Nick Ferrara only started his career as RUGSODA six years ago after discovering a YouTube tutorial on how to create custom rugs with a tufting gun. He has since built a portfolio that has drawn the attention of millions of online viewers, as well as names like Converse, Warner Brothers, Complex, Welch’s, Market and The Wall Street Journal.
Building on his success with flat rugs, Ferrara’s creativity expanded into the third dimension with bags shaped like dice, spray cans and miniature dumpsters. Recently, he entered a new space by designing and producing his first vinyl figure.
This leap into limited-edition accessories, especially his controversial workboot-inspired Boot Bag release, propelled his work to go viral. The exposure drew attention from brands like Zig Zag, who then commissioned Ferrara to create a custom bag for an online giveaway.
The name RUGSODA is something Ferrara said came to his mind randomly while thinking of things he loves. He’s even released a line of custom socks that come packed inside soda cans. When asked how Cannabis has influenced his artistic process, Ferrara explained that weaving together fashion, art and Cannabis feels natural, given that he’s been smoking weed since high school.
“Weed’s inspired many of my past projects, like the giant nug rug I made for PAX, my joint pillows or the ashtray full of blunts rug,” Ferrara said.
Back in his studio in Florida, Ferrara is listening to “Teacups and Kettles” from BBY Goyard’s “4thwall Pt. 2” on repeat while sketching out new designs. For more, though, the RUGSODA website has a radio link that drops you deeper into Ferrara’s inner soundtrack. He showed me the Zig Zag collaboration, and I asked what it felt like to work on a project like this.
“You never really know where art will take you,” Ferrara remarked. “It’s wild that when I was 17, I was arrested for hotboxing my car. Now, I’m 27, and weed brands reach out to me for collaborations.”
So, what’s the next big drop for RUGSODA? Ferrara said he couldn’t reveal any details just yet, but confirmed his direction.
“I guarantee weed will continue to inspire many more projects of mine in the future,” Ferrara concluded.
