In 2007, SFCC student Malik Martin started designing and selling t-shirts as part of a marketing class. Since then, his business has become his main focus in life.

Martin first came up with the idea of making and selling t-shirts as part of a project in a marketing class taught by the late Mary Ann Sanger. Since starting out, Martin studied in Texas for several years taking almost every business class possible in order to improve his own business, Art World Revolution, which works under the name of T-Shirt Design Pros.

Martin defines his clothing company’s style as a way to stand out.

“(Our style) is like a revolution of art,” said Martin. “(You can) be revolutionary, turn the system upside down.”

Martin said that he has always been into wearing bold clothing.

“I was into fashion and styling growing up,” Martin said. “It was a way to make a statement.”

Martin said he thinks most people misinterpret business as simply a way to make money. He says marketing is mainly a way to solve problems that society has.

“The basis to marketing is solving problems,” Martin said. “We’re here to help.”

When first starting out, Martin sold Bigfoot t-shirts on campus to raise money to feed 80 families for a thanks- giving meal. He says he feels that too many people are complacent with the way things are.

“A lot of people are missing compassion,” Martin said, “To have empathy and be compelled to do something about it is compassion.”

Martin says he feels that making shirts that make a state- ment is a way of strengthening people.

“It’s a way to empower other people and unite them,” Martin said.