Fredy Santiago, a talented artist, was recruited by action sports brands in California, marking the beginning of disillusionment.
Despite his skills and passion, he faced abandonment and lack of support in the corporate environment. Undeterred, Fredy adapted, applying his design skills to e-commerce and corporate projects, viewing it as a means to continue creating art.
Despite industry setbacks, Fredy forgave the injustices and focused on personal growth. He found happiness and independence, ultimately joining the Z_DROPPED team.
Fredy's story exemplifies artistic resilience amidst corporate challenges. Z_DROPPED supports independent artists like Fredy, offering his personal collection for purchase, with proceeds directly benefiting his artistic journey.
His story is a testament to living one's dream despite hardships.
CHAPTER 1: Do Nothing
Fredy Santiago had dreams and ambitions much like every creative out there.
From a young age, he wanted to make a name for himself as an artist, and as such, he put in time and effort honing his craft and unique style while enjoying the freedom and youth-spirited creativity that came with being young.
Through thick and thin, Fredy carved such a compelling body of work that it garnered the attention of heavyweight action sports brands who plucked him from his home and whisked him away to the promised land of sunny California.
Thus began the start for Fredy’s aspirations as an action sports industry designer.
CHAPTER 2: Don't Follow Me
With pockets full of false hope, empty promises and misleading guidance, Fredy left his family and home to embark on what he thought would be a fruitful new start to a blossoming career as a professional graphic designer within the action sports landscape.
No amount of art school training or on-field experience prepared Fredy for what he was about to experience.
No amount of personal sacrifice or deep-rooted passion would help steer Fredy through the turbulent reality of corporate terrain. And much like many before and after him, Fredy was quickly abandoned as a designer, left to survive on his own in new lands with no support system, no helping hand and no mercy.
Such is the life of an independent apparel designer trying to not only make a name for themselves but to help progress the industry as a whole.
CHAPTER 3: No Thanks
Feeling like “a plastic bag tussling in the wind,” Fredy faced the unprecedented challenge of needing to continue the growth of his career while grappling with the sudden abandonment of what should have been a secure job.
Amid his current predicament, Fredy never lost hope in himself. He knew he had a talent worth sharing, and as such, Fredy continued to perfect his craft, albeit through a different industry.
From wanting to be an artist drawing comic books as a kid, to conjuring incredible characters for action sports brands, Fredy found himself offering his design skills to e-commerce websites and corporate promotional material.
For Fredy, it was a means to an end that allowed him to continue making incredible works of art. For everyone else, it’s the work of a skilled designer falling short due to the canvas he’s forced to work with.
CHAPTER 4: Let Go
Despite Fredy’s plight of being slighted by his industry and those who coaxed him into its grip, Fredy has forgiven and forgotten.
He continues to look inward to help carry him forward as he pursues his evolved ambitions as an artist.
Fredy is happy. Fredy has learned how to navigate his new world.
While still away from family and his home, he has built his own in a new landscape of independence. This is why Fredy has joined team Z_DROPPED.
Fredy is brave, and we value that. Fredy Santiago embodies what it means to live your dream as an artist through the hardships of corporate greed and industry injustices.
By: Fredy Santiago
Don't Follow Me Long Sleeve.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$12
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By: Fredy Santiago
No Thanks Long Sleeve.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$11
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By: Fredy Santiago
Let Go Long Sleeve.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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$11
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By: Fredy Santiago
Do Nothing Long Sleeve.
- Regular Price
- from $36
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- from $36
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$11
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By: Fredy Santiago
Don't Follow Me Raglan.
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- from $32
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- from $32
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$14
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By: Fredy Santiago
No Thanks Raglan.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$13
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By: Fredy Santiago
Let Go Raglan.
- Regular Price
- from $33
- Sale Price
- from $33
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$13
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- Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.unit_price_separator
By: Fredy Santiago
Do Nothing Raglan.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$12
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- Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.unit_price_separator
By: Fredy Santiago
Don't Follow Me Crop Top.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$12
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- Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.unit_price_separator
By: Fredy Santiago
No Thanks Crop Top.
- Regular Price
- from $33
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- from $33
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$11
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- Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.unit_price_separator
By: Fredy Santiago
Do Nothing Crop Top.
- Regular Price
- from $36
- Sale Price
- from $36
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$11
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- Translation missing: en.general.accessibility.unit_price_separator
By: Fredy Santiago
Let Go Crop Top.
- Regular Price
- from $33
- Sale Price
- from $33
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$11
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Let customers speak for us
NASTO
My new golf fit
I have the perfect golf fit for this shirt! The colors pops and its super comfortable. It got here super fast and I'm thinking I need to order this in black now.The packaging was super dope too.
Do Nothing Long Sleeve.
MICHELLE M.
Comfortable!
Love this graphic! Bold, bright and comfortable. Its a real head turner and I get compliments on it all the time. Shipping was SUPER fast and great service. I will definitely be ordering again.
Do Nothing Tank Top.
NASTO
Amazing design
I absolutely love this design. The color on the shirt pops so well,and looks so clean. I’m already thinking,I’m going to have to order another in the white option. I also really dig the hidden lil picture of the logo designer on the inside.
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
Jeff Dechesare
Hilarious and relatable!
Dope Graphic, great quality, comfortable and stoked to be supporting the skate community.
Zepé Tee.
WestWelding13
Quality Garment
This shirt fits very well. The fabric is soft and comfortable. The printing looks amazing! Very bright!!! I love the artwork! I would definitely highly recommend this shirt!
Free Your Mind Long Sleeve.
Luna
Love it!!
Great quality. Shipping was fast plus really creative packing. Free stickers and a cool mini drawstring bag which the items came in with. Definitely recommend!!
Z_ROSE High Waist.
zuri mart
My favourite bf tee
I bought this in XL thinking it would be the perfect bf tee. I was right !! I wear it at night and he wears it in the day. It’s fits both of us in the most perfect way. And it’s so soft. LOVE that it’s 100% cotton 🤍
Don't Trip Long Sleeve.
zuri mart
The shirt says it all
Obviously this shirt gets me compliments all day. As soon as people read the bottom half, they can’t stop themselves. Low-key, I’ve worn this 3 days in a row and I LOVE IT !!!
Tuna Bones Crop Top.
zuri mart
Literally my life
This shirt is always giving me attention as it’s an easy ice breaker considering these days, all we wanna do is nothing 😂 It’s super soft and fits perfectly as a crop top !!! Can’t wait to order more designs 🖤
Do Nothing Crop Top.
Jason K.
This one hits!
I've been getting compliments on it already. Loved the entire experience from ordering with Z_DROPPED. Can't wait to see what else drops!
Tuna Bones Long Sleeve.
Jason K.
Loving my new gear!
I got this along with a few other shirts and they are all great quality. The unboxing experience was awesome and I look forward to ordering more from Z_DROPPED!
Z_INC Long Sleeve.
Rolf Guntert
THE SIMPSONS
Love the graphic design done by Keith. I opted for the small skateboard on the front with the large graphic on the back of a white shirt variation and the graphic really pops. Love supporting these artists and Z_DROPPED!
Bart Roth Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Social media in a nutshell
Love the vibe of all the shirts here. These guys get it. The packaging like a stack of folders is way cool
Don't Follow Me Long Sleeve.
timothy humphreys
Flip ‘em the bird!
Sometimes your spirit animal manifests itself as a rubber ducky who literally can’t even right now. I went with the big square print on the front and love it!
effu Tee.
Charles Hom
Clean design
Love the simple and clean art. Shirt fits great!
Z_ROSE Tee.
