Vincent Tsang on Dime MTL's early days, his artistic evolution, and Montreal's creative class

Some of the greatest creative decisions from Dime MTL's artistic director? Refusing to leave Montreal, and betting on joy.

J.P. Karwacki

J.P. Karwacki

April 23, 2025- Read time: 9 min
Vincent Tsang on Dime MTL's early days, his artistic evolution, and Montreal's creative classPhotography by Phil Tabah / @phlop

Overlooking the St. Lawrence from his Nuns' Island apartment, Vincent Tsang’s place is punctuated by as many books on design as it is by his artwork—flowing, abstract figures that have graced gallery walls and coveted Dime tees. 

A meditative project of the streetwear brand's art and design director's own making, Tsang’s distinctive characters have gone from paintings to sculptures, each new piece exploring how new angles and perspectives could loop back to influence his paintings. It's exactly this kind of creative cross-pollination that's defined his unusual career trajectory.

Overlooking the St. Lawrence from Vincent Tsang's Nuns' Island apartment.

In a city where ambitious creatives traditionally pack their bags for New York or LA, Tsang has helped build something homegrown that travels in the opposite direction—pulling global attention back to Montreal. What began as skateboarding videos made with childhood friends has evolved into a streetwear phenomenon with collaborations ranging from New Balance to DC Shoe. 

Member-only story

Unlock Montreal’s stories. Join The Main community.

Read this story free.

Enter your email to unlock your first article and get The Bulletin — our weekly roundup of food, art, and local culture.

  • 5 free articles per month
  • Save your favourite places & guides
  • Weekly newsletter The Bulletin
  • Stay connected to Montreal culture

Become an Insider.

Join a community that supports independent Montreal stories and celebrates the people shaping its culture.

Subscribe
  • Unlimited access to all stories
  • Exclusive features & local insights
  • Special offers and event invites
  • 10% off in our shop
  • Support local storytelling

Already a member? Sign in

Related articles

The unlikely third spaces emerging from Montreal’s bouldering culture
AnnaClare Sung

The unlikely third spaces emerging from Montreal’s bouldering culture

How climbing gyms like Café Bloc have become neighborhood hangouts—complete with coffee, bars, and saunas—that offer a compelling alternative to traditional gym culture.

Nirvana's bringing new school energy to Chinatown with an old school tattoo shop
Elle Magni

Nirvana's bringing new school energy to Chinatown with an old school tattoo shop

Traditional styles and apprenticeships keep the faith to the craft, while monthly block parties bring hundreds to the neighbourhood.

Inside CKUT, Montreal's 38-year experiment in community radio
Madeline Lines

Inside CKUT, Montreal's 38-year experiment in community radio

90.3 FM has been the mic for the mic-less for nearly four decades, kept alive by 300 volunteers and the belief that a homemade sound can be a beautiful thing.

We started a petition to make Montreal's ugly Christmas tree an annual tradition
J.P. Karwacki

We started a petition to make Montreal's ugly Christmas tree an annual tradition

Last year, we wrote about how the city should make the Ugly Tree official. This year, we're actually trying to make it happen.

Everyone dunks on Griffintown. Here's what they're missing.
Christopher DeWolf

Everyone dunks on Griffintown. Here's what they're missing.

Griffintown's become Montreal's favourite punching bag for anti-development sentiment, but its messy, diverse rebirth is actually turning into something good.

Things to do in Montreal this November
The Main

Things to do in Montreal this November

The best things to do in Montreal during November bring enough festivals, holiday markets, and cultural programming to make you forget the cold.