This interview was an exciting one! I got to connect with Trayjudo, a triple threat who is planning his takeover in the music, fashion, and modeling world! Now if you aren’t aware of who Trayjudo is, prepare to learn! He’s someone you’ll want to get to know!
For the readers who may not be familiar with who you are, tell us some of the work you’ve done.
I’m Trayjudo, a model, designer, and music artist. Fashion has been a part of my life since I was young. Music had also been a major part of my life even before fashion. I guess you can say I’m a person with many talents who plans on using them all to become a mogul.
You made an appearance in Saucy Santana’s hit song “Walk.” What was it like working alongside him?
Honestly working on the set of the walk video was a moment that I’m super thankful for. Santana was super nice and inviting. In the first take, I remember I kept looking down to make sure I didn’t trip because I had on huge boots. Santana stopped the cameras and said “you scared” with his Miami accent. After he said that I knew I had to get in my bag and walk for real. That moment was an ego booster, to be honest. I loved working with him. He’s such a genuine person.
You’ve modeled for several major campaigns, sporting the clothes of other designers. Why do you want to break out and create your own fashion line/brand?
I want to create my own brand because as a black creative. I feel as though we don’t see enough of our own representation in that field. I feel like there is still so much work to be done in that area and I want to be a pioneer in helping get more black creatives in those fashion spaces.
Who inspires you in fashion? In music? And why?
My fashion inspos would have to be Kanye because of the way he turned Yeezy into a billion-dollar company. Also, Rihanna because she just effortlessly gets it every time.
What inspired the name “DrapedByJudo” and what can fans expect from it?
The name “Drapedbyjudo ” came from a fashion and my late father. The draping came from a sense of me wanting to be a stylist and draping my clients in the latest fashion. The name judo was my father’s nick nickname. What you can expect from my brand is a couple of drops this year with great material.
You gained quite a following on social media, and fast. What advice do you have for creators on how they should use social media to their advantage in helping to build their brand and a name for themselves?
The advice I would give would have to be just starting. Someone can give you all the knowledge in the world, but you won’t truly know for yourself until you start. Social media is the biggest way to get your jump start. You can go viral on almost any platform you just never know.
How do you plan to blend fashion and music, two of your passions, together with your brand?
I plan on making my fashion and my music an extension of me meaning my looks and sound will be fitting. The music and the fashion will go hand and hand in my head they don’t exist without each other.
Any upcoming projects you’re excited about or preparing to drop?
I’m about to start the rollout of my first ep right before summer. I’m super excited yet nervous at the same time. Your art is something precious to you, it’s scary having to share it. I won’t know how well people will receive my art until I try so I’m going to put my best foot forward with it.
And if you want to keep up with Trayjudo and all his latest projects, you can visit his official website that’s dropping real soon!
