Blog Post #4: What is the opposite of your Upcycling project aesthetic? Sketch and describe what this would look like. How might you enact this with the overall function and materials that you already have, or have planned?

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetics: From Handcrafted Upcycling to Mass-Produced Greenery

The opposite of my Upcycle project’s Artificial Japanese Bonsai Aesthetic would be a mass-produced, uniform aesthetic reminiscent of indoor plants commonly found in stores like Walmart or Costco. While my project celebrates the unique combination of craftsmanship and randomness found in nature, this opposite aesthetic focuses on efficiency and standardization, resulting in a more sterile…

Contrasting Scandinavian Aesthetic: Cluttercore

The Scandinavian simplistic design and Cluttercore are two contrasting approaches to aesthetics, each embodying different principles and visual philosophies. Scandinavian design uses clean lines, minimalism, and a focus on functionality. It is also characterized by a muted color palette, often using neutral tones, to emphasize simplicity and create a sleek look. In contrast, Cluttercore represents…

Post 4: Japanese-Oriental Futuristic to Brutalist Industrial

The opposite of a Japanese-Oriental fusion aesthetic, which typically combines the natural, serene, and minimalistic elements of Japanese and Oriental designs, would be a “Brutalist Industrial” aesthetic.   Here’s how it contrasts:  Name: Brutalist Industrial  Style Characteristics:  Materials: Heavy use of raw, unfinished materials like concrete, steel, and glass, often in their most basic, unadorned…

Post 4: Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic

The opposite of my upcycle project aesthetic is maximalism. Since the reupholstery of my sun visor is following a minimalist theme, the direct opposite aesthetic of this is the literal opposite, maximalism.  Maximalist art pieces are those that are overall eclectic, with random arrangements of colors, text, objects and textures in a confined space. In…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Arid Aesthetic

My upcycling project involves repurposing empty water bottles to create an underwater aesthetic. Conversely, to achieve a desert or arid aesthetic using water bottles, one could explore incorporating warm, earthy tones like sand, terracotta, and rusty reds, along with natural materials such as rough-hewn wood, leather, and woven textiles. Decor elements might include cacti, succulents,…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Afrofuturism

As far as I could discern the closest opposite of the Afrofuturism aesthetic would be the Colonial aesthetic. Colonial, referring to the expansion of Europe into other countries dating from approximately the 1500’s – 1800’s. Colonialism typically emulates history, civilization, conquering, and hierarchy, which are at direct odds of Afrofuturism: digital technology, nature, symbiosis, and…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic

My upcycle aesthetic is a mixture of Fungi and Academia.  In my mind that means the opposite is something that is both dead or unliving and not academic looking.  I believe this to be embodied by the Brutalist aesthetic. Brutalist is very rigid with hard lines, industrial kinds of materials, and odd shapes.  Typically, brutalist…

Whimsigoth Vs Minimalism

Whimsigoth is the aesthetic equivalent of an old cottage in the woods full of bobbles and trinkets. Minimialism, as the name implies is the complete opposite. A minimalist aesthetic generally means neutral colors, clean spaces, few distractions, little to no clutter, and a calm vibe. A minimalist aesthetic can refer to home design, personal style,…

The Opposite of Skateshop Aesthetic

For my Upcycle project, I am designing an iPad holder that fits in the skateshop aesthetic. I go into detail about this aesthetic in my previous post, but to summarize, the skateshop aesthetic has the following traits: Graffiti style graphics Colorful Equipment focused (decks, trucks, wheels, stickers) Lots of exposed wood Hats and Hoodies Loose…

Opposite Aesthetic: Industrial

My upcycling project has an environmental aesthetic with lots of natural elements and depictions of what the future environment could look like. It includes lots of nature and renewable energy sources. When thinking of an opposite of this aesthetic, I thought of the industrial aesthetic. This is because industrial aesthetics were inspired by factories and…

Opposite Aesthetic of my Upcycle Project

For my upcycle project, I am emulating the Cottagecore aesthetic. Before discussing its opposite, I will first provide a summary of Cottagecore itself by restating this blurb from my first blog post: “Cottagecore is an aesthetic that romanticizes simplistic, pretty, and quaint rural life. Individuals who adapt this aesthetic typically expand it to their lifestyles,…

Post 4: Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic

My current upcycle aesthetic is steampunk and I am making a decorative toaster out of cardboard. If I had to find an opposite aesthetic, I think minimalism would be the one. Steampunk is very over the top, taking elements of industrialism from the 19th century Victorian era. https://creator.nightcafe.studio/creation/Bp39AqVc0eaGJ9FIDAgE On the contrast, minimalism is more modern,…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Brutalism

My original aesthetic that I am currently working on is the rustic aesthetic. Therefore, I have chosen to write about the brutalism aesthetic as it seems like a perfect opposite. While a rustic aesthetic is all about having a natural wooden feel, brutalism focuses on creating structures that prioritize functionality and materials. Brutalism is often…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Industrial Minimalism

In the realm of design, opposites often attract, offering contrasting perspectives that challenge our perceptions and inspire creativity. In this blog post, I am going to delve into the world of aesthetics, exploring the stark contrast between industrial minimalism and artisanal upcycling. While one embraces simplicity and utilitarianism, the other celebrates intricate craftsmanship and artistic…

Opposite Upcycle Aesthetic: Workwear vs. Fast Fashion and Haute Couture

My aesthetic for the upcycling project is workwear. The workwear aesthetic is defined by functional, rugged items, both clothing and accessories, that were originally designed for people such as carpenters, fishermen and construction workers. These items are designed to be used every day and to withstand the type of abuse that comes with many of…