Meet Emilio Armada | Illustrator, Graphic Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emilio Armada and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emilio, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Me and my best friend Wilfredo started a clothing line called Rock-it Psyence in 2006 and despite finding moderate success we were ultimately too inexperienced in business to maintain it.

Despite our failure we always inspired each other to chase greatness.

Wilfredo became an avid sneaker collector and continued to launch passion projects while finding success through his corporate job.

I continued to work in design, illustration and marketing for large brands like Carnival Cruise lines, Benihana, and Macys, along with local brands like Bliss Gifts, Hale Ink and Martha of Miami.

We both carried all the lessons of failures that came from our 1st business and considered starting something new.

In 2020 I finally decided it was time to stop building other peoples dreams and started building my own. I created “305Pride.com”, a new brand centered around my love for Miami.

I only had acrylic pins at this stage, so I hesitated to launch it for fear of failure. My financial situation didn’t allow for me to invest in shirts.

The following February, Wilfredo suddenly passed away after complications from an aneurism. It was devastating. He left behind a wife and two young children.

Wilfredo always pursued his dreams. Aside from his passion projects he also formed a partnership that allowed him to open a sneaker store. His life was cut short and it highlighted the importance of chasing something great.

I was reinvigorated and determined to make the brand work and as I started to gear up to launch without shirts,

Miraculously I got a unsolicited message from an old client turned friend, Lino. Lino owns Hale Ink, a screen printing company. He randomly asked “If I would be interested in pursuing my own brand?”

I knew this was a gift from my brother still pushing me to “chase greatness” from up above.

Together Lino and I launched 305 Pride.

Please tell us more about your art. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I’ve been fascinated with drawing for as long as I can remember but the moment I realized I could draw my favorite cartoons left a huge impression on me. I was in 2nd grade and I saw a class mate drawing a Ninja Turtle.

After that no paper was safe, I started drawing cartoons on any scrap of paper I could find. I got a nice scolding from my mom once for drawing on some important legal docs. In my defense she should have know better than to leave paper lying around 😂

I was raised by a single mom living in section 8 housing and I was fortunate to have been accepted to Norland Middle’s Magnet Arts program. It was an extremely formative experience and has been a foundation in my creative career.

I later found myself doing graphic design to pay my way through school at Miami International University. I worked at a printshop where I fine tuned my design skills and also learned to do design very quickly.

In 2002 I started freelancing as Rmada Concepts. I worked heavily in the indie rap scene through the 2000’s and found myself working for textile company’s and shirt printers where I got my first taste of t-shirt design.

When me and my friend started our clothing line I knew that I had found my calling. Designing shirts and figuring out the puzzle of selling them was incredibly challenging and fulfilling.

My artwork is mostly satirical and often times thought provoking. I love flipping logos and mash-ups! Checkout our Pan Con Bistec shirt 😅

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re visiting Miami for a weekend you have to stop by the Leah District and get a Burger and drinks from “Kush Hialeah” and follow that up with a few brews and a good hang over at Unbranded Brewery down the block.

Make sure you squeeze-in a stop on Calle 8 at Sanguish De Miami (recently received a Michelin Bib award) and try out their unique spin on a Pan Con Bistec (Cuban Steak Sandwich).

And finally while you in the area make sure to stop by KCull Boutique and check out all the great local artwork and merch from local creators. Keep an eye out for 305Pride merch too. 😉

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’ve had the honor of being around great friends like:

Wilfredo a partner at Luxe Boutique. A sneaker Store in South Florida

Lino the owner of Hale Ink a premiere screen printing company in South Florida

I wouldn’t have had the confidence to chase my dream without being exposed to Miami’s great community of creatives like:

Kimberly, the owner of The Trelles Cottage. A fun South Florida inspires clothing brand.

Martha, owner of Martha of Miami and la Tiendecita. The original Cuban Miami clothing brand.

May and Jorge, owners of Bliss Gifts. A fun clothing brand centered around Disney vacations and Miami Lifestyle.

Brian Breach, owner of Make Me Viral Media. A marketing specialist and aka the viral guy.

Andrea Ocampo owner of HBU Media. A very talented marketing specialist and on screen personality.

Website: 305Pride.com

Instagram: instagram.com/305pride

Facebook: 305pride

Other: TikTok: 305pride