AFAWFAY 13 And Some Musings

I know that I've announced on an earlier post that I wouldn't post updates regarding AFAWFAY in this blog. But I just want to share this week's challenge. :)

Hello,

Having read some interesting blogs and books these past few days had made me realize something. I WRITE CRAPPY POST along with my weekly design challenge. I know that it’s not an unobvious thing, but I couldn’t help but be ashamed of myself. So that’s why, I’ve decided to write something that would somehow share things that happened to me this week. (Which is something I should’ve done with my earlier posts!)

My week started okay, I finished a project (at work) and went on starting a new one. For some strange reason, there was something about the project that felt uncomfortable to me. I don’t know what it was, but anyway, I was able to pull it off. Then yesterday (Friday) the design came back with A LOT of revisions. Apparently, I wasn’t paying attention to the details that were important to the project. AND I FELT FREAKING BAD.

I wasn’t reprimanded, but that didn’t stop me from feeling bad about myself (as stated above,) and I began asking myself, “What the hell was I thinking?” Which eventually had me thinking if I’m really right for the job I’m currently in. (I do tend to over think stuff.)

My friends think highly of me, and they always think that I’m likely to succeed in whatever endeavors I take. But at that moment, on my way home, I couldn’t stop thinking that I’m nothing but a dreamer, who does nothing to make that dream come true. And I felt like a big fraud.

As for my job, I’m happy with it. I mean, sure I’m not designing products that will change the world, but I’ve learned a lot things both related to design and well… marketing? But I feel that there’s something missing, or perhaps, the problem is just me. I know I can do great things, but somehow, I’m not giving my all. And with that, I think it’s time that I start changing the way how I look at myself, at the world.

Maybe I should start becoming an optimist for a change.

Okay, with that out of the way, let’s move along with this week’s design.

It’s a bench. Well, I kind of envisioned it as a public bench found on a city, but I guess I would have to make some adjustment for the material if that’s the case.

Materials:

Metal

Weaved Rattan

Noticed something? No bamboo. :D

I planned on designing something inspired from a salmon. (My mom made a killer salmon sandwich the other day.) I started playing around with an organic shape until I decided to change the material then SHAZAM!

It’s actually nice, right? Okay, this is my work so I’m biased, but I like how simple it looks and I love designing furniture that feels just like this.

Anyhow… That’s for now, I got a lot of reading and writing stuff waiting for me. See you next week!

Ciao!

-Den

PS I’m on twitter too! @denisewy

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 09

Hello!

This is my first post for this month! Anyway, this design just came up in my mind while I was working on a different project. It’s a simple stool that was supposed to be flat-packed, but then I decided not to because it didn’t look well.

Materials:

• Veneered Birch
• Leather strips for seating

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 08

Hello!

I’ve always wanted to do some curvy and wavy lounge chair and well… you’re looking at it now.

Materials:

Birch

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 07

Hello!

Today is my mom’s birthday! Anyway, the inspiration from this week’s design came from a cupcake. I’ve been working on a logo project for a bakeshop and I’ve been seeing a lot of pastries lately. Looking at the design below, I know it might not resemble a cupcake…but it does to me.

Materials:

·         Bamboo

·         Velvet (or recycled seatbelts perhaps?)

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 06

Hello!

My week started awful as I recuperated for food poisoning. I even threw up on the street which made realize what it feels like to be wasted while completely sober. Does that make sense? I hope so. Anyway, I’ve intended to design a lounge chair using bent bamboo plywood and this is what I came out with. Not exactly what I had in mind but this one is much better. Actually, this one was a result of an experiment gone great! Though I’m not that satisfied with the 3D renderings.

Materials used:

• ·         EVER TRUSTED BAMBOO!!!
• ·         cushion

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 05

Hello!

How was your 4^th of July celebration? Anyway… I decided to try something different for this week’s post. As some of you who may have noticed, the first four designs I created were all chairs. (Kinda obsessed with them) That is why for this week’s showcase (why the hell did I use that word?) I decided to make a coffee table, which in the end also looked like a seat or a bench or something. But then hey, it could be 2-in-1!

Materials used:

• ·         EVER TRUSTED BAMBOO!!! (Or MDF could be an option as well.)
• ·         Glass

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

How AFAWFAY began...

Hello! 

Sadly, this isn't an early design post for my weekly design challenge. (I just posted one yesterday!) So if you're expecting to see yet another furniture with yet another lame attempt of piecing together a decent paragraph or two about its design process, then this post is not for you. 

In fact, this post serves as a rant, or perhaps a justification on why I've started AFAWFAY, and why I feel like giving up and forgetting all about it whenever I'm getting started on a new project. So without further adieu, I welcome you to a chaotic place that's aptly called "my mind," and torture (or entertain) you for the next ten minutes or so. 

AFAWFAY was born out boredom and excitement. Yes, it's confusing but that's how I see it. It all started about a month ago when I received an e-mail from an international publishing company informing me that they would "like" to include my furniture piece called, TirePaulin Ottoman in a design book they're planning to publish. Of course, flabbergasted and utterly surprised, I consented and gave them the information and images they needed for the said publication. The TirePaulin Ottoman was a design entry for a local furniture competition to which it landed as a finalist. But because of my string of luck (or lack of thereof) the manufacturer assigned to produce a prototype of the unit wasn't able to solve the paint problems, thus TirePaulin Ottoman never made it to the exhibition proper and final judging. In short, TirePaulin Ottoman was forgotten. Or maybe not... 

Accepting the fact that my design would probably never see the light of the day, I began posting it on my online portfolio(s) e.g. my website, cargocollective and behance. Then two months ago, I received an email from an events company based in the US who was interested on buying (or renting) a piece of the TirePaulin Ottoman to be used for ESPN X Games this June or early July. To say that I was uber excited was an understatement. I've even asked my professor (thanks Sir. Butch!) for advice on how I should proceed. And as if to emphasize my string of "luck," (insert thick sarcasm here) the said events company stopped emailing me after they discovered that I'm not from the US. I've even offered to sell them the design rights. (Is that wrong? Please do tell me.) Anyway, I never heard from them after that. Not even a polite email whatsoever. (If you're curious about the identity of the said company, I'm sorry to say that I wouldn't mention it for that would mean free promotion. Something they don't deserve.) I was disappointed of course, but I couldn't help but feel happy at the same time. The fact that someone was interested with my creation made me ecstatic. And it didn't stop there, as you already know, the TirePaulin Ottoman will be published in a book along with other designers all throughout the globe. (I will be posting the details here once it's out. And the reason I'm not mentioning the publisher and the book's name is because of the fear of jinxing it!) 

You might be wondering what's this has have to do with AFAWFAY, so let me cut to the chase. 

The publishing offer made me realize that I really LOVE furniture design and it's something I would love to be paid working for. And it is within this mentality that I started dreaming about starting my own line of furniture collection, or work for big brands and have my creations showcased. Sadly, this dream is easier said than done. First of all, I don't have the financial capability of building my workshop, let alone a studio or the equipments needed. But that doesn't mean that I can't come up with designs. It doesn't mean that I can't come up with a portfolio I can use to land my dream job of becoming a furniture designer. (or get a scholarship for an MA for Furniture Design at SCAD.) So, I thought of challenging myself to come up with A LOT of furniture design concepts I could use. And since I know myself enough to easily give up on self-imposed challenges, I decided to make it public. That way, the fear of humiliating myself for not being able to accomplish the said challenge (should I decide that 48 designs in a year is too much for me) would prevent me on quitting and would eventually encourage me to go on. And that, my dear readers, was how AFAWFAY was born. Now, let's talk about doubt and the constant lure of quitting. 

Right now, I'm working as a Graphic Designer for an awesome company. Anyhow... I know you're wondering why I'm working as a Graphic Designer when I'm an Industrial Design degree holder and I just told you guys how I dreamed of becoming a furniture designer and stuff. Well, actually... I'm still a little bit confused. 

I love Industrial Design, I love Graphic Design, I love furniture design...and I love writing. Actually, I'm in a stage where I want to do just about anything. (And no, I don't want to become a Prima Ballerina!) But let's face it. Pursuing an Industrial Design career here in the Philippines would mean an endless stream of shelf and kiosk design. If one is lucky enough, maybe some design projects for some international clients, or a design career in some multinational companies. But such things are hard to come by, and I wouldn't really trust myself with "luck." In fact, searching the local classified ads and job boards for an Industrial Design career would yield to Graphic Design or Interior Design jobs...or a call center agent at worst! I have nothing against the telemarketing industry, but I am pissed off with employers posting those jobs in a supposedly "Design" category...or any category for that matter to increase exposure. Yes, it's just sad. (we've arrived to the ranting part of this post!) 

Let's get back the real subject...where was I? Oh yes, doubt and the constant lure of quitting. 

Why doubt? 

I don't know. Maybe I'm afraid that I might not be able to reach my 48 design goal. Or if ever that I did, then I doubt if I would feel any satisfaction for accomplishing my goal. Which is really stupid considering anyone would be obviously thrilled to accomplish something...right? 

Why quit? 

Well, what the hell am I doing this for? I could've pick up my sketchpad and my trusty pen and start churning out ideas within the year. Why bother posting it online? (Uh, I think I've answered this question...) Actually, what really gets to me is the fact that there are times that this challenge feels more of a burden than an activity that's supposed to make me happy. But then again, I really do love designing great furniture. Oh well... I guess we'll just have to see what would happen next. 

Thanks for sticking out with me if you reached this conclusion. And yes, my AFAWFAY journey continues! 

Ciao! 

-Den

AFAWFAY WEEK 04

HAPPY WORLD INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DAY! If you’re not aware of it, then you are now… and you’re welcome.

To celebrate this great event, I’ve decided to design a simple furniture. Well, you might be wondering why I didn’t come up with something big or elaborate for the said event, but let me explain.

Industrial Design need not to be big or complicated. As long as it solves a problem and the simpler the process, the better. That being said, I came up with a design that solves the problem for limited spaces while being eco-friendly at the same time.

For this design, the materials I used are bamboo and used car tires. I love rubber tires, and I believe that they can be recycled to different products which would always look awesome.

This is a simple stool which is great for both indoor and outdoor. What’s more, it can also be used as a shelf, (you can stack multiple piece together) which reminds me of my modular furniture for kids called, Playstack. (minus the locks and slots)

What do you think?

Ciao!

-Den

COPYRIGHT 2012 © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

ALL DESIGNS POSTED IN THIS SITE ARE OWNED BY DENISE KIM WY.

AFAWFAY WEEK 03

Hello,

I've just noticed how new PC software/applications are opting on black user interface. I mean look at MS Office 2010 and Adobe CS6. (Not to mention that 3DS max turned black after their 2010 release.) I think that may have influenced me on using a black studio background for this week's design.

Anyway, ever since I uploaded last week's love seat, I had this nagging feeling of creating a hanging furniture, sort of like a swing. I know it's not an original concept but I thought that I could play with it and come up with something fun and modern at the same time. The result is a hanging outdoor seat with steel support planted on the ground.

Materials to be used:

• ·         Metal
• ·         Bamboo
• ·         Cushion

This furniture piece will be much better produced in pairs. I can imagine them being placed on a resort like ambiance, or a modern office lounge with Wall Street people talking about Dow Jones and whatever Wall Street people are supposed to be talking about.

Ciao!

-Den

P.S. Next week is International  World Industrial Design Day! Whoop dee doo!!

AFAWFAY WEEK 02

Hello!

This week was really good. I’m not really sure if it was because of the one day holiday or the fact that I enjoyed my days at work. Either way, I’m also not sure how I came up with this week’s design. I intended to do some abstract inspired lounge chair with twisted bamboo rods but I just couldn’t picture it in my mind. And even though I know it’s weird, (and probably a sin for my fellow industrial designers,) I didn’t start this design with some sketches… Yeah, I know, I guess the sketching part happened inside my perpetually chaotic mind, but hey, it still looks good right?

Well, it is for me, though I admit that there’s something about it that makes my eye twitch a little. Okay, maybe I’m not thoroughly satisfied with what I came out with. So what’s my inspiration for this…? Hmm okay, this is tricky. I’m not sure what I should call this one. A couch? A chair? Definitely not an ottoman or a sofa though… Ugh, okay it’s a seat… a love seat!! First of all, I love wood. (And I’m afraid you guys would be seeing a lot of it in my future designs.) And I’ve always wanted to use that cool 3d effect of creating holes on a curved surface which was what obviously happened here.

The materials I intend for this design are bamboo (of course) though I’m kind of starting to think that rattan would be much better. (And perhaps more feasible?)  As for the cushion, I’m thinking of foam and canvas sheet.  Geez, I should start writing better posts to accompany my designs!

That’s all for now.

Ciao!

-Den

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AFAWFAY WEEK 01

Hello,

Okay, so this is really happening and this is my first design. To say that I’m nervous is an understatement though I’m not really sure what I’m being nervous of. Perhaps I’m afraid that I might not be able to complete the 48 week challenge or maybe I’m just being my usual paranoid self.

Anyway, as I’ve written on my challenge page, I’m will write a short post regarding my design inspiration/development for every design I came up with. So for this one, well, I’m feeling jumpy this week because of AFAWFAY’s debut, (can’t think of a more appropriate way of saying it) which made me fantasize about sitting on a comfy chair and relax. Yeah, that’s too simple right?

The materials to be used for this design are spun bamboo (or veneer?), fabric and stainless ring for the bottom support.

What do you think? I’ve got 47 weeks to go which also means that I should come up with 47 more designs. Are you excited? I hope you are because I’m psyched! That’s all for now.

Ciao!

-Den

This post is also available at http://afawfay.tumblr.com

Want to receive updates about my design journey? Feel free to sign up for AFAWFAY’s newsletter here!

A FURNITURE A WEEK FOR A YEAR

Hello!

I just want to share to you guys a new project I'll be doing starting next week!

A FURNITURE A WEEK FOR A YEAR is a personal design challenge/project/craziness or whatever you call it. My aim is to come up with an original furniture design every week which will be uploaded here in my blog at denisewy.blogspot.com. Each design entry will include a brief note about how my week went and my design process for a specific project. This is a personal challenge I imposed upon myself to test my talent and skills regarding my passion of creating new furniture designs. You are very much welcome to join me on this journey!

The project starts at June 9 2012 and the succeeding updates will be made during either every saturdays or sundays, bottomline, new designs will be uploaded every week so keep posted!

Signup for AFAWFAY's newsletter and receive updates of my design journey!

Ciao!

-Den

My dream job as an Industrial Designer

I'm not happy.

Well, not with my life. I'm happy that I still have my family, I have good friends and that my laptop still manages to function despite it being overworked all time, but I'm not happy with my career. I know it's a huge statement considering I'm a fresh graduate. I'm currently working as a designer for a great company but so far, I can't find satisfaction in what I do. It just feels wrong. And I also have this feeling that I wouldn't be able to find a job here in my country that will make me happy.

I love both Industrial and graphic design, but I don't think I'll be happy working as a graphic designer, and considering that most of the career opportunities for Industrial designers in the Philippines are geared toward visual merchandising, well... yeah, that's just sad. If I'll be given a chance to take control of my career path, this is how I want it to play out.

I want my own design studio. I'll be focusing on product design, but it won't be the kind of studio where I'll take in clients and do design projects for them. What I want is to design my own products under the studio's brand and introduce it in the market. I won't hire any employees. (Though I'll be needing an accountant) I want a studio where my friends are my colleagues and we're the bosses and employees of ourselves. I want to be with people who breathes and eats design. I want "good" crazy people whose passion is to create products that will make people go "WOW!"

I know it's easier said than done, but this is how I envisioned my career path would be. But then again, if all else fails, I'll just be an actress.

Ciao!

-Den

PS Currently listening to Katharine McPhee's How from the 2010 Unbroken album. It's a sad song with a happy and upbeat rhythm. Check it out. :)

Slante was exhibited!

Hello!

I know it's long overdue, but I just want to share my furniture design entry for CFIP Pampanga's Furniture design contest. Luckily, I was chosen as one of the 8 finalist from 45 entries, which in turn were exhibited at THE MANILA FAME at SMX Convention center last March 14-17 2012!

Here are the photos of my design which was manufactured by Philiana Design. Special thanks to Mr. Philip B. Repato for turning my concept into a tangible product!

And we were able to take a picture with the great Filipino furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue!

From left to right: My friend and also a finalist, Rachelle, Mr. Cobonpue and yours truly.

(yeah, I know... I should've edited the red eye thingy)

Anyway, win or lose, I had a great time attending the exhibit and seeing great furniture designs! I hope to return to the next Manila Fame this coming October, and perhaps join another furniture design contest. :)

That's all!

Ciao!

My early design years

Finally, I am here to write a design post! Though I'm here to share some of the school plates I've done since I entered college.

Thinking about it now, I never thought that I'll dream of becoming an industrial designer someday. I mean, sure I love to draw and see cool and awesome stuff being made. But I only learned about what Industrial Design was four years ago, and one of the reasons why I took the course was the fact that it sounded cool.

Anyway, without further ado, here are some of my works.

Copper wire Scorpion model (special credit to my friend Juris for helping me on this one)

Toy Project. It's actually a "pachinko" (made from some of my old toys and bristol board)

Paperboard sandals (yes, you can wear it and walk around on it...just don't jump!)

1:1 model of a handrill made of wood and finished with spray paint (a group project)

1:1 model of a rice cooker made of bristol board

CATERPITRUCK: Retractable garbage truck (my 3d capabilities was still amateurish in this one, and I'm proud to say that I have greatly improved!)

CAMARO (told yah my 3D capabilities have improved!!)

And my favorite plate/project of all time! PLAYSTACK: Modular furniture for kids

I LOVE BEING AN INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER!

Ciao!

-Den