Print Designs

One of the things I'm working on for my portfolio is a set of print designs. I am picking three different regions to take my inspiration from, and at the suggestion of one of my teachers, Karin, they'll all be designed with graffiti in mind. Lately, everything I see serves as inspiration, but graffiti especially, with the names Banksy and Shepard Fairey (of the Obey fame) coming to mind.

The first region I chose was Africa. The geometric shapes and patterns seemed very unique to that lo-cal and a great place to start in the realm of print design. Also, the masks used in tribal ceremonies serve as excellent inspiration.

Japan was next on my list of locations, mostly because it is home to one of the largest and well known fashion movements; Harajuku. Harajuku is a shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo and every Sunday young adults come to this area to socialize dressed in the style of Gothic Lolita.

The last place I picked was Mexico! I've very recently been obsessed with their literature and their language, but also with the unique embroidery that is often on traditional Mexican peasant dresses. The dresses I'm talking about are usually white with bright flowers stitched on the top half of the garment.


Each of these areas have such a distinct flavor that, really, I had no other choices than these. What is going to be difficult about designing these prints is deciding which aspects of each culture to illustrate and then render in Adobe Illustrator. I have a feeling that drawing out a rough sketch of each and scanning it to trace in Illustrator later will be my best bet. And it all begins tomorrow!