Meet James Day | Graphic Designer & Life Enthusiast

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

Hi James, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Creative outlet. Fortunately, this is not my first venture starting a small business, so I was already aware and prepped for the work ahead. In 2009, I started a small streetwear brand called Broken Bank Clothing. I had so many ideas in my head, I just needed a pathway to get out and as I did that, people started to share how much they enjoyed my creative work. I would doodle a character, take it to T-Shirt Mart and have them DTG (Direct to garment) print it on a shirt, and it would just bring me joy to see something I created in the physical form. As I grew older, so did my hobbies and my creativity followed. I started cycling in 2017 and much like my previous business I wanted to wear my creations and stand out. As I started to get more involved with the cycling, I noticed there weren’t many people who looked like me within the community I cycled with. I thought, creating a brand that could somehow get global recognition could help bring in other people who looked like me. Not to mention if I created a solid portfolio of cycling jerseys in different style and colors, it would also allow them to see my work and look stylish while they do it. And with that Coup de Chacal was created.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Coup de Chacal is different in the sense that it’s organic. Organic meaning that whether it stays small like an Evergreen Magnolia or reaches its full potential like a giant Sequoia, it will still grow and live. I recognize that some businesses start for financial gain and some start out of passion and when it fades so does the business. My business for me, goes deeper then passion or financial. It’s a fulfillment of a need and I’ve combined cycling and jerseys to fuel it. When people would see the custom cycling kits I would create, they would complement them not knowing it was my brand and something I made. That was all the motivation I needed to bring it to the world. I believe as long as Coup de Chacal jersey are fashioned with quality material and drive, it could never die. My biggest hurdle is getting seen and acknowledged in an Industry that doesn’t necessarily look like me. I believe that if I stay true to my vision of the brand and allow people to see that honesty in my social media post, designs, marketing and campaign, they will recognize it, appreciate it and join me on my journey.

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.
For a weeklong trip, my best friend better bring a bike or money for a rental (insert purple smiling devil emoji here). For sure there will be a bike ride within Coronado with a stop at Coronado Coffee Company to introduce them to a Mexican Mocha. After that we will take the ferry across the bay to Seaport village to have a breakfast sandwich at Spill the Beans.
Since I live in North Park, we’ll walk down 30th Street and check out Parlor Donuts, Coin-Op and North Park Creamery. Hop around to some of the small shops like Day-to-Day Vintage and Replay Toys and just enjoy the day and scenery.
The next day will head down to Balboa Park, poke our heads in the Comic-Con Museum, walk around and people watch.
I know San Diego is a fine city but if my friend has never been, I don’t think an hour in a half drive up to Disneyland would hurt. One of the great things about living here is that we are close enough to visit and it is one of my favorite past times. They removed all the Disney Stores out of the malls here which broke my heart, so I have to get my fix somehow. My friend wouldn’t mind.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A shoutout definitely goes to God. I recognize my talent as a God given one because, no one taught me how to draw and within my immediate family it was a skill that stayed with me.
Second a shoutout to my parents and wife for pushing me to chase this dream. My mother at a young age would tell me I should sell my art. When I took my first art request and saw their eyes light up from seeing their vision brought to life it just made me happy. Also helped get a couple of girlfriends, so thanks Mom.

Website: https://www.coupdechacal.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coupdechacal/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088578855233&mibextid=LQQJ4d