Modern Aesthetic, Traditional Methods
The idea for Compounde came after a guest speaker visited during one of my graphic design courses at school. She was young, trendy, had pink dye-dipped hair and a hoop nose ring, just in case you couldn’t tell how cool she was from her vintage purse and tastefully done tattoos. She was a recent grad and already landed a job as textile designer for a brand so popular, you probably have a dress she helped create hanging in your closet. Her job that day, however, was to reveal the secret of her success, to tell us eager (and broke) students how we might be just like her, with dream jobs and dream salaries to match. She told us to do as she did…write down the top 10 companies we’d love to work for and campaign them in various creative ways until one of them got so annoyed/impressed they’d finally crack and hire us.
My classmates sat around me scribbling away while my pen idly sat next to my loose sheet of lined paper. I thought for moment, I realized I didn’t want to work for anyone but myself.
But just what did I want to do? Design, obviously. I wasn’t paying my way through art school to get a degree I’d never use. But what did I want to design? I knew I wanted to go beyond the digital world that’s associated with graphic design. I wanted to make real things, beautiful things able to be touched and cherished. A shortage of inspiration wasn’t my problem; it was polar opposite. I have so many varied interests, my lack of focus seemed like a hindrance instead of a gift. I’ve designed and made clothing, fabric, accessories and more. I didn’t know how to focus on one category.
But what if I didn’t have to? I could design a number of things, but under the same brand, united by a similar modern eclectic style; clean lines, and unique materials. Thus, Compounde was born.
Grand dreams and aspirations aside, I’m still a twenty-something year old artist with limited resources. One day, however, my bank account will catch up to my imagination and I’ll be able to produce the countless sketches stored in my notebook. I’m starting small with earrings and eventually I’d like to expand into clothing, textiles, furniture and shoes. Thank you for taking the time to read my ramblings, and please check back often and follow me on social media.
