State Collegewear
Role: Founder & Co-Owner - Creative & Marketing
Background
State Collegewear started with the idea that clothing could be made with the college student in mind. In fact, we couldn’t find a brand that solely focused on the college student, we even had to make up “collegewear” to accurately describe what our clothing company was about. The goal was simple: create fashionable clothing with a college student’s budget in mind. To help offset the financial burden of a college education we established the State Collegewear Scholarship, which was awarded to a deserving student.
Creative direction
Our clothing offerings included t-shirts, fleece, headwear, and accessories. Designs and fabrics drew inspiration from the American Southwest, Arts & Crafts movement, and tropical destinations, which were our most popular themes. We also developed collegiate-based styles that resonated with our San Diego State peers and other students at neighboring schools. Each collection began with research and attention to detail, with our team traveling to the desert, antique shops, and out-of-state destinations for inspiration.
Marketing
Through a combination of content and grassroots-style marketing, we tapped into the traditions and lifestyle of university students enjoying the best four, five (maybe six?) years of their lives. Our blog highlighted new music, local breweries, a guide for cooking meals without breaking the bank, and interviews with fellow classmates who were making their mark in and outside the classroom. These posts were featured on our social media accounts, which showcased their own unique content as well. Networking at San Diego State provided us the opportunity to collaborate with student organizations and Greek chapters, table our product on campus, speak at meetings, create custom products that were visible campus-wide, and sell at promoted events outside campus.
Takeaways
Throughout this experience, I gained knowledge of what it takes to co-own and operate a business while balancing life and attending classes full-time. Being part of a two-person leadership team was demanding at times; however, I learned how to manage all aspects of the business—from creative direction and production to marketing and sales—and discovered my ability to thrive in multiple roles. State Collegewear is tied to the memory of my own college experience and, in addition to my formal education, has provided me with invaluable experience.
Photography Credits:
Anthony Baca
Miranda McDonald
Alex Drachnik
©2026 Marcus Cowan
State Collegewear
Role: Founder & Co-Owner - Creative & Marketing
Background
State Collegewear started with the idea that clothing could be made with the college student in mind. In fact, we couldn’t find a brand that solely focused on the college student, we even had to make up “collegewear” to accurately describe what our clothing company was about. The goal was simple: create fashionable clothing with a college student’s budget in mind. To help offset the financial burden of a college education we established the State Collegewear Scholarship, which was awarded to a deserving student.
Creative direction
Our clothing offerings included t-shirts, fleece, headwear, and accessories. Designs and fabrics drew inspiration from the American Southwest, Arts & Crafts movement, and tropical destinations, which were our most popular themes. We also developed collegiate-based styles that resonated with our San Diego State peers and other students at neighboring schools. Each collection began with research and attention to detail, with our team traveling to the desert, antique shops, and out-of-state destinations for inspiration.
Marketing
Through a combination of content and grassroots-style marketing, we tapped into the traditions and lifestyle of university students enjoying the best four, five (maybe six?) years of their lives. Our blog highlighted new music, local breweries, a guide for cooking meals without breaking the bank, and interviews with fellow classmates who were making their mark in and outside the classroom. These posts were featured on our social media accounts, which showcased their own unique content as well. Networking at San Diego State provided us the opportunity to collaborate with student organizations and Greek chapters, table our product on campus, speak at meetings, create custom products that were visible campus-wide, and sell at promoted events outside campus.
Takeaways
Throughout this experience, I gained knowledge of what it takes to co-own and operate a business while balancing life and attending classes full-time. Being part of a two-person leadership team was demanding at times; however, I learned how to manage all aspects of the business—from creative direction and production to marketing and sales—and discovered my ability to thrive in multiple roles. State Collegewear is tied to the memory of my own college experience and, in addition to my formal education, has provided me with invaluable experience.
Photography Credits:
Anthony Baca
Miranda McDonald
Alex Drachnik
©2026 Marcus Cowan
State Collegewear
Role: Founder & Co-Owner - Creative & Marketing
Background
State Collegewear started with the idea that clothing could be made with the college student in mind. In fact, we couldn’t find a brand that solely focused on the college student, we even had to make up “collegewear” to accurately describe what our clothing company was about. The goal was simple: create fashionable clothing with a college student’s budget in mind. To help offset the financial burden of a college education we established the State Collegewear Scholarship, which was awarded to a deserving student.
Creative direction
Our clothing offerings included t-shirts, fleece, headwear, and accessories. Designs and fabrics drew inspiration from the American Southwest, Arts & Crafts movement, and tropical destinations, which were our most popular themes. We also developed collegiate-based styles that resonated with our San Diego State peers and other students at neighboring schools. Each collection began with research and attention to detail, with our team traveling to the desert, antique shops, and out-of-state destinations for inspiration.
Marketing
Through a combination of content and grassroots-style marketing, we tapped into the traditions and lifestyle of university students enjoying the best four, five (maybe six?) years of their lives. Our blog highlighted new music, local breweries, a guide for cooking meals without breaking the bank, and interviews with fellow classmates who were making their mark in and outside the classroom.
These posts were featured on our social media accounts, which showcased their own unique content as well. Networking at San Diego State provided us the opportunity to collaborate with student organizations and Greek chapters, table our product on campus, speak at meetings, create custom products that were visible campus-wide, and sell at promoted events outside campus.
Takeaways
Throughout this experience, I gained knowledge of what it takes to co-own and operate a business while balancing life and attending classes full-time. Being part of a two-person leadership team was demanding at times; however, I learned how to manage all aspects of the business—from creative direction and production to marketing and sales—and discovered my ability to thrive in multiple roles. State Collegewear is tied to the memory of my own college experience and, in addition to my formal education, has provided me with invaluable experience.
Photography Credits:
Anthony Baca
Miranda McDonald
Alex Drachnik
©2026 Marcus Cowan