introducing: jahlanio

From serving as the head graphic designer for international fashion house Gabriel Salcedo, designing cover art for industry artists such as Desiigner, and promoting the soft launch of his new clothing line 4Seasons, designer Jahlanio remains a creative powerhouse. We sat down with the head of Lava Design House himself to learn a little more about the brand and his plans for the future. 

Hi Jahlanio! What’s your approach to the visual aesthetic of LDH, and do you want to change the design, art direction or photography? Who are your favorite creatives to work with?

My approach to the visual aesthetic of my brand is usually simple but meaningful. If you look at most of my designs you could grasp that feeling from them. I don’t really want to change that style. It fits me as a person. I know it’s always great to introduce yourself to new flows and styles, which I do now, but to keep the same conceptual idea of something appearing simple with a meaningful impact to the audience is my aim. My favorite creatives to work with is my brother and founder of 4Seasons Clothing, Gabriel who is the founder of Gabriel Salcedo. Also, the person who taught me the basics of design programs, Shamar Ansby aka my Sensei.  They truly understand and trust my mind. They believe in my creativity.

That sounds dope! So what can we expect in the coming months? 

You guys can expect more creative artistry covers for industry and upcoming artists. More designs for Gabriel Salcedo. Also, I might have a surprise in December for Art Basel week. It’s still in the works but it’s going to be major. I’m building my website for 4Seasons right now so I'm aiming to do a soft launch very soon. I can’t wait for that, honestly. This is something I've been designing in my mind for a while now so it’s going to be amazing to see it brought to life. 

We will definitely be on the lookout for 4Seasons. What are your plans for the future of your brand?

Thank you! My major plan is to have an army of creatives. Whether its graphic designers, photographers, painters, tattoo artists, architects, whoever. I want an army to march behind me and produce so many dope things for the world. I believe it’ll make it a more positive place. Whenever I see dope things I get a great feeling so I want others to grasp that feeling. An earth without ART is just “eh.” That’s my plan for Lava Design House. My plan for 4Season is to aim for a higher level. Create nothing but dope pieces to sell to the masses. Host fashion shows and what not. See celebrities wearing the garments. I really want to see Kanye and Jay Z wearing it. So yeah, I want this brand to be next to Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès and them.

What would you say most people like about working with you?

I believe my willpower to not give up on their vision and being able to literally bring it to life. I always look forward to completing the job first before anything, making sure I understand their vision well. When it comes time for execution they are amazed. That’s what makes me keep going. That’s what fuels me.

What do you normally expect when working with other creatives?

I usually want them to bring the vibe and vision to me and we exchange energy and bounce ideas but if they don’t come with any form of vision then it’s usually annoying. I feel like they think ideas grow on trees or something. I know you have some type of creativity in you. It comes across as being lazy. “You’re the graphic designer so do what you do, fam. I trust your vision bro”. They make me want to not work with them. I love when they bring creativity to me.

So what kind of designer do you want to be known as?

I want to be known as one that does it all. I feel like I'm the up-and-coming Virgil Abloh. I see my qualities in him. How we both think ahead of the normal. No disrespect but I think further than him though. I want to be known as a living legend. I believe I have the qualities to be. It’s just for me to keep the ball rolling so I get the chance to showcase it to the world.

Be sure to follow, and support Lava Design House @Jahlanio and @4seasonsonline on Instagram. Hop on before the hype.