For my senior project I would like to (literally or hypothetically) launch my own line of apparel and toys based off and inspired by my favourite brands. This will include a website and prototypes for what will be t-shirts, sweatshirts, stickers, shoes, stuffed animals, bags, vinyl toys, posters, plates and cups, and other miscellaneous items. In order to accomplish that I will research my favourite brands (such as Sanrio, Tokidoki, Mother Garden, Gama-go, Emily Strange, Ruby Gloom, Ice Cream by Pharrell, Juicy Couture by Gwen Stefani, Kid Robot, and so on) and research material on entrepenaurship as well as material that will help me develop and refine my craft. I intend to create products of high quality in both materials and in detail and in order to do so I know I must master several techniques. For this project there a several various forms of art I will need to use in order to carry out my goal efficiently; web and graphic design, digital design and animation, screenprinting, soft sculpture (sewing), sculpture, ceramics, painting, and drawing.
I believe that this is a practical and useful project for me to do because it isn’t something that I will work on once and then stuff in my portfolio or forget about. If I can follow through with this project I will continue to work on it long after I have graduated from St. Lawrence University. I fully intend on making this line a reality. Growing up I had many dreams, as any child does; I wanted to be a vet, a dolphin trainer, a teacher, an actress, but all throughout my childhood another dream flickered in the background unrealised. I had this insatiable attraction to all things cute and cuddly (despite my tomboyishness) especially in the loveable characters of Sanrio. When I first arrived at St. Lawrence during HEOP’s required pre-freshman summer seminar we were asked what career we would like to have in the future. My answer was that I wanted to create the next Sanrio and as I get closer to my senior year I feel that dream getting closer to realization. For awhile it seemed impossible and unlikely to achieve, but now I feel it is one of the only options for me to be happy in my career in future.
I also think this would be a great research oppurtunity to study abroad in Japan. Sanrio, ltd. has a great reputation for being helpful and informative about their products and history. What better way could I research them then going to the source? In addition to seeing the Sanrio headquarters I could witness first hand Japan’s culture of cute and gain inspiration for my line from Haraguku, Shibuya, and Tokyo in general. Born and raised in New York City, I’ve been heavily influenced and exposed to all forms of street art–which, in its own way, can be breathtakingly beautiful–but extremely hard edge. If I can work to combine rugged urban art with sugary sweet Japanese-esque commercial characters I believe I can create a fun an interesting line that will appeal to audiences across the borders. In order to achieve this though I really fel that I need to experience Japanese culture first hand.
If not Japan, than Italy would be my second choice. Not only because I fell in love with Italy when I studied abroad last semester but because it is home to the creator of my second favourite brand, Tokidoki. I look up to Simone Legno because he started out much like I’m starting out right now. He had a dream so he created a website to sell his fun and unique products. Several years later he’s approached by Hard Candy Cosmetics to turn his personal website into a real product line. His story has inspired me to do my best in pursuing my dreams. Until I had read about it I didn’t think it would ever be possible for me to reach that level, now I understand that thinking that way is like giving up before I have even begun. If this is something I love and want to do I have to do my best. If I could meet and speak with Simone Legno, or even just visit the Tokidoki headquarters in Milan I could really feel the full effect of what one person’s hardwork and dedication to a dream can achieve. This, I know, will give me the motivation I need to push forward.
