It is not easy making a name for oneself in the creative industry as it relies on a plethora of factors such as investment, connections and recognition. Recognition is needed to expand a brand name - It doesn't always have to mean it is has to be seen as the most popular, but could be recognised by its controversial or thought provoking message it portrays, such as Rei Kawakubo's 'Lumps and Bumps' collection.
An example of this is a brand I became aware of today, called Vexed Generation, now known as Vexed Design. Joe Hunter, creator of the company explained how he turned the topic surrounding the criminal justice system of 1993 into a clothing design. The topic included uncivil members of the criminal justice system and corruption, which was a research led and socially responsive topic.
I enjoy ethically motivated design projects, because the outcome is more interesting due to the controversy that surrounds the topic. The different audience reactions also create a more dynamic result, which I learnt helps with media attention and recognition.
I also learnt that protecting your products is just as important as everything else. Due to the highly competitive industry, ideas will be stolen if not protected (e.g. copyright laws). This means a significant loss, as a lot of investment is used for start up.
Premier Vision is something else that i learnt about today: A clothing fabric show in Paris held every year. Many members of the design industry go there to see the latest textiles.
Vexed Generation are successful in their own right, due to the way they incorporated functionality with communication. I believe that if they chose not to design something ethically motivated, they would not be able to attract different audience readings, resulting in inquisition.
As a designer, you have options when it comes to sourcing materials. For example, depending on the type of designer you are, UK manufacturers maybe an option for you. Despite the costs, I learnt that UK manufacturers have their benefits such a surveilling the manufacturing closely and the lack of language barrier it offers.
Todays presentation also taught me the importance of the project theme and how it can form a signature for the brand itself. This is important for a first time designer, as the first project could influence your whole brand thereafter (whether that is good or bad). Additionally I have learnt that designers should also be aware that there is a possibility that demand can suddenly increase due to popularity or commissioning.
I believe todays seminar was useful, because I was able to have an insight to some of the difficulties that real people discover when designing and making a living from it. In addition, I have learnt that being a designer means that you have to take risks sometimes, because sometimes you don't know what is going to catch on within year, months or even weeks to come.
Topics I have discovered:
Corwool: Cordura and wool
Balistic Nylon: Thick, tough synthetic fabric. Originally developed by DuPont
Fabric construction to sustain durability:
- Fan pleats
- Stretch seam
- Techtonic (to resolve problem with non stretch fabrics)
'Granny Takes A Trip': A psychedelic boutique which opened in February 1966 at 488 Kings Road, Chelsea, London. Nigel Waymouth, his girlfriend Sheila Cohen and John Pearse opened the boutique
Direct marketing: A marketing strategy that companies use to attract or keep costumers. An example are membership cards, which collect information on the items you buy. This this information, they can recommend you items and direct adverts to you.
