As my lovely co-worker, Shannon, would say, I am fighting my way back into writing "Devil Wears Prada" style.

So here it is, my TCP first story since mistakenly thinking I might be good at sales.

Ill Caps

Ill Caps’ owner and designer Rob Lawson isn’t a typical graffiti-inspired artist

BY EMILY GIBB

Ill Caps’ owner and designer Rob Lawson isn’t a typical graffiti-inspired artist — he’s a bluegrass boy at heart, producing one-of-a-kind hats and remaining true to his artistic roots.

“I’m a hillbilly, graffiti-influenced artist who lives in Toledo,” says Lawson (he also plays in three bluegrass groups). “I’m a rare breed when it comes to that mixture.”

Lawson dabbled in painted hats almost eight years ago, but his interest in the endeavor faded. He was inspired to begin again after watching a graffiti documentary, and launched Ill Caps in June of 2012. While he is turning the hobby into a business, he still is focused on sticking to his creative skills rather than mass producing items. 

“My main thing is to still approach it as an artist and not just a clothing line,” Lawson said. “It’s a canvas for your head.”

Lawson’s Ill Caps range from $20 to $40 depending on the design. 

“Obviously it’s nothing new — people have been painting hats since the '70s and '80s in the hip hop scene, but there’s no one I know in Toledo that’s doing what I’m doing on a business level,” he said. 

To purchase custom-made caps, visit www.illcaps.com or email illcapsrob@gmail.com. Premade hats are also available at the Loonar Station Toledo locations.