mark Culmer has always had a passion for art and illustration which led him to study Fine Art, Graphics and Photography at Camberwell School of Art in London. He continued to develop his skills and design style after studying and in recent years felt the time was right to channel his efforts into developing his …<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13232,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[14,6],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n