Inspired by Rejection

I often get emails and talk to young designers / entrepreneurs / opportunists that ask for advice on how to get where 'I’m at' (whatever that means). The best advice I can give is to take the steps to refine your skills. I went to art school for 5 years and then worked on designing anything I could before I actually landed a job designing the bottoms of sneakers and stripe patterns (that nobody looked at). It has been a ten year process to get to where 'I'm at' today and there has been a lot of times where you have to park your ego at the door. You can't teach experience, so you have to go through the process of gaining it through hard work and dedication.

Far too often I hear aspiring professionals think that they know better than most and that they should be able to do 'what you do' right away. But, they don’t often know the amount of rejection you had to endure to get there. People don't 'just start off designing.' I had to earn my stripes because talent alone will only take you so far.  

My entire college career was dedicated to pursing a career at Nike

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UNDRCRWN "I Used To Love Her"

Combine one of my favorite artists/songs & one of my favorite places in the world (NY, NY)

...What do you get? The "I Used To Love Her" tee on an "I Love NY" typeface.

Simple & clever, thanks UNDRCRWN!

"NOOKANOOKA" Design Gallery

 

(Pictured: UNDRCRWN NookaNooka)

Last night 16 world renowned artists and designers were asked to participate in the NookaNooka Gallery event.

The toy, originally created in a larger size, was intended to function as a watch display for retailers. But when Nooka creative director/founder Matthew Waldman noticed how popular these models were becoming- he reworked them as a smaller figurine. 

Each figurine was then given to the participating designers to apply his/her own special touch. When UNDRCRWN ("The Brand For Champions") received the call to participate, we were honored! The designs on display were really wonderful. Each artist provided something unique, clever and provocative for their customized piece. Some chopped theirs apart, while others used materials like wax, metal and thread to customize their designs. Check out the images below! Which is your favorite?  I love the wooden design (and inspiration) by Zarigani Works  (below). 

 ps: Big props to Dustin for putting his design together in under 48 hours notice! They don't call him creative director for nothin' ... 

 

Guest Post: Everyone Is A Designer (Part.1)

I was recently reminded about Hip-Hop Superstar; Kanye West's "Pastelle" clothing line. Please note that I did not call him a “designer.” I'll admit that shortly after seeing the garments, I went into “hater” mode. This wasn't because I was jealous, but because I think of how this title is often unwarranted and unearned.

A few years ago when Kanye attempted to launch Pastelle, he recruited some of streetwear’s finest minds to provide creative input. There ended up being too many cooks in the kitchen and the line never went anywhere (RIP Pastelle). Design is about thinking, conceptualization, execution  and most importantly- YOUR OWN point of view. That’s partially why I feel that if you need a think tank before launching “your vision"- you shouldn't be called a designer.  

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Negativity Used Correctly

Noma Bar is a graphic designer who uses negative space to create optical illusions. The clean lines in his artwork are a refreshing contrast to the complex issues he is typically poking fun at. His subject matter covers a range of topics from sex, global warming and nuclear warfare to religion, crime and corporate greed

In May 2009 he created a Limited Edition cover of Esquire (pictured above). His works are often featured in highly praised print publictions like-The Observer, The Economist and Wallpaper.

His book "Negative Space" is set to release on amazon in August 2009.

To pre-order head over here: amazon

I love his use of color- only adding subtle pops throughout each individual piece.

Maybe I love it because it reminds me of that "Young Woman" optical illusion they used to teach us about in highschool?? (pictured below)