Post 01 2025: Aesthetic Explorations

The Pop Up Headlight Aesthetic

The automotive popup headlight aesthetic characterized by sleek front ends and aerodynamic inspired stylings represents one of the most adored design stylings in the automotive community.  They’re iconic and represent an era of automotive design that combined function with flair. Popular from the ’60s to the early ’90s, they give cars a sleek, clean look…

Post One- The Beach Buggy Aesthetic

The Beach Buggy Aesthetic is associated with a nostalgic, free-spirited vibe inspired by the laid-back beach lifestyle, dune buggies, and endless summer adventures. It’s all about sand-covered roads, sun-kissed skin, and the thrill of cruising along coastal landscapes. Some defining characteristics of beach buggy aesthetics are bright yellow, ocean blues, sandy tones, sunset colors, and…

The Dark Academia Aesthetic

Dark Academia is a romanticized aesthetic that revolves around classical literature, scholarly pursuits, and a deep appreciation for art, history, and philosophy. It blends an intellectual atmosphere with gothic influences, creating an evocative and immersive subculture that celebrates learning, introspection, and melancholic beauty. Origins and Influences The Dark Academia aesthetic has its roots in classical…

Industrial Sketching

One aesthetic I enjoy is industrial design/sketching. The clean lines and varying perspectives are delightful to look at. I hope to utilize this style for my first project by doing a lot of sketches beforehand. This will allow me to have a very good final design that is properly thought out, but very artistic. ChatGPT…

Rococo Aesthetic

Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s “The Swing” is a painting you and others may know and recognize. Whether that is from the overall composition, colors or extravagant amount of detail, this painting is studied and admired by many. But, what sets it apart from other known artworks like the “Mona Lisa” by Leonardo Da Vinci or Van Gough’s…

Rustic Aesthetic

When thinking about the rustic aesthetic, the first thing that comes to mind is aged, earthy, and natural textures. A classic example of where it can be seen is in farmhouses or log cabins, similar to the one in image (1) by Roomiet, which is the featured image. In most of these resident homes, there…

Aesthetic Exploration: River Deltas – “People of the forks”

The fascinating natural features of a river delta, where at the mouth of a river into a greater body of water create vast amounts of forking waterways provided individuals with immense amounts of resources to settle for centuries. This aesthetic exploration will explore what has resulted from this culture and lifestyle out of an aesthetic…

Biophilic Design

The concept of Biophilic Design was first explored in the book titled Biophilic Design, by authors Stephen R Kellert, Judith H Heerwagen and Martin L Mador. Although Biophilic Design was published in 2008 coining the term, this philosophy has existed alongside humanity for most of its existence. This aesthetic incorporates social ecology with physical design to…

Cottagecore

This image from Passportoeden.com (Toa Heftiba) demonstrates the general idea of the cottagecore aesthetic. We can see that the essence of the cottagecore aesthetic is the embracing of traditional rustic lifestyle practices. (꒰ @ijupiiterx ꒱‧₊˚ from Pinterest) The image above, pulled from Pinterest (Niamh Heyden), shows how nature plays a strong role in the design…

Maximalism

Maximalism is often defined as the aesthetic of excess. This aesthetic typically combines a variety of colors, styles, textiles, patterns, and emotions [1]. For many, maximalism can be controversial or overwhelming. Despite being “too much” for some, it is just right for others. I am still forming my opinion on maximalism and if I want…

Metal and Metal Subgenres

Many styles and genres of music have their own distinct aesthetics associated with them, and Metal is one of the more well known ones. Metal as a genre is defined by distorted sounds, aggressive playing, and unique styles of vocals. As a result, metal aesthetics tend to represent anger or other deep seated or negative…

Memphis Design

The Memphis Design movement emerged in the 1980s as a bold and unconventional response to the minimalist, functional design trends that dominated the previous decades. Characterized by its vibrant colors, geometric patterns, and eclectic mix of materials, Memphis Design challenged traditional design norms and embraced a playful, almost rebellious aesthetic. Memphis Design was founded in…

90’s skateboarding aesthetic

Skateboarding culture is something I’ve always been interested in, I’ve always loved the personal style skateboarders have and the way the culture has infiltrated so many other facets of life. Skateboarding started around the 1940s when surfers were looking for a challenge, but it gained massive popularity in the 90s. Skateboarding was recognized as a…

The Grim Darkness of The Far Future – A look into the aesthetic of Warhammer 40k

“In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only War.” The aesthetic of Warhammer 40k is one of the most distinctive and enduring in science fiction, blending gothic, baroque, and dystopian themes with militaristic and religious iconography. This aesthetic, defined by towering cathedrals, brutalist armor, and grotesque, war-ravaged landscapes, has influenced numerous media…

The Dark Fantasy Aesthetic: Struggle Amidst Shadows

The dark fantasy aesthetic is a timeless medium which blends elements of high fantasy and ever-present existential horror. Amidst the setting of fantastical creatures and constructs, it envelops the medieval set pieces with themes of decay, despair, and moral ambiguity, leading to a world which is simultaneously captivating and unsettling. As an aesthetic which has…

Solarpunk

In steampunk, cyberpunk, etc. the “-punk” implies that the genre highlights a fault in current society. Whether corporate greed, over-industrialization, or other issues, these genres tend to show the dystopian world that comes from the identified fault. Solarpunk takes a different approach: it recognizes the conflict of human pollution and shows a utopian logical extreme.…

Vaporwave

Vaporwave is an aesthetic that originated in the early 21st century as it came along with the surge of the electronic dance music industry. It consists of clashing 80’s/90’s retro with futuristic feels often using satirical images and glowing skylines. The color pallet is very distinct as it consists of neon pastels with pink and…

Gorp Core

Alexander Gustanski, Grailed, February 9, 2022 Gorp Core The Gorp Core aesthetic is a modern fashion trend that blends rugged outdoor gear with streetwear. The term Gorp Core comes from “gorp,” a slang term for “good ol’ raisins and peanuts”, a type of trail mix commonly associated with hiking. The aesthetic is characterized by practical,…

The Very Wild West

“I should’ve been a cowboy.” -Toby Keith One of the most popular songs in all of country music resonates with an American people still fascinated with the sense of beauty and adventure experienced by the trailblazers of western expansion. A rough and rugged people staking their claim where the wagons willed they stay laid not…

Art Deco

Rising to prominence in the interwar period, Art Deco is very much a reflection of the time in which it emerged. In the wake of the devastation of the first world war and at the precipice of massive technological advances, Art Deco as an aesthetic movement rejects the immediate past to embrace the new world…

Motorsport Livery: Speed, Sponsorship, and Iconic Design

Livery design in motorsports is not just paint on a race care, it’s an identity. Over the years, racing liveries have evolved and transitioned from simple color schemes to artistic designs that bring together branding, national pride, and aerodynamics. Racing liveries have become an essential part of motorsport culture. The Origins: National Colors and Simplicity…

Wabi Sabi Aesthetic

                  The Wabi Sabi aesthetic is a traditional Japanese aesthetic that is centered around imperfections, modesty, austerity, minimalism, and the integration of nature. The term itself combines “wabi,” which initially described the loneliness of living in nature, with “sabi,” referring to the beauty of aging. The Wabi…

Post 01-2025 Aesthetic – Frutiger aero

The Frutiger aero aesthetic emerged as a transformative visual language during the late 1990s and early 2000s. It represented a pivotal moment in digital design history. It usually gets confused with Y2K futurism, but the difference is that Y2K had a more primitive, lower quality approach. Frutiger aero distinguished itself through sophisticated visual elements, higher-definition…

Aesthetic Exploration: Modern Rustic

The Modern Rustic aesthetic captures the blend of contemporary minimalism of modern design with the rugged charm of rustic design. Originating in the mid-20th century, this aesthetic emerged as the rustic style evolved to incorporate clean lines and minimalist aspects [1]. Rustic design emphasizes warmth through natural materials and highlights the craftsmanship and rugged appeal…

Paithani Saree Embroidery

Aesthetic Explorations is a great way to showcase the designs, patterns, and culture of various art styles passed down through generations. This Assignment for Aesthetic Exploration gave me a jumpstart for my first blog post. I’ll be sharing some aesthetic exploration on Paithani Saree. I chose this topic for my first blog post because it…

Denim

Being commonly used in the early 1800s as workwear, denim was first made in France and favored by those performing labor-intensive tasks (Sewport Support Team, n.d.). In 1873, Levi Strauss was asked to make a pair of jeans that would not fall apart (The History of Denim, 2019). In response, Levi added metal rivets at…

Decora Aesthetic

The Decora aesthetic started in Japan as a subset of Harajuku fashion and culture. Harajuku is known for its variety of aesthetics and street fashion, with many subsets deriving from each other, forming new aesthetics and culture. Decora began in the 1990s and is derived from the English word “decoration.” The fashion aesthetic is characterized…

Aesthetics Exploration – Western

Figure 1: Cowboy on a ridge The Western, or Wild West, aesthetic emerged in the 19th century and gains inspiration from the American frontier’s landscapes, cultures, and lifestyles. Within this aesthetic, themes of self-reliance, rugged individualism, and the untamed wilderness are constantly being touched on. John Wayne and Clint Eastwood are two of the most…

The Punk Aesthetic

The culture of punk (specifically hardcore punk and pop punk) has a special meaning in my life, as it is the first genre of music that I truly resonated with. Punk is characterized as more than just a visual aesthetic, but also a philosophy and way of life. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact…

Pop Art Aesthetic

Roy Lichtenstein, Girl With Hair Ribbon, 1965 Pop art began soon after the end of World War II and stemmed from the consumer culture during the era. Brands used flashy, solid colors with distinct cartoon style, and artists began to poke fun of this by incorporating this style in their art. One of the most…

Athleisure

I chose athleisure as an aesthetic to explore more because I feel like it closely relates to my life and what I choose to wear on a daily basis. I have always liked wearing more comfortable, athletic and breathable clothes, and I think the uprising of the athleisure made a change to also make these…

Stereograms

A stereogram, also called a stereograph, is a pair of images placed side-by-side such that one eye viewing each image creates an illusion of three-dimensional depth. The first stereoscope, a device for viewing such images, was created in 1832 by Charles Wheatstone, and stereograms then became incredibly popular in the United States and Europe from…

Aesthetics of the Renaissance

The Renaissance has been a classic example of realism in art history. It marked a shift toward depicting the world and human experiences as accurately and naturally as possible. Renaissance art celebrated human individuality, emotions, and the natural world, reflecting the humanist ideals of the period. Artists sought to portray people and their environments with…

The Soviet-Afghan War and Retro-Nostalgia

In recent years, internet-based aesthetic movements have gained popularity, largely focusing on evoking feelings of nostalgia. These movements often manifest through the pairing of music with archival footage and are characterized by several distinct traits. Common elements include warped, out-of-tune, or slowed soundscapes combined with grainy, skippy, VHS-style visuals; the desired effect being to foster…

What Is Cartooncore? Exploring the Colorful World of Animated Aesthetics

  Cartooncore is a vibrant and nostalgic aesthetic that celebrates the exaggerated, colorful, and playful world of cartoons. Rooted in childhood nostalgia, this aesthetic draws from iconic animated shows and movies, particularly western animation from the 1990s and 2000s. It has become a beloved aesthetic, combining bold visuals, quirky designs, and a sense of humor…

Retro Futurism

What is Retro-Futurism? First coined in the 1960s, this aesthetic is best described as “a vision of the future from the past.” It is characterized by a mix of futuristic technology and old-fashioned styles. Humanity has always been intrigued by the idea of the future, and what the world could be like given the technology…

Pink and Cute Aesthetic

I decided to explore the pink and cute aesthetic. The pink and cute aesthetic, often known as “kawaii” in Japanese, is a playful, soft, and emotionally comforting design style for fashion and interior designs. I love that this aesthetic is defined by pastel colors especially pink, rounded shapes and whimsical motifs. For examples like small…

Modern Rustic Charm

Modern farmhouse style home blending contemporary and rustic features, SHE Interior [1] An aesthetic I greatly enjoy, I would describe as Modern Rustic Charm. This aesthetic is characterized by a natural, grounding, and cozy vibe, achieved through organic materials, earthy tones, and a nostalgic, handcrafted look. Its main feature that resonates with me is the…

Art Nouveau

Between 1890 – 1910 a new aesthetic movement flourished in both the United States and Europe. This style separated itself from the academic styles of the time by introducing flowing lines and nature. Art Nouveau stands out with its sinuous lines, depictions of flowers or vines, and often an asymmetry that gives the art piece…

Spanish Golden Age

The Spanish Golden Age is recognized for the prosperity Spain underwent regarding literature and the arts during the 16-17th centuries. This era originated after the Catholic Monarchs reclaimed land in Spain that was previously occupied by Muslim forces and ended the centuries-long Iberian Reconquista in 1492. [1] With the successful end of the Reconquista, along…

The Mediterranean Revival Aesthetic: Restoring Warmth in Modernity

Credit: edwardgeorgelondon.com History of the Aesthetic The modern Mediterranean design style (often called Mediterranean Revival) grew out of the sunny coasts of Spain, Italy, Greece, and Morocco in the early 20th century. Architects and travelers alike became captivated by the region’s craftsmanship: from Moorish-inspired arches and vibrant geometric tiles, to terracotta roofs and stuccoed walls…

Mid Century Modern

Mid-century modern is an architectural and interior design aesthetic that was popular from about 1945 to 1970 during the post war period in the United States of America. The term mid-century modern was used as early as 1950 but was ultimately defined as a design movement by Cara Greenburg in her 1984 book titled “Mid-Century…

Prairie Style

The Prairie Style first became a part of the architectural landscape in the early 1900’s in and around the Chicago area. Its main proponent was Frank Lloyd Wright, however it was also a style that was used by several other fellow architects which Wright dubbed the “The New School of the Middle West.” The style…

Art Nouveau

Art Nouveau was an extremely influential artistic movement that emerged during the Belle Époque (beautiful age) in Europe, a prosperous time that began in the late 1800s and ended in the early 1900s with the start of World War I. Art Nouveau is characterized by flowing natural forms, ornate details, intricate curving linework, and often…

Maximalism is More

Maximalism is an unapologetic grandiose collection of colors, patterns, and art centered around the joys of its creator. Its attitude is ratified in the ‘more is more’ opposition to minimalism. Maximalism’s formal aesthetic emergence occurred in the late 20th century as a response to minimalism. Its aim and often success pull viewers into a rich,…

70’s-80’s Automotive Aesthetic

Sports car design in the 70’s and 80’s was defined by bold angular lines, wedge-like silhouettes, and pop-up headlights. These iconic design elements not only defined the Italian poster cars, but were incorporated into the design language of more accessible European and Japanese sports cars of the time. This aesthetic was pioneered in the late…

Aesthetic Exploration: Restomods – Reviving Classics with Modern Innovation

Restomods, short for “restoration-modifications,” blend the timeless design of classic cars with the advanced technology of modern vehicles. This approach retains the aesthetic and historical significance of vintage automobiles while enhancing their performance, safety, and comfort. For car enthusiasts, restomods offer the best of both worlds, celebrating nostalgia while embracing innovation. The concept of restomods…

Sheet Metal Working Aesthetic

In this post, I discuss the aesthetic of fabricated sheet metal components.  Sheet metal structures are often presented in aspects of architecture, furniture design, industrial machinery, and art sculptures. However, I will mainly focus on the aesthetic of sheet metal in the design of race cars. In the past, I worked in automotive fabrication and…

Naturalness

Title Featured Photo: Japan Nakama (1) Naturalness is one of the most compelling aesthetics. However, in its purest form, nature itself is not an aesthetic. Nature is not an artistic creation made by humans to invoke beauty or emotion—it simply exists as it is. However, we humans can interpret nature to be beautiful, and—with this—we…

Basketball Jump Shot

Basketball like many sports and activities is art in motion. Don’t believe me? Check out the fun @ArtButMakeItSports social media which compares sports photos to famous art like the photo below comparing a hockey slap shot (Reginek, 1) to a famous painting. (Kandinsky, 1.1) Basketball carries with it a certain aesthetic that can be best…

Urban Race Car

In the modern design of cars, sport cars have always implemented sleeker design elements to better stand out compared to regular sedans and SUV’s. The 2-door coupe is a staple in this type of design due to the sportier aesthetic they carry. However, some people crave more and are inspired by race cars from Formula…

Neo-expressionism

Known for its bright colors, textural strokes, and brutish manner, Neo-expressionism grew to popularity in the 1970s and 1980s. The stylistic beginnings are said to be rooted in Germany, when Georg Baselitz opened a controversial exhibition in West Berlin in 1963. From there, Baselitz led a group of German artists known as Neue Wilden, or…

Zenitism

[1] Composition 77 by Mihailo PetrovFollowing the end of World War I, the former country of Yugoslavia was founded by the joining of the Kingdom of Serbia and the State of Slovenes, Croats, and Serbs. During the war, these former states saw devastation and the losses of millions. Seeing first hand the desolation of Europe,…

Aesthetic Exploration- Studio Ghibli

Growing up, my favorite childhood movies were Studio Ghibli movies. The director, Hayao Miyazaki is an amazing animator who creates imaginative visuals and compelling storytelling. I was always drawn to the art style and whimsical nature of the films. Miyazaki created beautiful scenes using vibrant colors, nature, and greenery to create a cozy and playful…

Earthcore

Earthcore (also referred to as the Granola aesthetic) is a style that focuses on appreciation of nature, while continuing the advancement of technology. Earthcore emphasizes themes of sustainability and highlights the importance of a symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. It likely began to emerge after the 2nd industrial revolution during the environmentalist and hippie counterculture…

Utilitarian Design “Aesthetic”

The History and Application of Utilitarian Design Utilitarian design, rooted in the philosophy of “the greatest good for the greatest number,” has played a crucial role in shaping both functional and aesthetic aspects of our daily lives. This design approach emphasizes practicality, efficiency, and usability, often at the expense of purely decorative elements. The movement…

Retro Futurism

Retro Futurism’s basis is in that of a wonder of the future, it arises from people imagining what life might be like decades, or centuries in the future. One key aspect of retro futurism is that the creator takes inspiration from the present world around them, and then adds additions of science fiction to let…

Adventurecore

Post 1 – Adventurecore The aesthetic I’m choosing to explore is Adventurecore, it includes all things exploration, discovery, and connection with the natural world. The style is rooted in nostalgia for childhood adventures, literature, and media that center on journeys into the unknown, often using mountainous landscapes, practical or beaten gear, and a sense of…

Viking Aesthetic

The Viking Aesthetic mainly focuses on the art that Vikings bore on their boats, weapons, and general possessions like furniture, buildings, and graves. There is a main theme of organic forms, being inspired by nature and animals as well as their own runic languages. Vikings being those from Scandinavia from the late 8th to 11th…

Frutiger Aero

Frutiger Aero is a sleek, futuristic design aesthetic that emerged in the late 2000s and early 2010s, characterized by its blend of minimalism, smooth gradients, and a focus on clean design. Inspired by advancements in digital technology and user interfaces, it often features soft blues, whites, and glossy finishes, with rounded edges, and integrated lighting.…

Bauhaus

Bauhaus was founded in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany. Bauhaus was a German art school that birthed an art movement and helped build careers of artists and architects. The Bauhaus Movement was a gesture to focus on the concept of total work of art, aiming to combine all arts in one school…