NEWYAWK was born and continues to grow in New York City, inspired by the unique way New Yorkers speak. Growing up, I noticed how words like “walk” became “WAAWK,” “talk” turned into “TAAWK,” and “coffee” became “CAAWWFEE.” This blend of accents from different boroughs—Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island—shaped a dialect that’s distinctly New York.

As I got older, I realized this wasn’t just a quirk of my family but something shared by most New Yorkers. I loved hearing it everywhere. In my early teens, I discovered graffiti and stencil art. I wanted to create something that reflected the energy and character of New Yorkers.

That’s how NEWYAWK came to life in the early 1990s as a simple cardboard stencil with the word “newyawk.” It eventually became a hand-painted design for screen printing, and soon, a classic car image was added to the logo. This is when the NEWYAWK brand was truly born.

For years, this image appeared in my paintings, and eventually, it made its way onto t-shirts. Printing the design onto tees allowed me to share my appreciation for New York with others in a wearable way. The t-shirts quickly caught on, spreading by word of mouth. Creating NEWYAWK t-shirts and prints is all about fun, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.

Celebrate New York with NEWYAWK, a brand that captures the city’s unique spirit.