Finding his path
Some people find their path through logic, while others discover it by following intuition. For Jose María Santos, design was never a premeditated plan, but rather the natural evolution of his curiosity for art, fashion, and visual expression.
“Originally from Cádiz and now based 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 really captured 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 Digital Design and Production, where he finally found his direction within textile graphic design.
Life inside Gobik
Today, Santos is part of Gobik’s Design and Patternmaking Department, 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 is 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, based on the briefings they provide us and always seeking to capture the essence of each one. I also take part in the development of Gobik’s own collections, a process that combines research, inspiration, and a great deal of team creativity.”
In his department, collaboration is essential. Everything begins 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 on 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 level of quality that characterize Gobik.”
Where inspiration begins
Inspiration does not come from 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 that they fit with Gobik’s identity. I believe that this blend of functionality and style is what makes each design have 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, their attention to detail, and how they make each garment have its own identity always caught my attention.”
If he had to describe Gobik in one word, it would be detail. “Because at Gobik, everything is taken care of down to the millimeter: from design and materials to the customer experience. That attention to every small aspect is what makes the difference and what 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 spark creativity. “I love discovering new places and flavors, because I believe that every experience, every corner of the world, has something that can inspire the way I see and create design.” Whenever he can, he visits museums, galleries, and exhibitions, his favorite way to recharge his inspiration.
Curiosity drives everything he does. Whether through color, culture, or craftsmanship, José María constantly seeks 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 always on your Spotify?
A bit of everything! I listen to anything. Depending on the moment, I can go from flamenco to techno without any problem… although there’s always some Bad Bunny.
Series or films?
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 blend of history, design, and emotion that makes it so special.
