Envisioning a VandyThePink® Collab
Problem:
Vandy proposed an open-to-public prize incentivized design challenge to present their iconic symbology in the participants unique style. The medium required was open to illustration, video, sculpting, etc.
Roles:
-Nail Artist
-Graphic Design
-Packaging Design
-Documentation
Time:
3 weeks
Client:
VandyThePink®
Industry:
-Primarily shoe + apparel/ street wear
-Online retailer with occasional in person activations
VandyThePink® open called for design submissions and I responded.
Research
Intro:
I wasn’t familiar with the brand before deciding to take on the challenge, so I made sure to review their collaborations with other brands I had a mental rapport of already.
-Something in The Water
-The Hundreds
-Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream
-Clarks
Main take away:
None of these Collabs seeks to reinvent the wheel. There seems to be a pursuit to elegantly marry the styles of 2 brands that energetically align.
Products created with brands specializing in industries outside of fashion re: streetwear, usually took the opportunity to create a graphic or physical build leaning towards that realm.
Context:
As the first submissions were quickly shared to the Vandy IG page, I noticed a trend. While they were reflective of the individual illustration (mainly digital) styles of the artists, there was an obvious gap to submit in another medium in exchange for speed.
Because DIY + Misc. Studios works with eclectic nail art, that became the obvious choice. Not only would the design represent a pragmatic wearable/ tangible article, it would be a standout among the other entrants.
Process
Conclusion
Pain point:
The hypothesized scope of work was admittedly a bit too large for the size of the team (1) and the amount of time granted from the challenge’s announcement.
Given more time, there would be more opportunity to refine each asset more independently or to delegate the tasks to a gathered team for a larger collaborative effort.
The deadline was ultimately missed.
Business Opportunities:
A clean manicure may be the first thought when selling a handheld product or the very last stop, but that attention to detail is what will set you apart when your community sits with your offerings as a resource and source of inspiration.
Ex: Switch out press on nails quickly between editorial/ commercial dress changes for live, print, or digital media displays.