We first featured Gno a few weeks ago and everyone in the office was feeling the vibe that this new designer had to offer. His musically inspired and creative tees were something we don't seem to see too often in streetwear... something with substance. Here we speak with Keebz, the man Gno to find out the origins of the brand, the direction of future designs, and the magic of Gnomes.  Check it out.

RubyHornet: How did you come up with the name Gno?

Keebz:  Gno is a shortened version of 'gnome/gnosis' and also happens to be a homonym for 'know'. I've always had a liking for gnomes as a kid and I was even more impressed after I learned about their history. Gnomes are subterranean creatures who protect the earth's hidden treasures. I thought it fit well with the general idea I already had for the clothing brand at the time, so I put two and two together, which led me to the naming of brand.

RubyHornet: How do you come up with the concepts for Gno's graphic tees, do you just turn on the iPod and let the creativity flow or what?

Keebz: Yeah, I guess you can say that for my musically-inspired pieces. Although, I don't have an iPod anymore after it got stolen out of my car many years back haha.

RubyHornet: What are your opinions of "streetwear"?

Keebz: Lately, it seems like everybody has a brand out and some of them are cool, but most of them seem like just another carbon copy of the bigger brands. To me, it gets kind of repetitive and boring. I wanted to bring something different and fresh to the table. I'm not the first person to do so, but it just seems like that area is lacking in streetwear.

RubyHornet: Where do you feel "streetwear" will be in the next year with Gno now on the market?

Keebz: I don't know how much it'll change to be honest. I'm just a newbie in the game, and will be for many years to come. I guess the brands that are out now will continue to do their thing as I'll do mine.

RubyHornet: What motivated you to start this clothing line and take it in the direction that is Gno?

Keebz: I've been designing for clients up to this point, but I've always wanted to start my own line and put out graphics that convey meaningful messages. I wanted to put out some stuff with substance while not sacrificing the pretty pictures that go along with it.

RubyHornet: You seem to be very good at describing what inspires you with the shirts, can you give us a description of what the image of the gnome and the house means to you, or how you came up with it?

Keebz: Gnomes are commonly seen as lawn ornaments and I thought it would be cool to keep the figure in the same environment while giving it a new look. There's not much other relevance. Haha, did I disappoint?

RubyHornet: Other than designing, how does Hip Hop play a role in your life?

Keebz: I'm an 80's baby who grew into Hip Hop in middle school (early 90's) and I've been listening ever since. Hip Hop is just a part of my life now from the music I listen to, to the way I dress, to the way I think and act, etc.

RubyHornet: Other than the graphic tees, what other articles of clothing will have the message of Gno that you have started?

Keebz: I'm planning on expanding past t-shirts to hoodies, crewnecks, and accessories but that's all later on down the road.

RubyHornet: When should we expect more from Gno?

Keebz: I can't give you an exact time, but sometime within the next couple of months I'm hoping to drop a new piece or two. I don't have a lot of funding like some of these other upcoming brands so the progression might be slower. But trust that when new designs drop, they will be noteworthy! :)

RubyHornet: Who is one of your favorite artists (musically)?

Keebz: Off the top of my head, Tonedeff.

RubyHornet: Who is one of your favorite artists (artistically)?

Keebz: Off the top, Mear One.

RubyHornet: How do you feel that your blog will play a part in the promotion of the brand itself?

Keebz: I feel it'll give my audience a more in-depth look into me and my personal interests rather than just "Keebz the owner of Gno". I have learned that a dynamic site generates more interest as opposed to one that is static. People like to know what goes on behind the scenes and that's what I intend to do with my blog. I'll be updating the progress of Gno and showing previews of new designs when they're ready to be shared.

RubyHornet: Since your clothing is so influenced by Hip Hop, I feel that I have to ask this heavily debated question… What is the top Hip Hop album of all time?

Keebz: OutKast - ATLiens. I'm a huge OutKast fan.

RubyHornet: Since your clothing is heavily influenced by Hip Hop, can you name a Hip Hop artist or album that would best describe Gno as a brand?

Keebz: I'd have to say the Native Tongues crew from the late 80s/early 90s. I don't think there's another group of artists that can embody the spirit and theme of Gno as well as they can.