Uniting Springfield: Mike Gibbs' Vision for Local Collaboration. Shop Local.

Springfield, Mass .- Creativity is in Mike Gibbs’ blood. Whether it’s designing dope clothing for Infinite Republic Clothing Company, developing ads through Gibbs Graphic or making music, his ideas are always churning.

“I put my all into everything I do, but when it’s your own company you go into a different zone,” Gibbs said. “You stand on business.” 

Though his career as a musician has recently taken a backseat, it was the spark that led him to his other two enterprises. His journey into graphic design emerged when he was being charged too much for music artwork.

“I said, I’m going to learn how to do this myself,” Gibbs said. He’s currently getting a degree in graphic design while simultaneously serving clients throughout Springfield.

He serves local clients like South End Community Center, Newkirk Draft League and In & Out Painting. Last fall he designed campaign materials for City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce. With guidance from Darrius Johnson, owner of Visionary Acts, Gibbs created flyers, brochures, stickers, and the advertising that appeared on the Stand Out Truck, which drove past the polls on election day.

Gibbs creates logos and materials for many local businesses, well-known for his quick turnaround time. Sometimes the pressure of finishing quickly is even more fun for him.

“I’m a quick thinker, I think on my feet,” he said. “Whenever someone gives me the space to use my own creative energy on something, it makes the project even better for me.”

Springfield Is a Vibe

Even before he began creating unique logos and designs for Springfield businesses, Gibbs has been a supporter of shopping local.

“What people don’t shine a light on is all the talented individuals in the city,” he said. “People kind of overlook these things.”

Whether it’s daycare, vegan food, organic juices, studio time or therapy, he knows it can be found in Springfield.

“Almost everything you can think of in your head, for something you want to do or get done, someone locally in my city does it,” he said. “Everything can stay local. We could all put money in each other’s pockets if we all thought that way.”

Even the uniqueness of the Stand Out Truck impressed him the first time he saw it.

“I thought, ‘This is a super dope idea,’” he said. “Whoever thought of this is genius. They’ve got smart marketing skills.”

Being passionate about local businesses extends to his passion for Springfield where he’s spent much of his life.

“We never follow trends, we always set them,” he reminds the city. “We’re known for some pretty cool thigs. I feel like the city should be appreciated a little more.”

Call to Shop Local

Mike Gibbs recently shared a heartfelt message on Facebook that caught the eye of many Springfield business owners, including Marketing and Cupcakes and Stand Out Truck founder Mychal Connolly. He emphasized the power of unity and collaboration within Springfield, Massachusetts.

Highlighting the city's untapped potential, Gibbs celebrated Springfield's vibrant community of small businesses, calling for increased support and networking to elevate local enterprises. He encouraged local businesses to share their logos as a way to promote local businesses together.

This turned into somewhat a movement. His collaboration with Darrius Mylze Johnson of Visionary Acts serves as a beacon of unity, demonstrating how collective efforts can lead to significant achievements. Gibbs' call to action encourages local businesses to engage and support one another, fostering a sense of community, progress, and to shop local.

His message is a testament to the belief that together, Springfield can overcome challenges and thrive, showcasing the importance of solidarity and mutual support in driving positive change. The two created a hoodie sweatshirt which was bought by many local people with the logos of many local small businesses.

What to Wear

Gibbs mulled the idea of clothing design after fans of his music label, Fortune Infinite, requested merch. He toyed with a few designs on his phone, and eventually put together a business plan. He waited about six months before showing family members his thoughts.

Two days later his big brother and brother-in-law gave him $5,000 to start the business.

“They said, ‘Hey, go get it started. We believe in you,’” Gibbs said.

Since starting in 2021 every dollar has been reinvested in the business. Infinite Republic quickly become one of the top clothing brands in Springfield. The urban and casual wear for adults and children was created with the experience in mind.

“When you have a brand, it’s the small things that make the customer happy,” he said. “We come correct.”

Clothing options range from hats and sweatpants to stylish winter coats and coffee mugs.

The name Infinite Republic is partly inspired by the song “Black Republican” by Nas and Jay-Z.

“We’ll forever be rich in melanin. We’ll forever be rich as the people we are,” Gibbs said. “A Republic is equality between your members. We always stand on that.”

With each partner of the clothing company, everyone has an equal share and their own specific jobs. They work together to make Infinite Republic succeed.

“We always tell ourselves we’ll never stop doing what we do,” he said.

The clothing is sold exclusively online at infiniterepublicco.com.