Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Anthony (Lim Guk Su) Gamble
Hi Matthew Anthony (Lim Guk Su), can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Diazable started as a small passion project in my one-room apartment in Incheon, but it also has roots in Texas, where we operate out of my parents’ house. The brand officially came to life in December 2021 during a late-night conversation with my friend Jaimee—one of those “what if?” moments that turned into something real. Diazable is a fusion of our names: Diaz + Gamble = Diazable. But more than that, it’s a reflection of our creativity, friendship, and love for what we do. From that single conversation, Diazable was born—built on artistic expression and the need to create something meaningful together.
At first glance, we might seem like just another fashion brand, but at our core, we’re about telling stories—our stories, your stories, and the connections we make through our designs. NO SWEAT. NO TEARS. NO GUILT. Just two friends coming together to share something with the world. Or, as Jaimee put it best: “Matt, we need to start making clothes again. LOL.”
Since its humble beginnings, Diazable has grown into something bigger than we ever imagined. Over the years, we’ve put in the work—traveling, creating, and connecting with like-minded people who share our passion. We’ve set up pop-ups or illustration fairs across Texas, Korea, and even Thailand, bringing our designs directly to the people who vibe with them the most. We have been a part of art shows in America. Korea and Thailand. Along the way, we’ve had the incredible opportunity to showcase Diazable at major music festivals like Furnace Fest and Tied Down Fest, where our love for heavy music and DIY culture comes full circle.
What started as a late-night idea has turned into a movement fueled by friendship, creativity, and community. And we’re just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road, that’s for sure. I don’t have a background in business, marketing, or art—nothing that would have really prepared me to run a brand successfully. LOL. I’ve failed more times than I can count with this project—struggling to market myself properly on social media, creating unpolished designs, posting content that wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, and showing up to pop-up events where I was completely overlooked, not making a single sale or even talking to anyone. I expected more support from friends and family, but when that didn’t happen, it led to a lot of self-doubt and harsh criticism of my own work and whether this was all worth pursuing.
I even started a YouTube channel talking about music, hoping it could be a vehicle to promote my brand, but it ended up taking up way more time than I anticipated. All of this has been fun and exciting in its own way, but at the same time, it has beaten me down—mentally and spiritually. I’ve faced so many obstacles, most of which I feel like I created for myself.
But at the end of the day, after every setback, I remind myself of something Colin Young from Twitching Tongues once said: “The only true way to fail is to give up.” That always pushes me to shift my mindset—not to dwell on failure, but to ask, “Why didn’t this work? How can I pivot?” Or, in my head, I hear Ross from Friends yelling: PIVOT!!! And so, I keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m an artist who specializes in creating dark and heavy designs that wouldn’t look out of place on a death metal album—but at the heart of it, I just want to make cute art centered around my Kewpie-inspired character, Baby Noodle. “Baby Noodle is me,” Gamble told The Korea Times. “He is literally just me but 1,000 percent cuter. He has a hat on because I always wear a black hat. He has tons of tattoos because those are all my tattoos. He has snakebite piercings because I have those piercings. Calling him Noodle and putting him in a bowl of noodles is not only cute, but everyone who knows me will instantly recognize that I put my Korean touch on the design.”
Moving forward, I want to dive deeper into collaborations and custom designs, expanding both my art and my style. Artistically, what sets me apart is something I’ve learned to fully embrace: simple is best. I create artwork that’s clean, easy to digest, and visually striking without overcomplicating things—for both myself and the people who appreciate it. Since I’m not a traditionally trained artist and I’m working with the skills I’ve built along the way, I’ve learned not to push beyond my limits before I’m ready. But in a world full of over-the-top designs, being a simple artist with a super cute character like Baby Noodle helps me stand out from the crowd.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I believe that taking risks is essential in life—but like everything else, it should be done within reason. If you have the mental, financial, spiritual, and physical ability to take a leap, then don’t back down. Do it. Leroy Jenkins it.
One of the biggest philosophies I live by is “Try anything once.” If you’ve never done something before but already decide against it, you’re playing it safe—but you’re also missing out on growth. Sometimes, you have to get in the trenches, get your hands dirty, and figure out what you’re really made of. The world doesn’t reward people who sit on the sidelines; it respects those who step up, take chances, and learn through experience. Even if you end up looking foolish, at least you pushed past your comfort zone—and that’s where real growth happens.
I’ve taken plenty of risks for this project—like the time I flew to the U.S. and took my 70-year-old Korean mom to not just one, but two hardcore metal festivals. We drove from Texas to Alabama for Furnace Fest, then from Texas to Detroit for Tied Down Fest—all within a week. And after that, I flew right back to Korea. LOL. These weren’t just wild trips; they were life-changing experiences where I gained new friends, mentors, and lessons that shaped me.
But like I said, I took these risks within reason. I had the mindset, the physical endurance, and at least some financial stability to make it work. Take risks, but don’t let them ruin your life. I may be a Gamble, but I don’t gamble away my future.
Pricing:
- Shirts $25-$15
- Koozies $5
- Stickers $5
- Custome art: Starting $50
- Music Reviews: $20
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.diazable.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/diazabledesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076777869763
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@diazable?si=m7AYbdxG51Y4Cary
- Other: https://linktr.ee/diazable
