DESIGN LEADERSHIP AND INNOVATION // COLLABORATION // COMMUNICATION // DIGITAL DESIGN TRANSFORMATION

explor[ation]

My Journey Through Technology, Craftsmanship, Culture, and Stories Behind Technical Style



  • Design Balance: Subjective vs. Objective

    Creative work is tricky.  I just finished a project. Technically solid, but opinions on aesthetics varied. I even packaged a solid emotional and visual case to pre-empt a discussion.  Functionality is black and white.  Aesthetics? Subjective feedback, less.It often boils down to taste levels. Subjective feedback can get deeply personal. It can be distracting.  The key?  Professional Balance. …

    Read more: Design Balance: Subjective vs. Objective
  • My Digi-Physical fashion design tools:

    The aim is to keep it as simple as possible.  CLO3D [Apparel Prototyping]Adobe Illustrator [Vector Artworks]Plasticity [Hard surface modelling: Trims and accessories]Adobe Substance Sampler [Materials Creation]Adobe Substance Asset [ Pre-made Materials and Hard surface models]Blender 3D [Render and Animation] Photoshop [Image Composting]  These work for me; I’m curious about what tools enhance your design workflow. I’m the…

    Read more: My Digi-Physical fashion design tools:
  • What is the last thing you did with AI [artificial intelligence]?

    I’ll start! I just used Photoshop AI to expand a background into a square. Insanely good! Note: The image is of a vintage Swiss M59 Field Shirt. The pattern is part of the open pattern library. You can download it from my LinkedIn featured section. Let’s connect and drive digital-physical transformation from idea to impact.

    Read more: What is the last thing you did with AI [artificial intelligence]?
  • Knowing When to Leave a Project

    Mastering the art of knowing when to exit from a project is a crucial skill for any creative. Despite pouring energy and best efforts into a recent project, I realized we had drifted and were not aligned on the project’s outcome. This awareness weighed on my mind, and the result was clear: our visions weren’t…

    Read more: Knowing When to Leave a Project
  • Raglan Sleeve Construction: A Military Innovation for Enhanced Mobility

    Developed after the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, Raglan sleeves have transformed clothing by significantly enhancing freedom of movement and improving durability This design features a single piece of fabric extending from the cuff to the shoulder. Functional Advantages: – Better Movement: Allows for a wider range of motion.– Stronger: Less likely to tear due to fewer seams.–…

    Read more: Raglan Sleeve Construction: A Military Innovation for Enhanced Mobility
  • Seeing the unseen

    Beware of the trap of the echo chamber. Step out of your world. Recently, while chatting with my photographer mate, he mentioned the cold blue colour cast in a 3D render. Hmm Consider switching to a studio with sunlight HDRI, around 5600k. It could offer a warmer and more natural colour palette for fashion images. Hmm The…

    Read more: Seeing the unseen
  • Are Pockets Going to Be Extinct Soon?

    The traditional pocket faces an existential crisis as we embrace the digital age. My everyday carry has gone digital: -My newspaper has gone digital.-My money has gone digital.-My keys have gone digital. Frank Sinatra only carried one key for his front door, choosing to maintain the sharp aesthetic of his suit. Inspired by his minimalist…

    Read more: Are Pockets Going to Be Extinct Soon?
  • One step forward.

    Looking back, I fondly remember a free-spirited traveller peddling hemp garments from a pop-up market stall on Upper Gardener Street in Brighton. The items resembled rope sacks, rough and unrefined. Engaging with his banter, I grew fascinated by hemp’s performance properties, which can keep you warm or cool as needed. I loved the idea that…

    Read more: One step forward.
  • Mastering the Art of Tapering before Presentations.

    Last week, I prepared for a significant presentation. I gathered top-notch information and visuals rehearsed over and over. Despite immersing myself in the project, I experienced a drop in energy before showtime, a phenomenon athletes call “bonking”. In the weight room, I follow a 12-week intense training cycle culminating in a lighter final week. This…

    Read more: Mastering the Art of Tapering before Presentations.
  • Stick or Twist Decision-Making

    Caught in a traffic jam yesterday..What to do? – Stick it out and wait– Twist turn around to find another way– Clock ticking I chose to twist. I turned around in the traffic jam. Quicker? Unsure. I moved forward and was comforted by that action.

    Read more: Stick or Twist Decision-Making
  • As a creator, I figured out comparing my work is counterproductive.

    If I find myself comparing aimlessly. I stop. Concentrate on my work. Goodbye.

    Read more: As a creator, I figured out comparing my work is counterproductive.
  • How to Consistently Get High-Quality Renders in CLO3D in Just a Few Seconds?

    Before I start the rendering process, I give the render property editor settings a once over. Image:– Image Size: 1080 x 1080 Pixels– Resolution (ppi): 300– Background Color: Choose a solid colour that complements your scene– Texture: None– Image Format: PNG Lighting:– Preset: Swimming Pool Render:– Engine: GPU– Finish Conditions: Noise Threshold 0.001– Quality: Set…

    Read more: How to Consistently Get High-Quality Renders in CLO3D in Just a Few Seconds?
  • How to Become a Better Clothing 3D Designer  

    -Choose a sector you are passionate about -Pick a software tool -Create every day  Keep doing number 3.  That’s it

    Read more: How to Become a Better Clothing 3D Designer  
  • Nobody cares about how long it took. 

    What matters is their time.  Keep it short and sweet.

    Read more: Nobody cares about how long it took. 
  • Good Design, Great Legacy: Crafting an Icon

    The M-65 jacket tells a tale of gradual evolution through decades: – 60s– 70s– 80s– 90s– 2000s Milan, 2023. M-65s seamlessly morphed from a military staple to a mainstream style icon. Veterans like John Kerry wore it in protests, transforming it into a symbol of peace. Picture Sylvester Stallone in “First Blood.” Imagine Kurtwood Smith as…

    Read more: Good Design, Great Legacy: Crafting an Icon
  • This is how to get better at 3d 

    -first, be persistent -second, be persistent -third, be persistent  hmmm

    Read more: This is how to get better at 3d 
  • It starts with the US Army BDU Jacket as a construction canvas

    – Designed for functionality– Simplicity in construction– Smart, timeless style Junya Watanabe layered avant-garde artistry on top. The design transforms war into peace. Junya Watanabe Man SS 2004 Barbwire Field Jacket featured a distinctive camo print in the ‘NO MORE WAR’ collection. Image: Constant Practice The digital pattern of the US Army BDU Jacket, featured…

    Read more: It starts with the US Army BDU Jacket as a construction canvas
  • Are We Entering a Collarless Era?

    The collar, once a core is giving way to a new norm – Shirts are fading out– T-shirts have become the new standard– Collarless designs are on the rise. Collars have always been more than just style, serving functional purpose: – They maintain the shape of the garment– Offer protection against weather and daily wear–…

    Read more: Are We Entering a Collarless Era?
  • My digi-physical design process in 6 steps:

    1. Understanding the avatar– User profiling– Identifying Problems/Needs– Market awareness  2. Visualize the outcome– Specify Function– Refine Style– Capture Emotion 3. Make– 3D Prototyping– Physical Prototyping– Focus on design details 4. Test 5. Re-Make 6. Release This is how I bring innovative designs to life.

    Read more: My digi-physical design process in 6 steps:
  • Crafting Functional Gear: Concept to Reality

    From 3D Visualization into the wild: – Artistry in design – Precision Engineering – Innovation in Functional Clothing Gear Emotion Combined with Technical Precision to Craft a Shield. Protects and inspires Discover the Structure of Magic Let’s Connect and Push Things Forward. image: Midjourney

    Read more: Crafting Functional Gear: Concept to Reality
  • 99.9999% of designers transitioning into 3D don’t fully address:

    – The craft of pattern-cutting– The Step learning curve to mastering 3D tools– Creating a portfolio that impresses both the fashion and entertainment industries Way too much focus on the technical aspects. Not enough storytelling. Let’s connect and push things forward.

    Read more: 99.9999% of designers transitioning into 3D don’t fully address:
  • Crafting Purposeful and Effective Creative Direction

    Biomimicry: Nature’s Blueprint for Design Innovation – Drawing Aesthetic Inspiration from Nature– Fostering Natural Efficiency, Functionality, and Sustainability– Utilizing biomimicry to create innovative and environmentally friendly garments Helping a shift towards more dynamic and adaptable sustainable clothing. Image Midjourney Let’s connect and push things forward.

    Read more: Crafting Purposeful and Effective Creative Direction
  • The journey to better is always:

    – rough– untidy– slow. Then, I witness the transformation: – from slow– to smooth– to fast Then, I notice the improvement: – accuracy– consistency– controlled pace Then, I receive positive feedback. Rinse and repeat. Let’s connect and push things forward.

    Read more: The journey to better is always:
  • A common frustration persists: the lack of access to high-quality patterns, hindering my creative endeavors.

    Building it. A design achieve of: -Functional clothing patterns -Military Pattern’s -Foundation for menswear Ensuring utilization of creation and digital immortality. The digital patterns are freely available for digital or physical design on the open pattern platform, openpattern.io Let’s connect and push things forward.

    Read more: A common frustration persists: the lack of access to high-quality patterns, hindering my creative endeavors.
  • Avatar in the Hustle.

    But who’s your target? What do they seek? -Tribes we encounter -Avatars we meet -Runners on the streets -In every chat, I saw more.  Patterns emerged.  I thought I had it, pros champions, a realization dawn but some run for a  health social. Engage with them, Know and feel them. Craft your avatar. openpattern.io

    Read more: Avatar in the Hustle.
  • Ideas vanish if not captured and thrive when visualized.

    – Bring depth with 3D visualization. – Refine with design sketches. – Convince with physical prototypes. Make it quick. Make it real. Engage others. See it, feel it, get on board. PowerPoint falls short, often fading into the digital void. Taking ideas into the real world fosters drive. Let’s connect and push things forward.

    Read more: Ideas vanish if not captured and thrive when visualized.
  • Attention economy. Professional attention. Creator economy.

    -Sell what you want. -On your time. -At your price. Ye’s [Kanye West] Approach: Grabbing attention, he just happens to have an album out with some merch. Leveraging the Creator Economy using easy-to-access technologies owns the narrative, platform, and products, asserting control in the digital space. Disrupting the established industry norms.

    Read more: Attention economy. Professional attention. Creator economy.
  • Explore the Unseen with 3D Tools.

    Explore the Unseen with 3D Tools. 3D tools help me quickly see new perspectives. -See scale and layout with clarity. -Discover views unseen in 2D. -New colour patterns emerge, enhancing visuals.  Designs deepen. Innovation thrives. Creations offer new visuals.

    Read more: Explore the Unseen with 3D Tools.
  • Field jacket from “Absence and Presence” marked his first menswear collection in S/S 2003.

    Field jacket from “Absence and Presence” marked his first menswear collection in S/S 2003. It starts with military functionality and adds avant-garde artistry. The design innovates with micro corduroy and transforms war into peace. Chalayan blends function with fashion, bridging worlds in “Absence and Presence.” The digital pattern of the M70 field jacket is freely…

    Read more: Field jacket from “Absence and Presence” marked his first menswear collection in S/S 2003.
  • Simple: A Quick Fix for Creator’s Block

    1. The Grab: Start with your old sketches and inspiring images from your swipe folder. 2. The AI Twist: Inject your vision and style into AI and let new inspiration take shape. The Magic: AI won’t overshadow your creativityโ€”it’s here to amplify it, serving as a potent collaborator in your creative journey.

    Read more: Simple: A Quick Fix for Creator’s Block
  • Collaborative practices

    Collaborative practices Collaboration creates magic: -Together, we push beyond. -Outcomes exceed. -Shared growth. Through the lens of collaboration, functionality and aesthetics merge, inspiring us to push forward continually. Engaged in digital collaborations with James Broad, we explore the digital frontier, innovating at the crossroads of clothing architecture and visualization. 

    Read more: Collaborative practices
  • Stone Island’s 2024 strategy is to elevate its growth to the next level.

    Engaging in bold tactics for 2024.  Hosting its first-ever catwalk show in 40 years was a historic moment for the brand. Utilizing culturally significant celebrities is a move that is atypical for Stone Island. 

    Read more: Stone Island’s 2024 strategy is to elevate its growth to the next level.
  • Crafting an icon is a journey.

    The M-65 jacket tells a tale of gradual evolution through decades: – 60s – 70s – 80s – 90s – 2000s Milan, 2023. The heart of fashion pulses with M-65s seamlessly morphed from a military staple to a mainstream style icon. Veterans like John Kerry wore it in protests, transforming it into a symbol of…

    Read more: Crafting an icon is a journey.
  • 2024 Clothing Designers [3D/AI]

    insane profile: – Tech-savviness – Ideation – Composition – Pattern cutting – Garment construction – Color theory – Material knowledge – Manufacturing knowledge – Fitting – Trend analysis – Understanding of taste levels – Eco-consciousness – Brand awareness – Multicultural awareness – Strategic sales – Marketing – Texturing – Rendering – Integrating AI in Design…

    Read more: 2024 Clothing Designers [3D/AI]
  • How it started as a clothing [3D] designer.

    2000 Manchester University 3D Pathway 2015 Inspire by FIFA 2015 2016 Modo Modeling 2017 Marvelous Designer 2018 CLO3D 2020 Browzwear V Stitcher 2021 Blender 3D 2021 Adobe Substance 2022 AI Midjounery Years laterโ€ฆ

    Read more: How it started as a clothing [3D] designer.
  • AI isn’t going anywhere.

    It moves forward at an unprecedented pace. I wobbled for a second, Midjourney v6 is scarily good. Me Constant Betterment +  AI Constant Betterment = Broader Betterment

    Read more: AI isn’t going anywhere.
  • Winter whispers, toes chilled,  a mindful selection of shoes becomes paramount. 

    Winter whispers, toes chilled,  a mindful selection of shoes becomes paramount.  “Dress from your feet up,” an old mod wisdom echoes,  not merely a style but a philosophy to live by.  Desert boots, once guardians of soldiers’ feet in WWII,  morphed into symbols of mod rebellion.  The 1980s brought us the Nike Air Ship,  Michael…

    Read more: Winter whispers, toes chilled,  a mindful selection of shoes becomes paramount. 
  • MARKING 50 YEARS OF OSTI MASTERY

    โ€œOnly by thinking about clothing in terms of years rather than seasons one can guarantee a quality which will win over the crisis of overdose which provoked the refusal of the consumer.โ€ – Massimo Osti Memoirs of a Fan Cemented in the roots of modern-day casual culture, C.P. Company is a widely recognised Italian sportswear…

    Read more: MARKING 50 YEARS OF OSTI MASTERY
  • Designers are:

    2024 Clothing (3D) Designers are: More than just cad monkeys. They insane at – Tech-savviness – Ideation – Composition – Pattern cutting – Garment construction – Color theory – Material knowledge – Manufacturing knowledge – Fitting – Trend analysis – Understanding of taste levels – Eco-consciousness – Texturing – Animation – Rendering – Integrating AI…

    Read more: Designers are:
  • Eyeballs

    eyeballs attention community growth

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  • The Best Way to 10x Your Design Skills:

    The Best Way to 10x Your Design Skills: Three Key Tips 1. Learn Continuously: Keep updated with the latest software, courses, and tutorials.2. Practice Daily: Set aside time daily to work on various projects.3. Collaborate and Engage: Partner with fellow designers, showcase your work on social media, and be receptive to feedback. Simple Steps for…

    Read more: The Best Way to 10x Your Design Skills:
  • Tips for Exploring AI Design in 2024:

    How to Create Your Unique Style: – Functional Design: Craft user-focused prompts. – Stylistic Style: Blend diverse art elements for a unique aesthetic. – Emotive Impact: Use emotive design to captivate and connect on a deeper level with viewers. – Visual Composition: Play with lenses, colours, light, and layout. Transitioning from scrolling in 2023 to…

    Read more: Tips for Exploring AI Design in 2024:
  • My digi-physical design Process:

    My digi-physical design Process. Visualize the outcome Understanding  – End Consumer – Technologies – Market Define –  Function – Style – Emotion Make – 3D Concept Sketching – 3D Prototyping – Physical Prototyping – Design Details and Aesthetics Release  What’s yours?

    Read more: My digi-physical design Process:
  • The Process:

    The Process: Love your work. Do the best you can. Thatโ€™s it.

    Read more: The Process:
  • Old vs New Clothing Design Process:

    Old 2D Clothing Design Process: – Made basic, flat sketches. – Used simple decoration methods. – Struggled to explain design details. New 3D Clothing Design Process: – Create realistic garments with detailed patterns. – Use 3D models for accurate visualization. – Explain designs clearly to all, regardless of their design background. – Enjoy bringing designs…

    Read more: Old vs New Clothing Design Process:
  • Stop the 3D design overwhelm.

    Stop the 3D design overwhelm. I know that too many tools can be confusing. But you only need a clear path to excel: – Learn one software thoroughly. – Study one technique at a time. – Practice on small projects. – Join a 3D design community for tips. …it takes time.  .

    Read more: Stop the 3D design overwhelm.
  • Get Good, Sell Your Skills, Enjoy Life.

    REPEAT

    Read more: Get Good, Sell Your Skills, Enjoy Life.
  • Two years ago, I struggled to get my head around 3d design.

    Two years ago, I struggled to get my head around 3d design. Now, I am decent at 3d design. 18 Months ago, I completed my first online 3D design course and started practising daily. 12 Months ago, I completed another online 3D design course. 6 Months ago, I finished a further online 3D design course.…

    Read more: Two years ago, I struggled to get my head around 3d design.
  • The worst thing you can do to become a 3D creator is compare your work.

    The worst thing you can do to become a 3D creator is compare your work. If you’re making comparisons without purpose, stop. Focus on your work. Goodbye

    Read more: The worst thing you can do to become a 3D creator is compare your work.
  • 5 Tips to Become a 3D Creator Without Expensive Software or Formal Education:

    5 Tips to Become a 3D Creator Without Expensive Software or Formal Education: 1. Start with Free Software – Use Blender 3D. – Powerful tool. – Great community. – No cost. 2. Online Learning– Start with a Donut Blender Guru on YouTube– Use Structured courses– Use Udemy tutorials.– Use Blender Bros– Wait for promotions.– Use YouTube tutorials for quick tips.– Join…

    Read more: 5 Tips to Become a 3D Creator Without Expensive Software or Formal Education:
  • How to achieve realistic fabric textures using Adobe Substance .SBSAR Files:

    How to achieve realistic fabric textures using Adobe Substance .SBSAR Files: – Set Resolution to 4096 for enhanced detail.– Set Reflection Parameters to 0 to eliminate glossiness. Ensure you’re using the latest Adobe Substance file for the best results. Expect a natural finish on your fabrics. Feel free to repost and share your creative insights.…

    Read more: How to achieve realistic fabric textures using Adobe Substance .SBSAR Files:
  • How do a render in CLO3D

    This is how I get a good render in CLO3D every time in just a few minutes. Before I render, I give this the once over. 1. Image    – Image Size: 2048 x 2048 Pixels    – Resolution (ppi): 300    – Choose a colour that works with your scene    – Texture: Diagonal_01…

    Read more: How do a render in CLO3D
  • Transition into an Independent Digital Tailor

    Two years ago, I went all in with becoming a Digital Tailor. I wanted to merge traditional craftsmanship with new digital technologies to advance the narrative in the technical apparel space. Expand beyond apparel. Embracing my entrepreneurial spirit. Fuse my creative and my technical side. Feed my passion for Pattern Cutting. Foster sustainable innovation. Leave…

    Read more: Transition into an Independent Digital Tailor
  • 16 things that destroy creativity

    16 things that destroy creativity: 1. Overthinking 2. Perfectionism 3. Not practicing 4. Over tweaking 5. Lack of inspiration 6. Inconsistent style 7. Poor post-production 8. Fear of Criticism 9. Imposter Syndrome 10. Lack of goals 11. Prioritizing technology over artistry 12. Creating in isolation 13. Not taking breaks 14. Limited exploration 15. Not sharing…

    Read more: 16 things that destroy creativity
  • 101

    Nobody cares about how long it took They care about their time.

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  • Real Artist sign their work

    Real Artist sign their work. Less ghost creators: Need less of this: – Celebrity creators – Product – Creator commodification – Trend chasing  And more of: – Creator transparency   – In-house creator collaborations – Respect for the craftsmanship   – Time to create – Long-term generational creators – Fairly compensated What are your thoughts?

    Read more: Real Artist sign their work
  • Flat Lighting

    Worried your renders are flat and uninteresting?   Here’s a tip:   3 Point Lighting  – Turn off HDRIs. – Use a 3-point lighting to add depth and realism to your scenes. – Experiment with various light sources, intensities, and colours to create mood and atmosphere.  This is a great way to make your scenes more visually compelling. Try it for your…

    Read more: Flat Lighting
  • Becoming

    How to Become an Independent Digital 3D Creator     Pick a topic you love.   Pick a platform.  Create every day.  Keep doing number 3.    Thatโ€™s it.  

    Read more: Becoming
  • Routine

    My daily routine as an Independent 3D Creator   9:50 am: Make an Aeropress coffee level 5 with MTC Oil.  10 am: Outreach Writing โ€“ Journaling and Post Creation.   10:30 am: Outreach LinkedIn โ€“ Respond to direct messages, connection requests, comments, and likes.   11:00 am: Focus Learning โ€“ 3D Software, Branding or Running a Business.   Noon: Deep Work …

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  • Struggles

    My Challenges as an Independent 3D Creator: 1. Learning Curve: Mastering 3D design software, techniques, and workflows.2. Time Management: Balancing learning, creating, and networking.3. Portfolio Visibility: Gaining recognition and getting noticed.4. Platform Selection: Choosing the right platforms for maximum impact.5. LinkedIn Use: Using LinkedIn effectively for outreach.6. Self-Doubt: Overcoming imposter syndrome and building confidence.7. Mindset:…

    Read more: Struggles
  • Welcome!

    Welcome! I’m Hugh Clarke, a seasoned Design Leader and Sportswear Innovator with over two decades of experience in the global design industry. My expertise spans performance clothing, footwear, and accessories, where I effortlessly marry cutting-edge technology with the timeless art of craftsmanship.  Born in the vibrant coastal town of Brighton, the Eighties acid house movement…

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