edition 001
the idea
copperminted streetwear is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but never thought I had the funds, time, or proper inspiration and motives to do it. But, when COVID hit, as I mentioned in my last post, I began thinking differently. I found an opportunity in the lack of job prospects (and the addition of government financial aid) during quarantine to come up with a concept for streetwear that I could not only be proud of, but also share and use as a platform to make a difference.
I ended up with the idea that I could make shirts designed to inspire and encourage community among people like myself: dreamers who dare pursue what they love and find joy in the process of becoming truly unique individuals. It’s hard stepping outside the box; you face opposition and criticism everywhere, especially from yourself, so finding joy in the process isn’t easy. By combining my original designs and easy access to inspiring stories people can connect to, I could make something that you can really look good and feel good wearing.
The design inspiration
Seeing as the first run of copperminted tees is an experiment, I found it only fitting to use the image of an experimental piece of my own in its design.
One night, I was playing with spray paint trying to imitate the look of corroding copper. Not going to lie, I really shocked myself with the results. It didn’t totally look like corroding copper, but it was close enough. It was kinda cool. Then I set it aside and really didn’t think too much of it. Real anticlimactic.
Over time, however, I found that the piece really epitomized what copperminted is all about: blending ideas and artistic techniques in pursuit of originality and good design. Sure, it doesn’t look like what I intended to imitate, nor does it just look like spray paint puke. But it does look like something different, something new. And, credit to my friend Lilly, it looked like something I could put on a shirt.
the artist statement
I like to think of these tees as prints of my artwork. I individually number them myself and take great pride in each piece. But please DON’T frame them or let them sit in the closet to collect dust. These pieces of artwork are meant to be worn, and are really incomplete without the story of the wearer.
As for the fit and finish, I chose to use the heavyweight 6oz. tee as my base, which combines the durability of workwear with the softness you come to expect with a premium tee. The fit is regular and slightly boxy, the perfect balance of the everyday tee and the trendy loose fit that dominates the streetwear scene today. Inclusivity was also a factor in my decision for fit; I don’t want anyone, regardless of their identity, to feel out of place wearing this tee.
To make sure my tees have a positive impact, I opted to go local and collaborated with a print shop by my studio in Somerville. Should your order need to be shipped, the packaging you’ll receive is environmentally sustainable and recyclable, and can actually be used more than once!