Steampunk Strandbeast Kinetic Sculpture
For my final project, I have chosen to move away from the Tuscan aesthetic outlined in my personal aesthetic post. This decision is primarily due to the reasons I stated at the end of that post. Instead, I will be combining the steampunk aesthetic with something I have wanted to create for a long time,…
Magic Crystal Bedside Lamp – Alternatives
My main semester project is going to be this fantasy crystal lamp that acts as both a bedside nightlight and a portable light source one can use to walk around at night in the dark. Magic Crystal Bedside Lamp I want to explore only alternative aesthetics while keep the functionality the same across all the…
Hidden Compartment Designs
My main project has a chameleon-like aesthetic—somewhere between minimalist, fantasy, and whimsical. I am shooting for a blend of simplicity, storytelling, and playfulness. For my main idea, I’m designing a hidden compartment behind a fantasy-inspired art piece. This piece will incorporate a dynamic locking mechanism—something that blends into the artwork while also serving as a…
Exploring Final Project Aesthetics
My current plan for this project combines an industrial aesthetic with natural elements, much like my “urban ivy” style that was heavily influenced by Seattle’s skyline, shipyards, and greenery. The centerpiece is a wood-based shelf finished to mimic concrete, offering that cold, edgy ambiance without the complications of actual concrete. I want the texture to…
Medieval Castle Project: Plans and Alternatives
It took me awhile to find the concept for my project, but I have finally landed on an aesthetic I am happy with, something cool I can make, and a dynamic component that will hopefully work well and add to the project. Building on my upcycle project and my available resources and interests, I plan…
Post 7: Main Project Aesthetics: Plans and Alternatives
Brutalism, an architectural and design philosophy, emerged in the mid-20th century, leaving an indelible mark with its raw, uncompromising aesthetic. Primarily known for its concrete monoliths, Brutalism championed the honesty of materials and structural integrity over superficial ornamentation. The term itself, derived from the French “béton brut,” meaning raw concrete, highlights this core principle. Brutalist…
Bioactive Terrarium: Plans and Alternatives
The aesthetic of my main project will be colorful, bold, and nature oriented. I am not sure what to call the aesthetic, but it draws heavily on my love of natural light, bright colors, and natural elements like reptiles and plants. I will be creating a planted terrarium with a self-sustaining ecosystem intended for two…
Magnetic Shoe Display
For my final project, I plan to make a magnetic shoe display. When looking for inspiration on what’s already out there, all I could find was this or some slight variation of this The aesthetic of this magnetic shoe display can be described as modern, minimalist, and futuristic. The sleek black frame with an illuminated…
Main Project Aesthetics: Plans and Alternatives
For my main project plan, I’m going to engineer a ski boot warmer/dryer. This has obviously been done before, but I’d like to figure out a way to combine [aesthetic] with functionality to create something unique. I’m toying with a bunch of ideas at the moment, for example: whether to make the heater portable or…
Wooden Buddha Board (Wuddha Board?)
Initially, I was gearing up to center my final project around music, such as capturing the shape of music in a visual way or adding more tactile stimuli to the average listening experience. I was almost certain that I would land on a variation of a chlandi plate or ferrofluid speaker, but struggled to find…
Main Project Aesthetic and Alternatives: Mid Century Modern Glass Blocks
The plan for my project is to design and build a floor lamp that includes glass blocks as the primary lighting/diffusion element. For my project aesthetic, I plan to follow some of the furniture design elements of the mid century modern movement. Mid-century modern furniture design, popular from the 1940s to the 1960s, emphasizes clean…
Modernisme or Minimalism, an Artistic Record Player
[2] Antoni Gaudi’s Basílica de la Sagrada Família Modernisme is the Catalan word for modernism, also known as Catalan Art Nouveau. Architect Antoni Gaudí is credited with founding this aesthetic, and his works can be seen across Barcelona. Some of his most notable creations using this aesthetic include Basílica de la Sagrada Família and Casa…
Main Project Aesthetic – Retro Futurism
After much thought and back and forth I decided to change my main project aesthetic to retro futurism. The reason I decided to change my aesthetic is because I changed what I want to do as my main project. Initially I was going to make my own neon sign but after mulling it over I…
Main Project Plans and Inspirations
My formative years are in the late 90’s and early 2000’s and my group of friends and I were inspired by the punk/grunge/skateboarding scenes. We were a small group of kids in a small town in rural Colorado, and our exposure to anything other than farming and ranching was what we saw on television, or…
Mid-Century Modern Aesthetic: Watch Winder and Alternative Aesthetics
After considering different aesthetics and styles that would look good incorporated in my room, I have decided to follow through with the mid-century modern aesthetic. I enjoy the clean lines and the organic shapes that accompany the aesthetic. Using this aesthetic to create my project will create a cool-looking decoration that can help my room’s…
Falling or Swinging?
Main project aesthetic will follow my own, eclectic minimalism, as discussed in the last post. the project itself will be a pendulum contained in a metal support system. Ideally the end of the pendulum will be glass rondle to change ans cast light as it oscillates back and forth. The unpredictable and changes lines cast…
The Vintage Surf Aesthetic & Alternatives
In my upcoming project, I’m excited to delve into creating a custom pressed skateboard deck, drawing inspiration from the intertwined eras of vintage surf and classic skate culture. As mentioned in a previous post, my aim is to capture the essence of a time when these two cultures melded seamlessly together. [Image 1] The vintage…
Main Project Aesthetics: Plans and Alternatives.
I am planning on sticking with the same aesthetic that I used for my first project, “Ski Bum”, but also tying it more into my own aesthetic so that I make something that I will actually use. The ski bum is all about a carefree, adventurous lifestyle, deeply rooted in the culture of skiing, snowboarding,…
Urban Ivy Aesthetic
Seattle’s unique blend of urban energy and lush greenery has played a huge role in shaping my personal aesthetic. Growing up, I was constantly surrounded by a skyline of modern skyscrapers, shipyards, and that ever-present misty rain, which pushed me toward an “industrial vine” or “urban ivy” style. I find myself drawn to major 20th-century…
Main Aesthetic: Simple Modern
For my main aesthetic, I’m going for a simple, modern look. Right now, I’m planning on making this for my mom, and she’s really into a clean, minimal style for my parents’ house. The kind of table she suggested is super simple, just a round top with four corner legs. The main thing for me…
Personal Aesthetic
My personal aesthetic, I don’t think has a name. It draws on a lot of the major elements of my life. My hobbies, my family, my past all affect it in unique ways. I think it is most significantly represented in the clothes I wear. While it also affects my living space, my work, and…
Different Jewelry Box Aestetics
Main project For my main project, I will be trying something outside of my comfort zone. I will be attempted a traditional Galician aesthetic. Now I am aware that is seemingly random. However, this is because I plan on making a jewelry box in the shape of a Galician Horreo for my girlfriend who is…
Final Project Inital Ideas
For my final project, I wanted to do something that would be useful for me. Also, after last week’s post, I wanted to go with something that would add to my aesthetic. I wanted to show off the nerdy bit about myself, yet add something a bit different. I am a big Formula 1 fan…
Tuscan Aesthetic
A personal aesthetic I strongly identify with is the Tuscan aesthetic. There is something timeless about its blend of warmth, craftsmanship, and organic imperfection. It values natural materials such as aged wood, exposed stone, and sun-washed stone, creating an environment that feels earthy and inviting. I personally don’t enjoy modern minimalism, I enjoy things that…
Main Project Plans and Inspirations – Favorite World Aesthetics
When thinking about my personal aesthetic, I immediately defined it in terms of the things I love in art and media, as opposed to my clothing or room style, for example. I think this is a truer indication of who I am and what I enjoy. I really enjoy all kinds of art including TV,…
Personal Aesthetic- Sunshine, Reptiles, and Color
My personal aesthetic is filled with bright colors, sunshine, nature, and greenery. I have always gravitated towards bold, contrasting colors in my personal spaces, and find that they make me feel more alive and present. I love natural light as well, and coupled with plants and nature, I find that these elements define my personal…
Magic Crystal Bedside Lamp
For my main project I would like to stick with the medieval fantasy aesthetic. The problem I currently have a little electric candle that I use as a night light next to my bed. I keep it on at night when I want low light or I take it with me as I use the…
Cardboard Fantasy Helmet
For my upcycle project I took inspiration this leather helmet I found last December at an art market. Figure 1: Leather fantasy style helmet that is the source of my inspiration for this project. The aesthetic is “Medieval Fantasy” along the lines of Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, or the countless other properties…
Our current reality: Stupid Futurism
For my upcycle project I am taking inspiration a leather helmet I found last December at an art market. The aesthetic is “Medieval Fantasy” along the lines of Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, or the countless other properties that incorporate knights and swords and dragons and the like. I will be using cardboard and…
Dark Earthly Whimsical & Project Plans
I think my personal aesthetic is something like Dark Earthly Whimsical, this doesn’t necessarily capture my own aesthetic but it is one that I always come back to over and over again. This aesthetic means a lot to me because of the movie Coraline. This movie has been my favorite movie for as long as…
Water Filter – Tibetan Design Aesthetic
I have studied water throughout my Environmental Engineering education, and am currently in need of a good water filter at my house to remove chlorine, fluoride, and lead from Boulder tap water (City of Boulder Drinking Water Report, 2024), as well as potentially PFAS. For my final project I would like to incorporate my knowledge…
CyberCrystal Vest: My Personal Aesthetic in Motion
Defining My Personal Aesthetic My personal aesthetic is an intersection of futurism, cyberpunk, and kinetic self-expression, blending elements of high-tech wearables with bold, attention-grabbing visuals. The CyberCrystal Vest, my main project, is a direct embodiment of this aesthetic, which melds LED driven interactivity, crystalline inspired geometric forms, and punk-inspired fashion to create a piece that both…
Retro Futurism and Can Crushing
When thinking about what could be my own personal aesthetic, I had difficulty narrowing down a style. I am generally an enjoyer of things and don’t tend to follow one type of aesthetic or subculture very strictly. Thinking about my music taste, personal fashion, and even my interior design choices for my room I often…
Personal Aesthetic & Main Project Ideas
My aesthetic doesn’t really have defining boundaries. It’s built upon my experiences and the things I’ve grown to love over time. Generally speaking, I consider it to be comfortable, whimsical, subtle, functional, and intentional. And if I separated it into smaller categories, I could better define the things that make up my aesthetic. Furniture When…
Eclectic Aesthetic and Project Inspirations
I have many personal aesthetics depending on the context and situation—from clothing to decoration to general lifestyle. Regarding clothing, I follow a generally minimal and comfortable aesthetic. I do not have many bold colors and prioritize clothing that looks good while still comfortable. For decoration, I consider my aesthetic to be eclectic. The decoration in…
Continuation of Minimalist Aesthetic with More Functionality
Featured Image: Functional bedframe aesthetic inspiration from Timber Van Kits Because all designs are continually improving, I have chosen to continue my upcycle project into my main project. As I described with my motivation for my upcycling project, I have recently been building out a Ford Econoline Shuttle Bus. This has been a very interesting…
Buzzfeed told me “Cottagecore” aesthetic. But is it true?
Throughout the beginning of this course, I have been contemplating my personal aesthetic and how to define it, whether that be through style of dress, interior decoration, preferred media, etc. When polling my loved ones, the consensus was a blend of “earthy industrial” and “normcore,” perhaps typical of the Colorado region. According to the Buzzfeed…
Personal Aesthetic
I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have a personal aesthetic. I suppose I take different bits here and there from other aesthetics, but I definitely do not conform to one or even a couple of aesthetics. Instead, I’ll just give examples of some aesthetics that are around me that might influence my personal expression. One…
Eclectic Minimalism
My personal aesthetic lives in eclectic minimalism with undertones of light academia. It’s a space where carefully curated minimalism meets the joy of abundant collections—my rapidly filling bookshelf standing as testament to this duality. Throughout my apartment, storage spaces burst with craft supplies and project materials, revealing my creator’s spirit while maintaining an intentional approach…
Traditional Galician Aesthetic
Personal Aesthetic My personal aesthetic can be best described as yacht core. I just see a lot of yachting in my future with a ton of friends and music and even more friends. But thats the future, right know my personal aesthetic is probably closer to 8th grade nerd core. Looking around my bedroom I…
Adventurecore and Vinyl Art Speaker
Personal Aesthetic I think my personal aesthetic most aligns with adventurecore. Adventurecore is an aesthetic that portrays ideals of exploration, adventure, and the unknown. It also highlights curiosity and the desire to see and experience everything life has to offer. It has similarities with the aesthetic wanderlust, which portrays the curiosity to travel the world…
Custom Pressed Longboard Deck
I have always been a fan of board sports, living in Boulder for the last few years I have found longboarding to be my primary and most favorite mode of transportation. Over the years I have made several longboard and cruiser decks that I really enjoy, but they have all suffered from a similar material…
Personal Aesthetic – Alternative Minimalism
When I reflect on my personal aesthetic a multitude of things come to mind. I think this is quite common. Most of us are some amalgamation of many aesthetics. Throughout my life I have experimented with different fashion styles and living space aesthetics. Ultimately however, three main themes come to mind. Minimalism, the general alternative…
Main Project Plans and Inspirations
I think that it is super hard to pin down a super specific aesthetic for myself. I draw from a lot of different aesthetics and change mine a lot. I also think that my aesthetic with clothes and fashion differs from my aesthetic with decorations and interior design. This assignment has made me reflect a…
Personal Aesthetic: Reminiscing Aesthetic
Throughout the exploration of my aesthetic, I find myself drawn to memories and reminiscence. I often think back from childhood memories where I played in the park, or hung out with my cousins. Having these occasions where I think/look back on life often revolves around my everyday life. It helps me appreciate the present more…
Personal Aesthetic
When thinking about what my personal aesthetic is, I found it hard to identify one. In reality, all my life is random and I find the weirdest things interesting. How I dress is different from how I decorate my house in terms of aesthetics. I found what I am interested in and how I decorate…
Plans & Inspirations: Toy Piano
I have a clear idea of what I want to create for my main project. I write and produce music, so I have a solid collection of instruments, but some of my favorites are actually just kids’ toys or cheaply made semi-instruments. About 10 years ago, Jimmy Fallon introduced a segment on The Tonight Show…
Modern Bohemian Planter
Repurposing waste into functional and aesthetically pleasing objects has always intrigued me. For my upcycle project, I decided to transform discarded glass items into stylish planters and terrariums for small plants such as succulents. I sought inspiration from the modern bohemian aesthetic, blending clean lines, natural elements, and contemporary materials to create a unique piece…
Rugged Minimalism
My aesthetic is best described as Rugged Minimalism—a mix of function, durability, and simplicity. It’s about stripping things down to what’s essential while keeping a tough, ready-for-anything edge. I appreciate materials that age well, like wood, metal, and leather, and designs that emphasize purpose over excess. My approach to aesthetics is rooted in practicality, but…
Minimalist aesthetic
For my upcycle project, I chose to create a patchwork denim bear. The type of aesthetic that falls into is the patchwork aesthetic, but combined with the fabric I chose, it developed a bit of a maximalist vibe. Due to that, the opposite aesthetic to that would be minimalism and maybe even industrial. Industrial would…
Hidden book compartment espresso box
Idea generation and final inspiration Initially, I struggled with ideas due to the vast number of possibilities. I was drawn to brutalist art and first designed a brutalist-style coffee coaster resembling a two-story structure. The top half mimicked a brutalist prison room, while the bottom half held the coffee cup, using heat as part of…
Soda Can Tab Guitar Strap
For my upcycle project, my goal was to create a guitar strap out of soda can tabs that adheres to the punk aesthetic. I wanted the finished product to be flashy and robust enough to actually use on a regular basis. I had never attempted a “crafty” project like this before, so this served as…
From Snowboard to Coat Rack: Ski Town Aesthetic
Somewhere, I once read that art is about finding that feeling, concept, or thought that the whole world subconsciously relates to—and being the first to transform it into words, paper, or canvas. That feeling is exactly what ran through my head the first time I visited a ski town back in 2013. There was something…
An Homage to Stuffed Animals: Childhood Stuffed Animal Recreations
In this upcycling project, I aimed to explore the aesthetic of nostalgia and the concept of comfort through nostalgia. This idea came to me back in the pandemic when there was a huge resurgence in childhood favorites, like Avatar the Last Airbender, Pokemon, and more. In the pandemic I found myself rereading the books I…
Patchwork teddy bear
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/e/2PACX-1vRqmL_lUgWkXZo5ukly1fDZ4hwADFw5gIT6s7Jny0GdALZHiiT47StyXQUAyxW28fz92Rb0sha0LoH0/pub?start=false&loop=false&delayms=3000 First, I want to discuss the aesthetic I chose for my upcycle project. I decided on a Patchwork and Folkart aesthetic, but it turned out to be more of a Patchwork or maximalist Aesthetic with Japanese Sashiko designs incorporated into the bear. The patchwork aesthetic can be dated back to ancient times, with Hidepark’s…
License Plate Frame
For the past few weeks I’ve been working on a new way to display eight license plate frames in my room. The license plates that I was trying to incorporate came from three different states, Colorado, California, and Arizona, and while the California plate is rather neutral in its design the other two have unique…
Cybernetic Scorpion: An Upcycled Circuit Sculpture
Introduction The Cybernetic Scorpion is a sculptural upcycle project that fuses elements of Artificial Nature with discarded electronic components to create a biomechanical creature. This project reimagines e-waste as a living entity, blurring the line between technology and organic life. Using fried PCBs, resistors, capacitors, and integrated circuits, I constructed a scorpion sculpture that reflects…
Upcycle Design Report: A Witch’s Cabin
As my upcycling project, I created a diorama of a witch’s cabin (or a corner of one). Inspiration, Aesthetics, & Design The aesthetic and concept of this project were roughly decided around the same time. While looking for a topic for the aesthetic exploration post, I had decided to use that aesthetic for my upcycling…
Pop Art with 3D Print Scraps
For my upcycle project, I originally sought to use 3D printed scraps to create a pixel art image within a wooden frame. My initial vision was to take discarded 3D prints, shred them into small, uniform pieces, and arrange them into a pixelated design. However, as I started working on this concept, I quickly realized…
Soda Can Succulent Planter
For my upcycle project I have decided to try and repurpose waste produced by many people every day including me, empty cans. I plan to take empty soda, tea and beer cans and repurpose them into planters for small plants such as succulents or cacti. The granola or earth core aesthetic will be the guiding…
The Pink Embroidered Tote
For my Upcycle project, I originally planned to embroider a pink corduroy jacket, but after realizing the material wasn’t ideal, I switched to a tote bag. My goal was to create something that fit the cute and pink aesthetic, inspired by Kawaii culture. This aesthetic is soft, playful, and nostalgic, filled with pastel colors, rounded…
Upcycle Project – Coasters from 3D-Printer Waste
Purpose & Inspiration For the upcycle project, I knew I wanted to utilize 3D-printed waste as my main material. 3D printing is a fantastic tool for both functionality and artwork. The library of printable objects is constantly growing, offering innovative ways to create and design tools, knickknacks, and whatever random thing you can think of!…
Upcycle Steampunk Lamp
In class, we were tasked with researching an aesthetic and creating something of interest with said aesthetic, as well as incorporating recycled parts. This is how I approached the project. I love the steampunk aesthetic and decided that this project must represent the steampunk aesthetic. After that was decided, I wanted to find something to…
Ghibli Jeans Upcycle
For my initial project ideation, I wanted to upcycle a lamp shade and make it into a Studio Ghibli inspired lamp. Studio Ghibli’s aesthetic has natural, earthy, and cozy aspects. I wanted to bring those elements into my design. When beginning my material search, I went to the thrift store and looked how lamp shades with…
Collage Cards Design Report
Inspiration For this upcycle project, my inspiration was to combine my love of multi-media art with thoughtful design to conform to a desired aesthetic. I noticed I had a lot of paper scraps, paper bags, magazines, and various art utensils laying around my house that I wanted to put to good use! I also knew…
Progress on the Upcycled Helmet
For my upcycle project I am taking inspiration a leather helmet I found last December at an art market. The aesthetic is “Medieval Fantasy” along the lines of Lord of the Rings, Dungeons and Dragons, or the countless other properties that incorporate knights and swords and dragons and the like. I will be using cardboard…
Four Point Hat – “Ski Bum” Aesthetic
“Ski Bum” is a term that typically evokes a specific image of someone who makes skiing their number one priority, sometimes even over jobs, housing, or financial stability. The classic ski bum is resourceful, finding ways to live cheaply to maximize time on the mountain. Their aesthetic reflects this lifestyle: thrifted, functional, and often homemade…
Organic Patchwork Platters
For my upcycle project, I made a set of small platters that embody an organic patchwork aesthetic. In the context of the woodworking world, this aesthetic is often defined by pieces that are slightly askew in character. By leaning into the power of asymmetry and negative space, the organic shapes and characteristics of the wood(s)…
Tired Peacock Chair
For my upcycle project I made a chair out of tires in the style of the iconic Peacock Chair. My inspiration process began with a chair that I made for another class, CVEN 5544 – Solid Waste Management and Resource Recovery. I really liked working with rubber on that assignment, and was really impressed that…
Vintage Americana Chalk Bag Made From Thrifted Levi’s
Inspiration After my mom got me a sewing machine in 2018, I have been making various items such as skirts, pants, and bags. Since I enjoy thrifting, I had an idea to make a bag out of thrifted Levi’s or Wranglers. Fig 1. Denim Tsuno Bag Bags made from this material evoke a feeling…
