I'm not sure how many of you know this, but I'm a textile designer and department head for a mens and boys underwear company. Yup, that's right: I make undies for a living! And sadly, no, I don't get to see them modeled.
As I was working on yet another presentation board today, and I was going through my archives and was overwhelmed at the amount of work I've produced over the years... that would be nearly 15 years, people!
The bad part is, none of this is something I'd use for my Cicada Studio business (nor, ethically, should I), which is why it became so important that I start doing my own thing a few years back. Without this experience, I doubt I'd be where I am today, so I'm thankful for the opportunity even though it feels as if it has sucked me dry sometimes! Still, when I step back and see some of the better presentations, I can still say, I'm proud.
21 lovely notes:
Hello! I am new to your blog, and I love your shop and your posts! I love your designs, and am thrilled to see that you have your own company as well as your "day job". I am an artist, but can't wait to branch out into textiles. Thanks for sharing! Can't wait to visit more!
hi - thank you for stopping by our blog today. i'm new to yours and i don't understand how that happened. i think your textiles are really wonderful as is your blog! i'm bookmarking it now.
it's great to be able to see all of your presentation boards so you can take that step back and see your work after all of these years.
Look at you...I had no idea! I love the organization on the presentation boards.
HAHAH OMG I did NOT know that!!! :)
awesome!!! that's a lot.
i used to design sleepwear and underwear for the kids market as well. it's fun because it's not as serious as regular apparel, print-wise.
do you do every single print yourself?
Wow...that's quite an accomplishment, 15 yrs. I can't imagine that so I guess you must really enjoy it! Nice work!!
I knew you worked somewhere in the industry, but wasn't sure where or in what capacity. What great experience, and after 15 years I can only imagine the extent of your portfolio... truly impressive!
Imagine, all of these years my husband has been walking around in some of your designs and I didn't have a clue!
Best undie textile presentation boards I've ever seen!
Wow. This is great to know. I've only recently started following your blog and shop and I was curious how you got started doing what you do. What a great experience!
Michelle, I'm really digging you 'derps job (unDERPants). Who knew that they'd get you to here.
Thanks derps!
Wow - 15 years - that is a long time! I do not know how you find the time to do all that you do - you are amazing and inspiring!
Oh my how cool! I would actually love some of the fabrics for myself! ahahha...
You are so talented Michelle :)
I'm sure you design some lovely undies!
Wow - I so agree. I just posted some of my old trend boards from school days, but the ones I seldom do at work are not nearly as fun. If I had my own business I wouldn't use any of my day job designs. Kind of sucks sometimes because you feel like you could be using your talent better on your own work, than giving it to the MAN. Haha...great post...I'm so there with you.
incredible! what an awesome job you have! i am envious of folks who are in the textile design business... it seems like so much fun! ad it's nice that you've found a balance between "work" work and your own work. your work is so lovely, and i love now knowing it's made for underwear!!
Oh my gosh! Undies - who knew! Sounds like a fun day job. Makes me admire your business even more because I thought for sure you were devoting yourself to Cicada full time.
Fun! They look really cool.
That is pretty cool...I'll never look at men's undies the same way...I'll be paying more attention to the design!
Cool! Thanks for posting about your day job...it's always fun to get a gilmpse of what other's are doing for a living :)
I love your texiles and I love your passion for your work. I'll came back to visit you soon...
roberta (IT)
Hi Michelle,
I found your blog and love your work and reading about the process of designing. I am getting into textile design and really appreciate you sharing all this good info. It is inspiring!
-Carol
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