Meet Strange Magic Apparel & Company in Phoenix, AZ

Today we’d like to introduce you to Scotty Cummings (SC) and Adam Garcia (AG) of Strange Magic.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
(SC): Strange Magic is a lifestyle streetwear brand that encourages passion, creativity and collaboration. Conceptualized in August of 2018, brought to life March of 2019 and continuing to grow for eternity.

Our company was created by me and Adam—we both share roots in Arizona. We like to joke that I’m the Strange half of Strange Magic and Adam is the magical half. I found my way back to Arizona after a few years based in Seattle. I’m passionate about street art, skate culture, vinyl records and am a big advocate for art and creativity in general. Adam loves pop culture, photography and all things design. We bonded over art, design and most importantly—streetwear.

(AG): Strange Magic really began amidst a series of smaller conversations like: “Have you seen this designer?” or “Have you heard of this brand?” Momentum then grew when deeper conversations developed around long-time dreams of starting our own individual brands and our mutual love for the culture of streetwear. We landed on the name Strange Magic after many iterations because at the end of the day, we couldn’t find another way to explain the creative process, other than it being a truly strange and magical experience.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
(AG): It’s definitely been a creative challenge trying to cultivate a name for ourselves as a streetwear apparel company that’s bigger than the market we’re in. But that’s what keeps us determined. We’re trying to inspire others to pursue their passion and shape the world around them. It’s more than just apparel, it’s a community.

(SC): Yeah, it’s been a journey. Our first launch was at Grand Arthaus in March of 2019 as a part of Phoenix First Friday. It was successful in large part due to the support of friends and family. Not to mention, a number of designs sold out that night. Since then, we’ve launched two more limited-run collections and will continue to host boutique launch events for all of our subsequent apparel lines. Our aim is to inspire and enforce our brand ideals and create a vibrant culture around Strange Magic.

Please tell us about Strange Magic Apparel & Company.
(AG): Strange Magic features limited-run collections of enchanting designs that work to bring the creative process to life through streetwear.

(SC): Yeah, really when you get down to it—we’re founded on collaboration. driven by passion and inspired by creativity.

(AG): Our apparel empowers you to share your most authentic self with the world. It’s an outward expression of what drives you and the creative forces at work in everything you do.

(SC): Strange Magic isn’t just apparel though. It’s a collective of like-minded individuals who inspire one another to take the spark of an idea and manifest it into reality. It’s the idea that through good vibes, dedication and hard work, we can shape the world around us. Whether you’re a designer, painter, chef, musician, or anything in between, Strange Magic is the common thread that brings all of our creative minds together.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
(AG): Definitely, I have a lot of fond memories. I was artistic since day one. I’ve always loved listening to music that wasn’t age appropriate *cough cough* Tool in seventh grade. But most of all, I loved eating PB&J sammies and drawing on things. Also, Ninja Turtles for life.

(SC): Yeah, I feel like Strange Magic has always been in my blood. As a kid I never wanted to be a firefighter or an astronaut—I wanted to create a streetwear/skate brand. I was always riding bikes or skateboarding with friends and listening to music, being quite the hooligan according to my mom and dad. Despite all that though, my mom was a huge influence on my interest in fashion, art and design—she always made sure I was looking fresh as a little kid… I’ve always been fascinated about how the clothes on your back could become an outward expression of who you are and what you stand for.

Pricing:

• Shirts $26-$30
• Hoodie $45
• Hats $32
• Pin $10
• Tote $11

Contact Info:

• Website: strange-magic.co
• Email: strangemagicapparel@gmail.com

Image Credit:
“About Us”/Introduction photo – Danny Upshaw @unheard_harmony
All Strange Magic product/lifestyle photography – @adammgarcia

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