Lately, I've really gotten into designs that have some kind of strange or impossible twist in them, that make you double-check and go "huh?". First, it was an illustration that could manipulate printed type, then it was a highway sign shaped like graffiti, and now it's a square 8 ball. This project also pushed me into using illustration for one of the first times, and I must say I enjoyed the process and the end result tremendously. My original plan was to Photoshop the balls into cubes, but I was unable to find a suitable image, and I'm glad I didn't because I doubt the result would have as much vibe as this.
When I first designed this concept, I tried figuring out how to make a good clothing graphic out of it. However, the layout necessitated some kind of edge or frame to look proper. A few weeks ago, while browsing the Stussy website, I came across this jacket and had a brainwave. The square enclosed back panel was the perfect place to put this design. The seams around the design gave the layout the context it needed to work properly, and the green patch in the middle of the brown surface reinforced the idea of a billiard table. Adding more green accents and tiny red details tied everything together.
I'm sure you're all familiar with Stussy's Surf Man, and I really wanted to expand this character into "Tagman," where the abstract figure is tagging the Stussy logo. I don't even want to tell you how long I spent trying to perfect the proportions and details of this figure, especially the hand, but in the end, I think he turned out fine. I ended up adding a few more details, and the thing turned into an entire collection. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this one!