Complex Sims is just 24 years old, but he’s already been playing The Sims™  for nearly 20 years. He first fell in love with the game’s endless world and possibilities, but his affection continued with the community.

Complex began his creator journey making “Let’s Play” videos, hoping to “bring more complexity” to the game and excite anyone looking for a sense of belonging and an artistic outlet. From there, he developed “The Complex Parlor,” a hub for the unique fashions he creates, and “The Complex Way,” where he shares content created by others he admires.

We wouldn’t be us without YOU! As part of our new and ongoing You Make The Sims series, we will spotlight creators across the world who inspire us and the game we make. We worked with Complex to bring some highly-anticipatied items to Create-A-Sim through the Sims Delivery Express: a bonnet, a durag and a unisex robe. We sat down with Complex to learn more about his style, process, advice for new creators, and more.

How would you define your own personal style?

I would define my own personal style as complex. I don’t really like to stay in a box. One day I might have on jeans and a jersey with matching sneakers and the next day, I might have on a button down and dress pants with loafers. I like to wear whatever I like that day.

When did your interest in fashion begin and what do you enjoy most?

When I was a child, I wanted to be a fashion designer. I used to look through the catalogs that would be delivered to my childhood home. I love that fashion speaks to everybody individually, and that where you start may not be where you finish. Style is something that develops.

Why are a bonnet, a durag and a unisex robe important items for your collaboration?

These items are very useful to my community and are incorporated into our daily routine. They offer multiple advantages in terms of comfort and preservation. I’ve used every one of these items in my everyday life at some point. These items being integrated into the base game will allow a lot of the core fans to feel seen and represented. If you have these items when you need them, they’re pretty much an insurance policy against looking a mess when you wake up! You’ve seen them everywhere, from the corner store, to the airport, even the runway. These items will keep you on lock and in tact wherever you go.

I think they’re important to expand the possibilities for players who like to accommodate Sims of diverse backgrounds. It will also allow some players more representation because they fit into their everyday lives.

Why did you select these colors and prints?

I selected the specific patterns that I did because I wear and have worn some of these items myself. I have quite a few and chose them based on what I currently have. I would say that my favorite pattern was the kente inspired one. All the colors really represented the cultural pattern very well.

What’s a challenge you faced as a creator, and how did you overcome it?

People telling me what they think my value is, and that creators deserve less support. There’s always going to be people who think you shouldn’t get the recognition you do. I feel, if you’re putting in the work and constantly improving, then you should declare your value. Don’t allow people to make you feel bad for the support you get.

It was my support system, The Complex Crew, that helped me overcome this.

What advice would you give someone interested in creating content?

Remain consistent and build your portfolio. It’s easy to get discouraged when you first start, but this is something that you have to give time to consistently improve on. Expand your knowledge by searching the web for what you want to know; I promise there’s at least one tutorial on it.

Also, be appreciative of the people who celebrate you during your journey. Support goes a long way!

Are there others that inspired you to begin creating content?

Definitely, I had initially started by doing recolors of In-Game content but, this was all before I met Ebonix. I had already been reading up on it, but her content piqued my interest. We developed a genuine friendship and she kindly aided me in my understanding of blender. I also looked to creators like XmiraMira who shared information with a lot of creators and streams, and creating a platform like TheBlackSimmer, which bred a lot of creative inspiration.

After them I’ve found support and inspiration from multiple creators and streamers I hold dear like, frxsk0sims, K’s Kustoms, DorificSims, KingBlackCinema, JaySims, HARDSWAE, Sim4Locker, DericosSims, Bergdorfverse, DocSo0s, Khaykashi, l0lKhalia, The Fashion Girl and more.

The three Create-A-Sim items by Complex Sims will be available beginning February 9, 2022 in The Sims™ 4 on PC and Mac via Origin™ and Steam®, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One systems.