ASSIGNMENT #3

Reflection

At the beginning of this assignment, it was difficult to even continue forward with this assignment. Because we were assigning specific roles for everyone, we could not expand this production without knowing our actual message that we want to bring awareness about. We spent so much time focusing on the roles that we were rushing to choose our message, which I believe should have been figured out in the first place. Everyone one of us has different interests, so we chose the main concept we can all share to translate our individual message into our apparel or performance. Sustainability was the main concept we all agreed on to keep the whole production consistent.

My role was to take on the logistics for the Pop-Up event. I am glad I had the team members in my group because we all share similar interests and have worked together in the past. We were able to collaborate well in class and communicate outside of class through messaging to prosecute the planning. Once we got the got an approximate number of skilled trades and people exhibiting their handmade outfits, we were able to visually plan the setup and write down what tools and supplies were needed for that day. Some of us needed a flat surface for the skilled trades so I offered to bring tables from home. We were going to use two mannequins and a rack but most of the class voted to exhibit their own clothing by wearing them that day, although some ended up utilizing a dress form. We agreed to lay the fabric on the grass to display the clothing each student will bring for the clothing swap. My group split in half for the last part of the planning because we were running out of time. One half helped create signs to market the day of the event, which included me, and the other half helped create a schedule and a digital floor plan so that we know where each thing goes.

In my group, we all have different skilled trades that we were able to teach others so that they can learn and do on their own. Some trades that were taught were upcycling and flower pounding. A trade that I performed was block printing to create a symbol or pattern. This technique is often used on textiles. It is a simple craft that can be done with supplies from home or inexpensive supplies. Learning to make a block print does remain under the concept of sustainability because anyone can customize their own print (that best suits them) on clothing, notebook, bag, and etc. instead of having to pay a lot of money for a company to make their print/design. The prints that I carved out (beforehand) on foam were symbols that each represented a message like gender, equality, nature, and upcycling. All the materials I used were either borrowed from class or from home, meaning I did not have to purchase anything.

On the day of the event, everything seemed to have turned out well. I had some students help me carry and set up the tables, meanwhile, my group members were gathering any supplies and material needed. The issue we had with a displaying a sign was problem-solved by using a mannequin. Once we arrived at the scene, we quickly set up which was a bit difficult because of the wind but that was not a big deal. Despite wanting for the event to have last longer, I am glad students walked up to ask about what we were doing. That meant this event brought attention to others and so were able to inform them and teach them. Although I know most of the things we performed or displayed at the Pop-Up event, I was surprised to find out a lot of people were curious because they do not know about those things, which explains why this event was even created. In conclusion, this event is a great way to bring the community together and bring awareness of any message through the use of fashion or textiles.