2.3 Visual Expression II: The Chair

I've always wanted to learn how to draw...there is no better time than the present. 

(Do I get points added or deducted for attempting a stylistic shot of my crude orthographic projections?)

2.2 User Needs

They want to wear something that helps them stand out AND fit in. 

They want to express themselves through fashion—even in yoga class—but they do not wish to take themselves too seriously.

They feel as if they can only express their personal style by modifying existing t-shirts.

! They do not want to wear something that can be construed as faux-spirituality, or something that might subjugate their own belief systems. 

They feel as if many of the tank tops and tees serving this market are unnecessarily loaded with cliches.

They want to inject humor into their yoga practice and do so in more unusual ways than typically displayed by popular retailers. 

They want to wear something that is meant for the yoga class but can be adapted for other outfits and occasions. 

They do not want to always wear something in a solid hue. 

! They like bright colors and typically avoid pastels. 

They don't want a shirt to be overtly deemed "yoga wear" if worn in other contexts or settings.

They need something to wear that, in its own way, can 'help' improve their yoga practice.

They need to wear something that provides freedom of movement.

They need a shirt/tank constructed out of a breathable fabric.

They want to wear something that does not interfere with or impede movement. 

They want quality and style for a reasonable price. 

They do not want to spend more than $25–30 on a lightweight shirt primarily worn for working out/yoga (i.e., fed up with Lululemon, Spiritual Gangster, et al.) 

2.1 Design Problem Definition

In what way may I...

Create a yoga tank top that is functional, irreverent and stylish

Offer less-cliche clothing option to those who do [a lot of] yoga

Produce an affordable tank top primarily designed for yoga

1.4 Design For You (Me?): Better Yoga Tops

I've decided to go with an idea I've had for awhile, which is essentially a more interesting / kinda funny yoga tank top that strives to poke fun at cliches without being cliche. 

(Mainly because this has been an idea I've been wanting to get off the ground for a little while and am somewhat confident in my ability to hand-draw tank tops. My dream of a Zamboni Dunk Tank may require the assistance of an engineer—at least for now.) 

1.3 Visual Expression

This may be the first time I've ever drawn a chair. 

1.2 Find The Gap: (Minor) headaches of everyday life

It it extraordinarily difficult to think of gripes when you're actually tasked with thinking about them, no? 

1. As anyone who uses it knows—the iPhone battery could last so much longer. 
2. My cat, Oskar, is a very handsome Maine Coon. He typically curls up next to me or sprawls out in the sunlight like Burt Reynolds on a bearskin rug. The only issue I take with Oskar is that he can't wipe his ass. He's got long hair. Sometimes, it is an issue.
3. My overall time management skills could and should be improved. Substantially.
4. These very nice, overpriced yoga tops made of super-soft cotton that I occasionally purchase at my go-to yoga studio advertise progressively cheesy sentiments with each shipment/seasonal line. 
5. The rent is too damn high. 
6. There are seemingly no reasonably-priced laptop cases I like. 
7. Why is it so difficult to find a perfect duvet cover? 
8. When baking, you typically have to add flour gradually. While mixing. Flour goes everywhere (exaggeration) every time, even when one (me, others) is extra careful. 
9. Can we "parent trap" couples back together? Especially the ones who belong with each other?
10. There is absolutely nothing I can do to prevent the end of Mad Men. 

1.1 Good Design: My favorite spoon

12 years ago, this spoon was purchased at one of those all-purpose markets in New York's Chinatown, the ones peddling super cheap housewares and those ridiculous slip-on shoes with the embellished mesh toe that every girl had to have. The spoon probably cost around $2. Maybe less. It has been worth every penny. Painted stoneware with good heft. And green, like my last name. Most of the soup I have consumed since its purchase has been aided by this perfect utensil. (I eat a lot of soup.)