The Brief
I created illustrated merchandise and digital content for SoarBlue, a progressive lifestyle shop in Fayetteville that promotes social awareness through apparel, accessories, and art. My role focused on illustrating designs, translating them into physical merchandise, and promoting the products through engaging social media content.
I created illustrated merchandise and digital content for SoarBlue, a progressive lifestyle shop in Fayetteville that promotes social awareness through apparel, accessories, and art. My role focused on illustrating designs, translating them into physical merchandise, and promoting the products through engaging social media content.
The Problem
As a small independent retailer, SoarBlue needed original merchandise that could quickly respond to current events while staying visually engaging and approachable. The challenge was creating designs that encouraged people of all ages to participate in political and social conversations without feeling heavy or confrontational. The brand also relied heavily on Instagram to promote products and build community engagement.
As a small independent retailer, SoarBlue needed original merchandise that could quickly respond to current events while staying visually engaging and approachable. The challenge was creating designs that encouraged people of all ages to participate in political and social conversations without feeling heavy or confrontational. The brand also relied heavily on Instagram to promote products and build community engagement.
Insight
Political messaging can feel more inviting when paired with humor, nostalgia, and playful visuals. By using illustration and retro-inspired graphics, serious topics could be communicated in a way that felt accessible and shareable.
Political messaging can feel more inviting when paired with humor, nostalgia, and playful visuals. By using illustration and retro-inspired graphics, serious topics could be communicated in a way that felt accessible and shareable.
Design Intent
I developed a series of illustrated graphics inspired by retro concert posters and vintage band merchandise, using bold color palettes, expressive characters, and groovy typography. Designs were applied to apparel and drinkware using sublimation printing to create fully custom products. I also managed the brand’s Instagram presence, photographing products and creating playful promotional graphics to introduce new designs and encourage audience interaction.
I developed a series of illustrated graphics inspired by retro concert posters and vintage band merchandise, using bold color palettes, expressive characters, and groovy typography. Designs were applied to apparel and drinkware using sublimation printing to create fully custom products. I also managed the brand’s Instagram presence, photographing products and creating playful promotional graphics to introduce new designs and encourage audience interaction.
Outcome
The illustrated merchandise helped translate current events and social themes into wearable, conversation-starting designs. Through Instagram marketing and custom product releases, the brand maintained an active and engaged online presence while offering unique products that resonated with its community.
The illustrated merchandise helped translate current events and social themes into wearable, conversation-starting designs. Through Instagram marketing and custom product releases, the brand maintained an active and engaged online presence while offering unique products that resonated with its community.
