Inspo design inspo
In the first behind the screens post, I discuss the Gen X roots of bend snap design. This time around, I’ll to dig into what inspired the inspirational tayings collection.
Since writing a sort of bend snap origin story, I’ve been thinking a lot about this jumble of sincerity and sarcasm that is a strong marker of at least some in my generation. Sure, there could be all kinds of potential reasons for it. Maybe it’s a kind of deflection. If every sincere declaration of love and admiration is accompanied by a wink and a nod, you keep them on their toes, holding the world at an arm’s length. But for me, I like to think of it less as a sarcastic undercut and more of a persistent sense of a play. And that playfulness runs through every aspect of the new bend snap collection.
There are four Taylor-Swift-inspired designs in this collection, based on songs from Lover, folklore, evermore, and Midnights. While working, I was inspired by the coming new year—and the promise we always find in turning the calendar to January. I thought of new year’s resolutions, of tabula rasa. (And heck, now I’m thinking that “Blank Space” would have been a good choice.)
Here are the four designs and what inspired them.
“The Man”
This line from “The Man” (they’d say I hustled/put it the work) was a natural when thinking of motivation for getting back to the gym as a new year’s resolution. Of course, Lover feels very pink, so I knew pink would be the primary color for this one. Visually, I was inspired by workout apparel that uses geometrics and tonal color. The use of italics is intended to express motion.
You’re on Your Own Kid
YOYOK stands out as both an inspirational song and a track five, and the lines in this one are a big reason (‘cause there were pages turned/with the bridges burned/everything you lose/is a step you take). The song has such a strong reflective vibe, looking back and understanding that we are the sum of our experiences. And these lines also speak to me as a reader and writer. The visual uses a simple all caps font over crossed branches. It’s simple so the sentiment truly shines.
“mirrorball”
This collection is very much about honoring effort. Going back to the notion of irony and earnestness, this one’s for the try hards, the nerds, the ones who aren’t afraid to love what they love. In her NYU commencement address, Taylor Swift herself put it this way
Never be ashamed of trying. Effortlessness is a myth. The people who wanted it the least were the ones I wanted to date and be friends with in high school. The people who want it most are the people I now hire to work for my company.
So, a couple of lines from “mirrorball” were definitely in order (I’ve never been a natural/all I do is try, try, try). Much like “The Man,” this one is influenced by athletic design and workout gear, using block letters and a gradient through font style.
“closure”
This one is definitely the most playful. It uses paraphrased lyrics from “closure” (we’re fine with our spite/and our tears/and our beers/and our candles) in a take on the “In This House” sign. When we started on this journey, providing a pop culture take on graphic home decor for those with whom “live, laugh, love” doesn’t resonate was something I wanted to take on. Like everything else in this collection, it uses a minimal style, both to highlight the sentiment and to fit with the aesthetic of athleisure and minimalist home decor.
Inspirational Tayings available now in the etsy shop.
All designs. Wine tumbler (black, red, turquoise, white), 12 oz., $27. Large eco tote (black, oyster), $30. Coffee mug (black, white), 11 oz., $19. Hardback journal (blue, gray, lime, orange), 5.5” x 8.25”, $25. Kitchen towel, $25. Art print, 8” x 10” or 11” x 14”, $15-18. Pinback button set, 2 1/4”, $30.
“The Man.” Women’s racerback tank (black, indigo, mint, white), XS-2XL, $25. Tritan Sports Bottle, 20 oz., $25.
“You’re on Your Own, Kid.” Women’s crop hoodie (black, military green, peach, storm), S-2XL, $58.
“mirrorball.” Gender-neutral t-shirt (15 colors available), S-2XL, $25. Gender-neutral zip hoodie (charcoal black, solid black, grey), XS-2XL, $58. Women’s crop hoodie (black, military green, peach, storm), S-2XL, $58.