Ever since 2014, Javier has been keeping himself busy, cementing himself within the streetwear scene of L.A. Originally studying Fashion Design at L.A Trade-Tech, Javier was eating a grilled cheese when he spotted Jamal Gunn Becker, a local graffiti artist, walking through his campus. It was at that moment Javier stopped what he was doing, followed Jamal to find himself immersed in the world of Sign Painting. This split decision to follow Jamal Gunn Becker, later became his new path, he swapped courses and enrolled into what is one of the oldest courses run within the US. 

As time has gone on, Javier has been able to become the go to guy when it comes to L.A. sign painting with his company Mid City Signs. Besides the usual store fronts such as FTP and Midnight studios, Javier has even worked on Coachella and Camp Flog Gnaw. 

During a visit we made to Complexcon 2018, we stumbled across Javier and Mid City Signs instantly falling in love with what they do and how they go about doing it. A laid back approach filled with friendly smiles and welcoming hellos is what makes Mid City Signs what it is working perfectly with the city’s way of life. 

To be able to showcase Javier’s work we reached out to him to work together alongside Vans to produce a three piece collaboration inspired by the L.A. shop fronts. 

Starting off with the Vans Era LX. The loudest pair of the pack, we pieced together a series of Mid City Signs designed lettering and branded footbed, this pair is built to stand out against the rest. The shoe also features a vulcanised glossy cream midsole with paint splatters on the outsole.

 

Second in line is the fan favourite Vans Old Skool LX. Based more so on the sign painting process and the half finished job. Referencing the stencilling used to prep the lettering we added tonal branding to the toe box, whilst making the stripes featured on the sidewalls cream. As a nod to the trial & error method used by sign painters when selecting a typeface and the early days of old school Vans customs, the midsole comes with a series of differently designed Footpatrol branding. 

The Final piece to our colourful puzzle with Vans brings up to the more subtly designed, Vans Sid LX. To recreate the dusty paint covered sheets used, this pair is dressed in cream toned paint flecked canvas uppers placed on top of a contrasting black midsole. Besides making the sole stand out against the upper, the trim lines that are showcased on the shoe have also been filled to contrast against the midsole and placed alongside a series of paint splatters.

To be able to create an authentic feel to the campaign we asked Javier to take us on a day in the life of Mid City Signs walking us through his journey, some of the spots he’s worked on across L.A. and share with us his view on where he sees Mid City Sign going. 

This special collaborative project is launching online and in-stores, Saturday 29th May. Also, take a closer look at the gift with purchase that will be available for those who purchase this latest collaboration within our London store! (Whilst stocks last).