In the vibrant intersection of sports and streetwear, Hardinthepaint has carved out a distinctive niche by transforming athletic apparel into wearable art. This innovative brand, renowned for their bespoke hand-painted designs by the acclaimed artist HARD® , brings a fresh and creative edge to sports culture.
Each piece by Hardinthepaint transcends traditional sportswear, blending dynamic artistry with high-performance clothing. From intricately detailed jerseys to one-of-a-kind hoodies, every item is a canvas, showcasing bold, expressive designs that capture the energy and spirit of sports. HARD®’s work is not merely decoration; it’s a narrative, an embodiment of passion, dedication, and the unique stories within sports culture.
A Legacy of Art in Athletics
Jermaine Bates, known in the art world as HARD, began his journey not with a paintbrush but with a football at his feet. Growing up in the heart of London, football was more than just a game for him; it was a way of life, a community, and a passion that provided structure and purpose. His early years were spent training rigorously, dreaming of a career as a professional footballer, and absorbing the vibrant culture of London’s diverse neighbourhoods.
However, life had different plans. While the pitch provided the initial canvas for his dreams, it was his natural inclination towards creativity and self-expression that eventually led HARD to explore new avenues. The skills, discipline, and team spirit honed on the football field seamlessly translated into his artistic ventures. This transition from sports to art wasn’t just a career change; it was a fusion of his two greatest passions, laying the foundation for what would become Hardinthepaint.
From Shoes to Football Shirts
Jermaine Bates’ artistic journey began in 2020, amidst the global upheaval of the pandemic, a time when many were seeking new outlets for creativity and self-expression. His venture into the world of art started with something seemingly simple but profoundly impactful: white shoes. With an eye for detail and a knack for blending simplicity with boldness, Bates began adorning these blank canvases with striking, unique designs. His early work featured crisp lines, vibrant splashes of color, and geometric patterns that caught the eye and sparked the imagination.
Driven by a passion for both football and art, Bates immersed himself in learning the intricacies of creation. He turned to YouTube tutorials, absorbing techniques and experimenting with materials, methods, and styles. This self-taught journey allowed him to develop a distinctive approach, characterized by a keen sense of aesthetics and an intuitive understanding of how to make ordinary items extraordinary.
His designs were more than just decorations; they were reflections of his experiences and inspirations. Each pair of shoes became a narrative in itself, blending the dynamism of football with the bold expressiveness of street art. Bates’ work transformed everyday footwear into vibrant statements of style and individuality, resonating with a broad audience looking for unique, personalized pieces in a world dominated by mass production.
Recognizing the power of social media to connect with a global audience, Bates began posting his creations online. Platforms like Instagram provided the perfect showcase for his artistic flair. His posts featured not just the finished products but also the creative process, offering a glimpse into his artistic journey and the evolution of each design. This transparency and authenticity struck a chord with viewers, who were drawn to the raw, unfiltered creativity and the personal stories behind each piece.
First Major Breakthrough
Jermaine Bates’ artistic journey reached a pivotal moment with his Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) shirt that captured the attention of both football fans and art enthusiasts. This piece was a breakthrough, exemplifying Bates’ talent for seamlessly blending the aesthetics of football with his distinctive artistic flair. His approach to the PSG shirt was meticulous, combining the club’s iconic imagery with innovative, hand-painted details that reimagined the traditional football jersey as a piece of wearable art.
The distinct PSG shirt featured bold, intricate designs that highlighted Bates’ unique ability to infuse football apparel with artistic elements. It wasn’t just about replicating the team’s colours or logo; Bates incorporated dynamic patterns and vibrant accents that brought a fresh, creative dimension to the jersey. This work demonstrated his capacity to transform a standard football shirt into a statement piece, merging the spirit of the sport with a contemporary artistic vision. The shirt’s success showcased Bates’ burgeoning talent and set the stage for his next venture into the realm of sports fashion.
A subsequent creation—a AS Roma shirt—propelled his work to new heights. This design maintained the essence of Roma’s storied heritage while integrating Bates’ artistic signature. The shirt featured hand-painted motifs that celebrated the club’s identity while adding a modern twist with vibrant colours and innovative patterns.
The turning point came when the official AS Roma FC account reposted the creation on social media. This endorsement catapulted his work into the limelight, capturing the attention of a broader audience and cementing his reputation as a rising talent in the intersection of art and sports fashion. The viral spread of the Hardinthepaint Roma shirt highlighted the appeal of Bates’ designs, resonating with fans who appreciated the fusion of traditional football aesthetics with a contemporary artistic approach.
Collaborations and Expanding Reach
Building on his early success with the PSG and Roma shirts, Jermaine Bates expanded his creative horizons through high-profile collaborations that elevated his brand, Hardinthepaint , to new heights. One particularly notable partnership was with the renowned Irish whiskey brand, Jameson, for the launch of their Jameson Orange variant. This collaboration offered Bates a unique canvas beyond sports apparel, allowing him to extend his artistic vision into the realm of product design. For this project, Bates crafted limited-edition shirts and designed the bottles, integrating the classic Jameson green with vibrant shades of orange to embody the new flavor’s essence. Each piece was a meticulous blend of traditional Jameson aesthetics with Bates’ distinctive, dynamic style, featuring bold, hand-painted motifs that brought a contemporary, artistic flair to the iconic brand.
Reflecting on this collaboration, Bates remarked on the challenge and excitement of merging his art with a global brand’s identity, emphasizing how the project allowed him to explore new creative dimensions while maintaining the unique touch that Hardinthepaint fans had come to love. This partnership not only showcased Bates’ versatility as an artist but also highlighted his ability to seamlessly integrate art into various facets of lifestyle and culture, reinforcing his reputation as a pioneering force in both the art and design worlds.
“I’ve come together with Jameson to design some limited-edition shirts and bottles for the launch of its newest innovation, Jameson Orange. Before painting, my life was all about playing and watching football, so it was only right my two passions, the other being art, fuse together. When designing this shirt, it was a no-brainer—stick with the classic Jameson green, with some clean, vibrant shades of orange to make it pop and full of flavor.”
Innovative Designs and Product Expansion
As Hardinthepaint’s popularity soared, Bates broadened the brand’s offerings, introducing an array of basketball apparel and accessories. The expansion included jerseys, shorts, shoes, and hats, all meticulously crafted and adorned with his unique, hand-painted motifs. Bates’ designs often featured bold colour schemes, dynamic patterns, and thematic elements inspired by urban life and the raw intensity of sports. This approach resonated with a diverse audience, from athletes to streetwear enthusiasts, who were drawn to the fusion of functionality and artistry.
The jerseys and shorts, tailored for both on-court performance and off-court style, became standout pieces. Bates’ attention to detail ensured that each item was not only visually striking but also practical and comfortable for athletic use. The hand-painted designs added a layer of exclusivity and personal expression, distinguishing Hardinthepaint’s apparel from mass-produced sportswear. Shoes and hats followed a similar ethos, with each pair of sneakers and every cap reflecting Bates’ creative vision and dedication to individuality.
Limited Edition Euro 24/25 Jersey
Today, Hardinthepaint continues to set new standards in sports fashion with the launch of the limited edition England 24/25 home jersey. LIMITED PIECES AVAILABLE!!! These one-of-a-kind jerseys are not just a nod to football fandom but a testament to the artistry of HARD®, worn by the likes of Deontay Wilder and Jamie Bateson. They are a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The Hardinthepaint Experience
Hardinthepaint’s creations are more than just merchandise; they are expressions of individuality and style. Each piece, from football shirts to sneakers, embodies a unique narrative, blending athletic prowess with artistic flair. With the launch of the Euro 24/25 home jersey, Hardinthepaint celebrates football, art, and London’s vibrant culture, making it an exclusive addition to any wardrobe. We can’t wait to share future projects we will be featuring and possible oppertunites for you to be involved!
