Jared Yazzie (Navajo/Diné)

Founder of OXDX, Jared Yazzie (Navajo/Diné) is a self-taught graphic artist, entrepreneur, and designer known for his bold, graphic style that incorporates vibrant Diné motifs with messages of Native empowerment. Through his bold art and products, Jared works to increase awareness of indigenous issues while simultaneously showcasing the beauty of Native culture. 

Jared teaching a workshop at Xico Artist Studio

Now a popular streetwear brand, OXDX's rise is truly inspiring. Jared got his start in 2009, when he screen-printed T-shirts in his small dorm room to sell from the trunk of his car. Since then, OXDX has risen to prominence as a successful brand, and has been featured CNN, The Wall Street Journal, Refinery 29, Huffington Post, the Smithsonian Institution, and more.

Jared was one of two winners of our 2017 Wool Blanket Design Contest. The final result—the Tribute Wool Blanket—is often sold out due to its popularity. In this design, Jared pays homage to his grandmothers, who themselves were Navajo weavers. Says Jared, “While my grandmothers are no longer with us, these patterns and colors remain to tell us the story of where they come from. I felt it was important to show tributes to their design through my new work. It makes me feel as if I am passing along their legacy.”

Jared Yazzie's Tribute Wool Blanket

Jared joined Eighth Generation as an Inspired Natives™ Collaborator in 2021. The second artist in our limited-edition full-sized blanket launch, Jared designed the New Phase Limited Edition Throw Blanket as a contemporary interpretation of Navajo chief blankets. Chief blanket patterns are unique in that the designs are constant when folding each corner of the blanket to the center. Part of our Gold Label collection, these blankets are particularly important because they are made locally in our Seattle studio. 

"I've been operating my business, OXDX Clothing, for twelve years, and in that experience I have never had as much support and mentorship as what Eighth Generation has offered to me. This is an empowering company that truly encompasses their mission of creating Inspired Natives. I hope I can be one of those artists that can continue their legacy."

Jared's New Phase Limited Edition Throw Blanket sold out the day it launched

The Inspired Natives™ Project, launched by Louie Gong in May 2014, is both a business initiative and an educational initiative. By collaborating with select arts entrepreneurs to manufacture products under the Eighth Generation brand, we hope to expand regional appeal of the Eighth Generation brand while simultaneously increasing the capacity of the arts entrepreneurs and educating the public about the tangible costs of cultural appropriation. Shop Jared's entire collection here, and thank you for supporting Inspired Natives™, not "Native-inspired."