Garbage Design
How might we turn trash into an unexpected conversation piece?
Balloon Suit
Challenge
How can we raise awareness of what we throw in the garbage?
Furthermore, can we take a surplus of unexpected, single use items, and create a positive conversation starter?
Our planet is riddled is garbage and plastic. I’ve designed outdoor gear for the past five years and have come to realize very few of us need more of anything. We already have what we really need. On a long drive through West Texas, I was upset with the rubbish strewn across the landscape. What’s the fate of this garbage? the planet? our outlook on it all? Earlier that day I had met a puppeteer from Yo Gabba Gabba. A large dancing character was still in the back of my head, and naturally wondered if he could made of trash. The balloon suit was the outcome.
Process
3600 balloon sewed together. Start with making long strips, similar to a feather boa. Then sew in layers to base costume. The head is a styrofoam dome with felt exterior that makes up the face. Stays in place with elastic insides and an old shoelace.
Process video
Motion study video
Tools
3600+ balloons, singer sewing machine, a 60 yards of binding, cotton joggers, cotton button up shirt, styrofoam dome, zipties
Prospect
Straws. Chopsticks. Popsicle sticks. Plastic bags. Bottles. Paper cups. What items do we throw out that have a lifespan much longer than we realize? I want to leverage this balloon suit to find other materials in surplus, and raise awareness to a cause and our habits.
STATUS
Complete
Egg Carton + Terra Cotta Lights
Challenge
Can we make an elegant lamp out of garbage?
Process
Call me a moth but I’ve always been drawn to lighting. I watched my friend Hallie on her throwing wheel and asked if she had time to explore making a lamp with me. Hours of lumpy domes later, we had our process dialed. We soak and blend discarded egg cartons from a nearby taco shop into a pulp. We add this to a terra cotta slip and we slip cast our dome shapes. Once leather dry, we pull from the plaster molds we made and fire in the kiln. Then we grind to finish the edges, drill a surface hole, and install our copper lighting kits.
Watch the process here
Tools
Discarded egg cartons, terra cotta slip, plaster, kiln, finishing tools, braided cord, socket kits
Prospect
Sad to say I had to pause this project when I left Austin. We had sketches of lamp ideas to explore with our exciting new method. A few restaurants, local hotels, and boutique shops were interested in our lamp designs. Hallie continues to use the molds and method to create lovely planters.
STATUS
Paused
Rope Lights
Challenge
How can we extend the life of our retired climbing ropes?
Process
Climbing ropes have a limited number of “falls” before they’re no longer safe to climb with. Then what? I explored forms with cotton piping. The first image shows the final result. My climber friend gave me an old rope last week and I’ll begin to weave it into a similar lamp shape.
Prospect
Educate climbers to weave their own baskets, lights, bins. Spread hype and begin collecting old ropes. Open up shop.
STATUS
In exploration
Bag Drag
Challenge
How can we turn plastic bags in a conversation piece on single-use plastics?
Process
A few hundred plastic bags, sewn together, fitted, and held in place with an elastic Arcade belt.
The dress was built to my buddy Wyn’s measurements, who performs drag under the name Pattiegonia.
Pattie’s Video
Tools
200+ thank you bags, singer sewing machine, one elastic belt
Prospect
I was bummed at the conclusion of the project. Poor communication and quick timeline resulted in the purchase of brand new plastic bags, instead of gathering discarded used bags. The day after this project, I wanted to tackle a project solo and build a suit for myself. Thus, balloon suit was on the horizon.
STATUS
Complete
Concrete Tiles
Challenge
Can concrete look sexy?
Can shattered glass be used at terrazzo?
Process
I explored tessellating shapes and settled upon this shield shape. I admired how the perspective of the viewer implied its meaning. To some, it’s a feather and denotes a large bird. To others, it’s a scale and resembles a fish. I used Onshape to 3D modeled a few variations and printed some options. I began casting the part in silicone to create a mold for the concrete. A few buckets of cement later, I had an armada of tiles. Upon nightfall, we snuck up to a nearby tunnel to cover up some old graffiti.
Tools
Onshape, 3D printer, silicone kits, buckets of cement, caulk, glass terrazzo
Prospect
Oh baby. So many tessellation to explore. Next round, I’d like to incorporate recycled glass into the concrete to create a translucent terrazzo finish. This could be a great, low cost installation solution in urban settings. Bonus points for integrating the broken bottles we find on the ground.
STATUS
In exploration
CMYKite
Challenge
How can we teach kids color theory through play?
Process
No sew, no glue, user assembled ripstop kite.
The panels are threaded together by two dowels, adding a sense of accomplishment to the user as the kite is assembled. Layer different panels for different color overlays for the sun to shine though. And if you break a piece, it’s easy to swap out, making repairs a breeze. Pun intended.
Tools
Illustrator, laster cutter, dowels, ripstop fabric
STATUS
Complete
Other projects at play
Recycled Film Canister Surfboard
Catch a wave on a few hundred 35mm canisters.
Vissla’s contest finalist
Wondercam
Exploration camera for small hands.
Check it out
Kendama USA
I was a freshman in college and entered a sticker design contest. Later that day, the founder called me and asked if I could redesign their branding and all package design. He was already fan of my story driven kendama videos and now my basic graphic design skills. I said yes and I got paid in kendamas. Dream come true.
Archive blog features
Think on paper
I once asked a journalist what makes a good writer.
“Write down everything you know to figure out what you don’t.”
I believe being a designer is no different.
Here’s are some rare photos of me as an intern at FiftyThree back in 2014.
I was working through new app explorations for our Pro-users on the Mix grid.
