Introduction
The Problem
Within the skate and streetwear community, a noticeable lack of Asian representation exists, hindering the integration of diverse cultural influences. Miasma aims to bridge this gap by infusing Asian inspiration into its designs, fostering a more inclusive and culturally enriched fashion environment.
The Goal
Miasma aims to fill the void in Asian-influenced streetwear, crafting a fusion that seamlessly marries cultural essence with urban style, catering to a diverse audience seeking a unique fashion expression.
My Role
This project was made in collaboration with Johnathan Lee to create a unique brand from the ground up.
Responsibilities
This project required a broad range of skills because of the various elements required to create a new brand from the ground up. It involved research, accounting for accessibility considerations, creating paper and digital mockups, producing copy and digital designs, and continuously iterating on designs.
Understanding the user
Miasma is centred on skate and streetwear culture, targeting men and women aged 12 - 40 who embrace urban aesthetics. The brand aims to resonate with this demographic's fashion sensibilities and cultural inclinations.
Starting the design
The foundations of the brand
The inception of Miasma's design journey involves a thorough exploration of its cultural underpinnings and urban aesthetics. We started by delving into the essence of Asian influences and skate culture, identifying the converging points where creativity can flourish.
Ideating on paper
In the early stages of ideation, concepts come to life through sketches and diagrams, fostering a tactile connection between vision and expression. This process not only encourages free-flowing creativity but also lays the foundation for refining and transforming these initial thoughts into impactful design elements.
Transitioning to Digital
From paper sketches to refined digital designs, we leverage technology to enhance details, experiment with colours, and ensure versatile adaptability.
Refining the Design
Refinement Through Feedback
Our iterative approach involves constructive feedback, leading to subtle but impactful adjustments for consistent brand cohesion. This process ensures that Miasma's design resonates with its cultural essence and urban aesthetics.
Final Product
Colour Palette
We opted for a monochromatic colour scheme for the Miasma brand aligns with its foundational tenets of minimalism and the Japanese wabi-sabi philosophy. This choice resonates with the essence of embracing imperfections and unique variations in both materials and garments. Just as the brand celebrates individuality within quality, the monochromatic palette elegantly reflects this balance, offering a subtle yet expressive visual embodiment of Miasma's ethos.
Logo Design
Application Prototypes
Accessibility Considerations
1. The chosen monochromatic colour scheme not only aligns with the brand's aesthetic but also caters to visual accessibility. The high contrast levels aid readability and accommodate users with visual impairments.
2. Prioritizing legible fonts and appropriate font sizes ensures readability across various print formats and devices. This practice supports users with different visual abilities, contributing to an inclusive user experience.
Going Forward
Takeaways
The Miasma brand has the potential to make a significant impact in the industry by offering a unique blend of Asian-inspired aesthetics within the skate and streetwear culture. This fusion bridges a gap in the market while celebrating diversity and cultural representation. The project also showcases the brand's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility, resonating positively with people who appreciate forward-thinking and socially conscious design.
What I Learned
Creating Miasma taught me the art of weaving cultural influences into modern design while keeping inclusivity at the forefront. This project underscored the value of constant refinement through feedback and iterative design, resulting in a brand that harmoniously balances aesthetics and user experience. Additionally, I gained a deeper appreciation for the impact of accessible design choices, ensuring that the brand speaks to a diverse audience.
Next Steps
For Miasma, the next phase includes a strategic launch, audience engagement, and influencer collaborations. This entails building a strong online presence and user-friendly e-commerce platform to better target our primary demographic. Continuous user feedback and trend monitoring will keep the brand dynamic and relevant.
Let’s connect!
Thanks for taking a look at my work on Miasma skate co! If you're interested in seeing more or getting in touch, please feel free to reach out to me on either of these platforms.
Email: ajcoulterdesigns@gmail.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ajcoulter
