Now the owner of The Tiger Collection, Gibbs stays motivated when he sees the positive ways students, alumni and fans react to his works of art. “I love seeing the frenzy-like mentality that takes over every student when campus organizations distribute my apparel on campus for free. It’s beautiful. I’m also motivated to keep designing because I’d like The Tiger Collection to be recognized as one of the top fashion-forward collegiate apparel brands, especially among smaller universities.” Gibbs’ products are distinctive and stand out from other Pacific gear because of the concept and
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ideals that his brand is built upon. “I don’t like cookie-cutter apparel. You shouldn’t be able to go to another university bookstore and see the same apparel designs bearing different colors and a different name,” he said. “Everything we design is designed with a purpose. From the first preliminary sketches to the final product; we’re always focused on a goal. We don’t design it just to look good. We design it to compliment you. We design it to feel comfortable on you. We design it for you.” For more information and to get your own piece from the Tiger Collection, visit: thetigercollection.com. ■
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015
PHOTOS BY LA MOTHKIS
Florida. “While unpacking in my parent’s house, I came across my hat that I drew on in 2006,” he said. Being a harsh critic, Gibbs could not figure out why his cap was so popular among other students. “I decided that it was because it was different. In 2010, I was a better graphic and apparel designer than I was in 2006 when I drew on the cap. I decided to create a tiger T-shirt design for fun.” From there, Gibbs has continued to design and print the majority of his apparel, which is now officially licensed through the Collegiate Licensing Company since March 2013.