Although Jason Ulep a.k.a “Newkon” now lives and works out of California, it’s a little town called Waialua on the North Shore of Hawaii that he calls home. It’s this simple plantation living that he credits his success as a designer. It’s that “Aloha Spirit” that he prides himself upon and the attitude he’s used to make it in this cutthroat industry.

His “big break”, came through an art show in Hawaii, where a California based company discovered him. He moved to Los Angeles to be their Artistic Director, and within that first year, he launched his own line. Eventually Newkon parted ways with the brand, where he began designing for many of the heavy hitters in the industry and gained a lot of momentum.

Fast forward and Newkon now finds himself in a dream roll. Not only is he designing for the iconic brand Vans, but he is also Steve Van Dorens personal designer. Some people call him Jason, others Newkon and now Steve’s guy…but he’s love just being the Hawaii Guy! Aloha