New Times Merch Drop: Our Collab With Miami Artist Gabriel Alcala

New Times members can choose from an exclusive tank top or t-shirt. Photo by Miami New Times / Art by Gabriel Alcala

Audio By Carbonatix

[
          {
            "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
            "component": "22004575",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "STN Player - Float - Mobile Only ",
            "component": "22595215",
            "insertPoint": "2",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
          },{
            "name": "Editor Picks",
            "component": "17482312",
            "insertPoint": "4",
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - 2x Rectangles Desktop, Tower on Mobile - Labeled",
            "component": "23181625",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 8,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          
          },{
            "name": "Inline Links",
            "component": "18711090",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          },{
            "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
            "component": "17720761",
            "insertPoint": "8th",
            "startingPoint": 12,
            "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
            "maxInsertions": 25
          }
        ]

Gabriel Alcala's art is difficult to mistake — his lines are clean, his colors striking, and his illustrations arresting, often marked by a touch of dark humor. The Miami-based artist's work has been featured in the New York Times, stretched across skateboard decks, and adorned the cover of Father John Misty's To S. / To R. single.

Now, Alcala has lent his talents for a merch collab with New Times, for which he's designed two uniquely "Florida" pieces. Both were inspired by his experiences living in the state.

click to enlarge

Photo by Miami New Times / Art by Gabriel Alcala

"The first [design] was inspired by a childhood memory of catching lizards and playfully hanging them from our ears," says Alcala. "The second design was influenced by Andy Sweet's photographs of the older community enjoying Miami Beach."

Alcala says he aimed to create artwork that evoked the essence of Miami to those intimately familiar with the city. "I wanted to create one illustration that was distinctly Miami and another that was more subtle," he says. "I was surprised and pleased when [New Times] decided to use both illustrations."

click to enlarge

New Times members can choose from an exclusive tank top or t-shirt.

Photo by Miami New Times / Art by Gabriel Alcala

The merch is available now to New Times members. Those who contribute at least $20 will receive a limited-release commemorative poster with one of Alcala's designs. Members who contribute at least $75 will get the commemorative poster and an exclusive tank top or tee (your choice).

Alcala says he's looking forward to seeing people wearing his designs on Miami's streets: "I really enjoyed working on this project and I can't wait to see them out in the wild."

Miami New Times' funding comes from print and digital advertising, our full-service digital marketing agency V Digital Services, and contributions from readers through our membership program. We currently have an editorial staff of eight, and in 2024, we raised enough funds through our membership program to pay for one staff writer's salary. Our online content never has a paywall, keeping it free and accessible for all. We also continue to distribute 20,100 print papers each week around the city – free for anyone to grab from a New Times bin.