Upcycled Print: A Screen Printing DIY Guide for Upcycling at Home
Upcycled Print is a project that promotes the transformation of second-hand clothing through screen printing. It encourages Gen Z to have more fun with old materials, demonstrating how anyone can create a unique piece of wearable art in their closet by customizing and applying a new design. Through resources on screen printing, free stencils, and real-life examples of clothing transformed by me, this informative project aims to teach and engage my audience on how they can upcycle at home and share the results online – ultimately urging my audience to share and learn from each other.
Research Question:
How can graphic design combine with upcycling to educate and empower Generation Z to live more sustainably?
Sub-Questions:
What is upcycling and how is it being used today?
What are the current problems with consumerism and sustainability?
How can thrifted clothing transform into something new with the application of screen printing?
Further research: Collaging
After researching literature on sustainability and textile waste, observing artists and designers that deal with clothing and/or environmental issues, and seeing what work already existed in the realm of thrifted clothing, I decided to conduct additional research through collaging. Personally, creating quick, rapid collages was essential for me to explore different design directions, and it ultimately allowed my creative process to become more experimental. Below are some examples of the collages created for jeans and t-shirts.
Project Highlights
note: fabric prints and booklet designed by me
