PROFILE USA
Merchandise Design, Brand Identity, & Event Marketing
Introduction
PROFILE USA is a testament to my passion for graphic design, community engagement, and creative expression. Inspired by a desire to bridge art and community, this project began as a humble endeavor to celebrate creativity and foster connections within my local community. Over the past five years, PROFILE USA evolved into a dynamic showcase of merchandise design, brand identity, and event marketing, reflecting my commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring the intersection of art and culture. Through PROFILE USA, I found not only a creative outlet but also a profound sense of purpose—a belief in the power of creativity to inspire change, build community, and leave a lasting impact. As I reflect on this journey, I am grateful for the opportunity to turn my passion into a purpose-driven endeavor that continues to shape my creative path.
Me
My friend Sam
Merchandise Design
The journey into merchandise design began with a desire to materialize ideas through clothing, despite lacking digital design skills. Through self-teaching via online resources and Adobe software, initial designs emerged, albeit imperfect. Learning through trial and error became the foundation for creativity, leading to a deep dive into printing techniques and fabric experimentation. From thrifting second-hand clothes to printing on various fabrics, each step contributed to a collection of unique items, including varsity jackets, knit sweaters, and different types of pants. Meticulous attention to detail drove the quest for custom labels, packaging, and domestically-sourced blanks printed with water-based inks. Over five years, clothing design became the primary focus, igniting a passion for seeing ideas transformed into wearable art and laying the groundwork for a future in graphic design.
Events
The inaugural event held in a friend's backyard, "Family Picnic" was a grassroots effort to celebrate local art and community. Featuring live music, artist booths, and even a screen-printing station, the event aimed to make art accessible to everyone, fostering connections and creating tangible memories for attendees.
A charity-driven art show, "Creative Soup" aimed to give back to the community during the holiday season. By requiring donations for entry and partnering with a local charity, the event raised funds and gathered essential items for those in need, showcasing the power of community coming together for a common cause.
This all-day community hangout transformed downtown Stockton into a vibrant hub of creativity and connection. With music, art, food, and more, "BLOOM" provided a free, immersive experience for attendees to enjoy and engage with their local community.
Taking the spirit of community beyond Stockton's borders, this event brought Stockton artists to San Francisco, exposing them to a new audience and experience. By making admissions free and leveraging local networks, the event showcased Stockton's vibrant art scene and fostered connections between communities.
Fall / Winter 2019 Lookbook
For the Fall/Winter 2019 Lookbook project, myself along with 3 videographers, photographers, and 10 models collaborated to showcase a collection crafted with purpose and sustainability in mind. Comprising entirely of sourced second-hand items adorned with screen-printed graphics and embroidery, the collection not only championed sustainability by repurposing clothing but also aimed to offer a diverse range of options for a broader audience, while maintaining an air of exclusivity and limitation.
The accompanying video beautifully captured the community's resonance with the collection, serving as a visual narrative that resonated with our brand's ethos and vision. This project provided invaluable experience in collaboration, organization, and executing a cohesive idea from inception to completion.
Reflections
Looking back on the journey with PROFILE USA, it's evident that this self-initiated project marks a significant milestone in my creative journey. From its inception as a website to its evolution into a vibrant hub of art, community, and merchandise, PROFILE USA represents five years of learning, growth, and dedication. Through navigating the challenges of merchandise design, event curation, and community engagement, I've discovered the profound impact creativity holds in bridging divides and forging connections. Each event, design iteration, and interaction has left a lasting impression, shaping not only my artistic vision but also my sense of purpose as a graphic designer. PROFILE USA stands as a testament to the transformative potential of creativity and community, continuing to inspire me as I embark on new creative ventures.