Meet Jan Domacena | Graphic Designer

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

Hi Jan, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Growing up in Guam, I was deeply influenced by skateboarding, punk, hip-hop, graffiti, and streetwear. After high school, I moved to San Diego and attended MiraCosta College in Oceanside, unsure of what I wanted to major in while taking general education courses. At the time, my sister was studying graphic design, and though it didn’t immediately click for me, I remember seeing her work and thinking, I could do that too.

I’ve always loved art, but I wasn’t the best at drawing or illustrating. Graphic design felt like a way for me to bring my ideas to life without needing to be a traditional artist. I dove into learning, and binge-watched tutorials to master the tools, and once I got started, I never looked back.

Graphic design became my way of translating the ideas in my head into something tangible, something I could share and distribute through different mediums. I believe that everyone has creativity inside them, it’s just a matter of letting it out. Even the smallest form of self-expression can make an impact. That’s what pushed me toward a creative career, turning ideas into something real and sharing that with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Getting to this point wasn’t easy. From the start, I knew I wanted to be in the apparel industry, but the path there wasn’t straightforward. It took internships, unrelated jobs, and even moving from San Diego to Seattle. Fresh out of college, I was designing waypoint signs and exterior signage, then shifted to magazines and small business branding. I took every opportunity I could, geeking out over every project and pouring my heart into every design. But nothing ever sparked my passion like designing graphics for clothing and developing products. That’s where I truly feel at home.

I’ve worked with independent brands and major retailers like Zumiez, PacSun, and Hot Topic. I’ve also had the chance to collaborate on merch design with artists and musicians like J. Balvin, Larry June, Ella Mai, Demi Lovato, Rema, Katy Perry, and more.

On top of that, I run my own brand, SLPSPC (pronounced SLIP SPACE), which is short for the song Slip Like Space by Armor for Sleep. Operating in the void between thought and reality, where ideas distort and evolve. It taps into human nature’s ability to create an internal world through the stream of consciousness, blurring the lines between dystopia and utopia with an approach that reflects the ever-evolving relationship between technology, consciousness, emotion, and art.

At the end of the day, it all comes down to passion. That’s what keeps the work from feeling like work. If you’re not obsessed with what you do, it’s easy to fade out. But when you really live and breathe it you find a way to keep going no matter what.

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.
I moved to Los Angeles in 2019, and over time, I’ve really come to appreciate the culture, food, and people.
Here are some of my favorite spots.

Food:
* Okayama Kobo Bakery & Cafe – Amazing pastries made with Hokkaido flour.
* Love Hour Burger – A solid smash burger.
* Apollonia’s Pizzeria – Best Detroit-style pizza in LA.
* Mazesoba Hero – Brothless ramen, my current addiction…
* Ggiata – Italian-American sandwiches. The Caesar wrap is a must-try.
* Yunomi Handroll – Fresh, simple, and satisfying hand rolls. A great sushi spot.
Shopping:
* Melrose Avenue and West Hollywood – Top boutiques and eclectic shops.
* The Row and Arts District – Hub for unique retail shops, dining, and creative spaces.
* 2nd Street – High-quality selection of vintage.
* NEO39 Pasadena – Local brands and streetwear. A great spot for sneakers and contemporary fashion.
* Drop Your Jeans – If you love denim, this place has a killer selection of vintage and surplus.
* Homebred – A laid-back, local shop with a curated selection of brands and footwear.
Experiences:
* Getty Museum – Incredible art and architecture with amazing views of the city.
* Camel Point Beach – Quiet and peaceful beach in Laguna for a relaxing escape.
* Hollywood Bowl – Iconic venue for live music. A must-see.
* Laker Game – Always gotta see the Lake Show!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I gotta give a big shoutout to my parents. Growing up, I watched them put in the work every single day with no days off. They weren’t just grinding, they genuinely loved what they did. That kind of dedication and passion shaped how I move and approach everything I do.

And biggest shoutout to my wife. She’s been there through it all, seen my growth firsthand, and keeps pushing me to go further. Her support means everything.

Website: https://thirdoptic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirdoptic/?hl=en

Other: https://slpspc.com
https://www.instagram.com/slp_spc/