Toronto has always been a city known for setting the next steps in fashion statements. It sets trends and the next unique look that sets the tone for Canada. Whether the garments are made for the cold winters, the hot summers, or the mild weather of spring and fall. Toronto’s clothing brands cater to it all. This feature sets the stage for the future.
Toronto Artist El Presco, along with his friends at FTN (F*ck The Numbers), have unified their forces. Together, they have created Toronto’s next trendsetting brand. We sat down with the mind behind it all; Zachary Swales. He is better known as you guessed it, El Presco himself.
The Meaning Behind War On Art
At its core, W.O.A — War Of Art — “materializes the internal & external battle creatives face.” It’s not just a slogan, its a reality for millions of creatives globally everyday. Every painter, designer, rapper, producer, and filmmaker engages in conflict, whether internally or externally. This conflict begins the moment they put their work into the world. Criticism. Expectations. Comparisons. Competition. Pressure. For many, this reality crushes dreams.
Art across all categories is subjected to criticism, conflict & expectations.
Art is War. War is Art. That duality is the heartbeat of War On Art, and what sets this brand apart from the rest.
The FTN Influence: Foundation of the Movement
War On Art would not exist without F*ckTheNumbers.
It isn’t just a phrase anymore. It’s a growing counter-culture. It challenges the obsession with metrics in our modern-day creative culture. In a world where streams, followers, and engagement rates are treated as viability, FTN rejects the idea. They believe that numbers do not equate to impact or authenticity. In art, this is a foundational value.
Many of the people who helped shape W.O.A are affiliated with FTN directly or indirectly. The movement provided not only support and infrastructure — but a basis for the brands identity. A community of creatives who prioritized substance over statistics. That collective belief system gave War On Art the foundation to grow from concept to clothing line. It evolved from an idea into an identity.
Without FTN and the people behind it, W.O.A remains a thought. With them, it became tangible. The collaboration is proof that movements thrive when artists build with community.
Zachary Swales: The Artist Behind the Brand
Before War On Art became a clothing line or cultural statement, it lived inside the music of El Presco. Presco’s sound carries the same energy as the brand — gritty, intentional, and emotionally aware. It reflects the understanding of the pressures of being an independent artist, especially in Toronto’s highly competitive scene.
His catalog, available on Spotify, showcases that hunger and discipline:
Listen to El Presco on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5LLUlj2AxmLGo5ts1W1Hga
Presco doesn’t separate the music from the movement. The themes overlap — self-belief, perseverance, independence, creative warfare. His brand isn’t merch built off popularity, it’s wearable philosophy he lives by. It goes beyond preaching, its become apart of his identity.
That authenticity is what separates War On Art from typical artist-driven apparel lines.
From Philosophy to Fabric: War On Art Clothing
War On Art evolved from concept to physical product with intention. Every piece released under W.O.A reflects the core ideology — bold, minimal and unapologetic. They also have pieces that break the fundamental rules of fashion. These pieces create a rebellious look without being overly flashy. Eyecatching without being eye candy.
The brand’s official Instagram serves as both storefront and manifesto:
War On Art Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/warofartofficial/
The visual identity is clean but confrontational. Strong typography. Direct messaging. No gimmicks. It feels less like fashion chasing trends and more like armor for creatives navigating their own wars.
The official website expands the experience beyond social media:
Shop War On Art: https://warofartclothing.com
This isn’t just clothing. It’s uniform for those who understand that creative pursuit is rarely peaceful, and always tinged with conflict.
A Toronto Artist Building Beyond Music
Toronto’s hip-hop scene has long been known for global heavyweights. However, the city’s underground is powered by independent thinkers like El Presco. These artists build ecosystems instead of waiting for validation.
Presco’s personal presence online reinforces that independent drive:
Follow El Presco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/prettyboypresco/
His platform isn’t just promotion, but also transparency — documenting his growth and the ongoing evolution of War On Art.
By intertwining music, branding, and philosophy, Presco is positioning himself not just as an artist but as a creative entrepreneur. War On Art stands as proof that artists don’t need to wait for major co-signs to build something meaningful.
The Bigger Picture
War On Art signifies something larger than one individual. It speaks to a generation of creatives who feel pressure from every direction but choose to keep creating anyway. Internal doubt. External judgment. Industry expectations. The battle never stops. But neither does the art.
With the support of FTN, Zachary Swales — El Presco — has a growing community behind him. He is turning that conflict into culture. War On Art isn’t just a brand. It’s a declaration. In a world obsessed with numbers, movements like WOA & FTN remind us that impact can’t always be quantified. Numbers alone do not tell the whole story.
Sometimes, the real victory is simply refusing to stop creating.
Sonus Magazine 