I N D E P E N D E N T . P R O J E C T S
C O F F E E T A B L E
The process of creating this coffee table involved mid-tone grey and dark blue spray paint. The table was originally white and using painter's tape I isolated the geometric sections and alternated the paint (leaving the space between white).
S C I S S O R H A N D S H O U S E
THIS MODEL HOUSE WAS INSPIRED BY THE CHARACTER AND AESTHETIC OF EDWARD SCISSORHANDS.
the decor, Appliqué, and accessories,
were applied using adhesive and/ or
staples. Color was applied using oil/ spray paint.
Artistry
Orientation
Kinetics
Individuality
T E C H A P P A R E L /
P R O T E C T I V E G E A R
market: hip hop & breakdancers
In 2010 for my senior thesis in the college of design, architecture, art, & planning (at the University of Cincinnati) I developed a brand concept entitled "AOKI". This product line consists of 2 tops & 2 bottoms. These pieces were designed with dance performance, safety, & comfort in mind.
PROJECT STATEMENT
Design/ develop a brand in which the user's need for the product overpowers their desire.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Dancers (both professional and recreational) are obligated to perform/ practice to either make their money or to reach their full potential. Talent agencies need their dancers ready and available.
“my favorite part about dancing is having the chance to watch others.......watching them really push the limit. That’s how i get inspired”
USER ANALYSIS
TARGET AREAS
BRAND MONTRA
S U B - C U L T U R E
U R B A N
S P O R T
SKETCHES/ RENDERS
MATERIALS & COLORS
wicking lycra: black, red, baby blue, white, cool grey, yellow, mustard, & plum)
PU mid-density foam: dk grey
plastic molded #8 zipper: white
velcro hook & loop: white
elastic waistband: black
nylon thread
industrial strength adhesive
PROTOTYPING
FITTING
WOMEN'S PULLOVER
interior
lycra tanktop under pullover w/ foam padding attached at the neck line & bottom seams.
exterior
logo embroidered/ lycra straps (with foam padding) functions as wrist stability or elbow protection/ padding details exposed through exterior.
straps
4 color & pattern options/ velcro for fastening/ middle cutout for elbow ergonomics.
MEN'S CUTOFF PANTS
interior
within the lycra lining: layer of foam padding/ padding over tail bone & hip bones (partially exposed) / padding over knee caps
exterior
logo embroidered/ knee areas have sewn loops to secure knee straps/ straps (with foam padding) functions as knee protection
straps
4 color & pattern options/ velcro for fastening/ middle cutout for knee ergonomics.
MEN'S HOODIE
interior
under the lycra exterior: lycra cutoff top with padding/ lycra forearm cover with padding rings of padding under hood.
exterior
logo embroidered/ head padding exposed/ forearm padding exposed/ interior lycra pieces connected at sleeve, bottom & top seams.
WOMEN'S KAPRIS
interior
under the lycra exterior: layered knee padding (1 layer only shown above)/ padding in hip bone & tail bone areas (exposed externally) on inner lycra shorts attached to top seam.
exterior
logo embroidered in tail bone area/ hip bone & tail bone padding exposed/ layered knee padding compressed against exterior lycra
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTION
FIBER FILL
AOKI uses a fabric shredder to shred leftover pieces of textile & foam. With a responsibility to address the issue of waste management, this FIBER FILL will be used as stuffing for other AOKI products such as dance floor matts, winter puffer coats, & kids throw chairs/ pillows.