About
In this project, I acted as both a designer and producer of a design system modeled after the famous internet sensation, Moo Deng, the Thailand Pygmy Hippo. In this brief, I was tasked with creating a design system that I myself would apply on three separate substrates through screen printing.
The substrates I chose were a variety of textile items (like a hoodie, a few shirts, and fabric) and paper.
Moo Deng Brand Collection
What does it mean to be "just a girl?"
This bouncing internet sensation rose to fame through her range of attitude and adorable physique. "Moo Deng," translating to "Bouncing Pork," can often be seen being posted online with trendy audios like "I'm just a girl" where she can either be displayed sleeping, eating, or wreaking havoc and chaos on her caretaker. She exists freely without internal or external pressures. The duality of her character struck a chord with many audiences, so I wanted to convey such range with this assignment.
Trial and Error - When Changing a Few Settings Slightly Makes a Difference
By depicting Moo Deng with the halftone effect, I was able to maintain the integrity of her roundness. However, the main challenge came from ensuring that the pixels would actually show through when creating the film necessary to transfer the design from computer to the actual screen itself. As the producer of the design and eventual product, I had to take precautions in ensuring that I could maintain the details of my subject respectfully.
Appreciating the Little Things (or in this case, Details)
Above and to the left shows the variety of printed substrates I worked on - both textile and paper. During this part of the process, I was able to creatively arrange compositions to express feelings of fun and mindful chaos - just like the diva Moo Deng herself.
What I Gained From This Project
This project, more than anything, taught me about how I can be a mindful and intentional designer. Creating items for a digital landscape is dramatically different when creating items that will exist in a physical format, so I had to be conscious of how my designs could transfer onto a tangible item that is meant to be held, worn, and used.
Sometimes, the transferring of digital designs onto items can be difficult, but this process more than anything has encouraged me to pursue a path where my designs can exist on a physical object. I love designing on the computer, but I love the craft of bringing those designs to life!