“On self-initiated projects I am the client, I’m doing it because I want to do it and I enjoy doing it. I reflect on it a lot. I live with the designs, I print them out, I put them on the wall. I look at it time and time again and adjust and tweak until that I feel it’s right.”
VINCE FROST
week three: development
Lecture summary:
The lecture covers various professionals discussing their development and reflection processes in design and creative work.
Christoph Miller from Offshore emphasizes the importance of quickly experimenting with visual ideas, despite the allure of extensive research. He highlights the complementary working styles between him and his partner Isabel, where Isabel's precision balances his more exploratory, rough approach. He also stresses the importance of taking breaks for fresh perspectives and the iterative nature of their work, often involving numerous revisions for perfection.
Verònica Fuerte from Hey discusses her love for creating simple, timeless designs and the challenges involved in achieving simplicity. She also talks about her experience in setting up a physical shop, transitioning from an online presence, acknowledging the risks and efforts involved in such a venture.
Vince Frost from Frost Collective reflects on the personal nature of self-initiated projects, the difficulty of dealing with failure, and the challenges of balancing personal ambition with external constraints like funding and time. He also touches upon the self-doubt involved in such projects.
Sam Bompas from Bompas and Parr shares his fast-paced, connection-focused approach, emphasizing the importance of absorbing diverse cultural influences. He highlights the significance of health and safety in their adventurous projects and the evolution of the studio's maturity.
James Stringer from Werkflow talks about the iterative process in game development, balancing commercial and self-initiated projects, and the use of video game engines like Unreal Engine for real-time rendering to produce high-quality content efficiently.
Common theme: balance between personal vision, practical constraints, and the iterative process of refining and experimenting.
RESEARCH SUMMARIES
THE HISTORY OF THE TSHIRT
Early Origins and Evolution
The t-shirt's earliest form can be traced back to the late 19th century. It evolved from the union suit, a type of one-piece long underwear popular in the U.S. and Europe. Seeking greater comfort and convenience, workers began cutting their union suits in half, creating the precursor to the modern t-shirt.
The t-shirt gained prominence during World Wars when the U.S. Navy issued them as undershirts. These early versions were white, crew-necked, and made of cotton, designed to be worn under uniforms. The lightweight, comfortable fabric was ideal for soldiers in warmer climates.
Post-World War II and Cultural Shift
After World War II, the t-shirt began to transition from underwear to outerwear. This shift was partly due to veterans wearing their military-issued t-shirts in civilian life. Movies and cultural icons of the 1950s, like Marlon Brando and James Dean, popularized the t-shirt as a standalone garment, symbolizing youthful rebellion and nonconformity.
The Rise of Printed T-Shirts
The 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of printed t-shirts. Advances in screen printing technology allowed for the mass production of t-shirts with slogans, logos, and designs. This era transformed the t-shirt into a medium for personal expression and political statements, aligning it with the counterculture movement.
T-Shirts as Fashion Statements
In the 1980s and 1990s, the t-shirt became firmly entrenched in mainstream fashion. Designer brands began incorporating t-shirts into their collections, elevating them from casual wear to fashion statements. The advent of graphic tees allowed for a wide range of designs, from band logos to pop culture references, making the t-shirt a versatile and customizable garment.
Modern Era and Technological Advancements
Today, the t-shirt remains a universal component of global wardrobe, transcending age, gender, and cultural barriers. Technological advancements have led to diverse fabric blends and printing techniques, expanding the possibilities for design and comfort. Ethical and sustainable production has also become a significant focus, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental and social issues.
