Finding your path
Some people find their way through logic, and others discover it by following intuition. For José María Santos, design was never a premeditated plan, but rather the natural evolution of his curiosity for art, fashion, and visual expression.
“A Gaditano settled in Murcia, I have always been fascinated by fashion, design, and art in all its forms since childhood,” he says with a smile. He studied Advertising and Marketing, although he soon realized that what truly caught his attention was the more creative side: the one that allowed him to play with ideas and transform them into something visual. That revelation led him to specialize with a Master’s in Design and Digital Production, where he finally found his direction within textile graphic design.
Life inside Gobik
Today, José María is part of the Design and Pattern Making Department at Gobik, where he works as a designer. His role allows him to combine trends, color, and creativity to bring garments to life that connect with people. “It’s a very creative and dynamic environment, where each project represents a new challenge and an opportunity to keep learning and exploring trends.”
His days are rarely the same. He moves between client projects and Gobik’s own collections, alternating between precision and imagination at a constant pace. “My day-to-day revolves around creating new designs for different clients, starting from the briefings they provide us and always seeking to capture each one’s essence. I also participate in the development of Gobik’s own collections, a process that combines research, inspiration, and a lot of creativity as a team.”
In his department, collaboration is essential. Everything starts with research: analyzing colors, patterns, and emerging influences that will later shape the visual line of each collection. From there, ideas become sketches and finally finished designs that reflect the unmistakable identity of the brand.
The process changes when working with custom projects. “In the custom area, our work is more guided by the needs and tastes of each client. Through their ideas and briefings, we seek to transform their proposals into attractive designs that maintain the image and quality level that characterize Gobik.”
Where inspiration is born
Inspiration does not have a single source. It can arise during a visit to a museum, on a walk through the city, or in the way colors interact on a busy street. “Many things inspire me: fashion, art, urban culture, and the visual trends that emerge. But above all, I like to bring urban fashion and current trends into the world of cycling, adapting them in the best possible way so they fit with Gobik’s identity. I believe that this mix of functionality and style is what gives each design something unique.”
Why Gobik
Before joining the company, José María already admired Gobik from the outside. “Before working here I already knew the brand and, in fact, it was one of my main sources of inspiration when I worked at another company in the sector. Their way of understanding design, attention to detail, and how they manage to give each garment its own identity always caught my attention.”
If I had to describe Gobik in one word, it would be detail. “Because at Gobik everything is taken care of down to the millimeter: from the design and materials to the customer experience. That attention to every small aspect is what makes the difference and gives the brand so much personality.”
Beyond the studio
Outside of work, José María finds balance by discovering new perspectives. He is passionate about travel, photography, and gastronomy, convinced that every place and every flavor can awaken creativity. “I love discovering new places and flavors, because I believe that every experience, every corner of the world, has something that can inspire my way of seeing and creating design.” Whenever he can, he visits museums, galleries, and exhibitions, his favorite way to recharge inspiration.
Curiosity drives everything he does. Whether through color, culture, or craftsmanship, José María is constantly seeking new ways to transform what he sees into something that can be worn, remembered, and felt.
QUICK QUESTIONS
Which Gobik jersey would you be?
The CX Pro 3.0: versatile, technical, and full of personality.
What music is never missing from your Spotify?
Everything! I listen to anything. Depending on the moment, I can go from flamenco to techno with no problem… although there’s always some Bad Bunny.
Series or movies?
Series.
Wine or beer?
Beer, especially if it’s shared with friends after a good ride or during a trip.
Tour, Giro or Vuelta?
The Giro. For its aesthetics, its landscapes, and that mix of history, design, and emotion that makes it so special.
