Author: Hugh Clarke
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Beyond AI: Human Craft Elevates 3D Design
3D design isn’t just art it’s your strategic edge. The goal? – Clarity. – Speed. – Innovation that lands. Is the 2D wall the block? Stakeholders struggle to grasp flat sketches. – Feedback drags. – Projects stall. – Costs spiral. I use 3D to break through. – 𝗩𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱, 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 – 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 The result?…
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Show and Tell with 3D, Pitches Win
We’ve been cracking the “2D wall.” Clarity’s changing the game. Now, let’s talk pitches. And stories. Think your pitch flops because of design? What if it’s the visuals? Flat sketches? – Stakeholders don’t get it. – Clients zone out. – Pitches fall flat. That’s tough. Here’s the fix. My 3D design system nails it. – Digital…
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Beyond the Wall: 3D Powers Your Innovation Story
3D design isn’t just art it’s your strategic edge. The goal? – Clarity. – Speed. – Innovation that lands. Is the 2D wall the block? Stakeholders struggle to grasp flat sketches. – Feedback drags. – Projects stall. – Costs spiral. I use 3D to break through. – 𝗩𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗱, 𝗿𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗼𝘁𝘆𝗽𝗲𝘀 – 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝘃𝗶𝘀𝘂𝗮𝗹𝘀 The result?…
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Beyond the Flat: AI Unveils Design’s Hidden Art
The “2D wall” stalls menswear design. Static patterns dim your vision. Flat patterns? – They’re the foundation. – Precise. – They hide movement’s spark. – That’s the unseen block. Here’s the fix. – My AI-powered 3D workflow breaks through. – I fed patterns into an AI video editor. – Watch garment pieces spin in 3D.…
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The Pattern Puzzle: Why I Unpick
Most people see a finished garment. I see a puzzle. Use bad patterns? You build bad designs. – Visuals look off. – Fit is wrong. – It causes waste. – Makes confident decisions tough. There’s another way. My secret? Always Be Unpicking. Deconstructing old garments isn’t just taking them apart. It’s away into hidden design…
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Digital Pattern Files: They Have More Value Than You Think.
One file. Endless potential. – It’s creative. – It holds a garment’s essence. – This isn’t just a technical asset. It moves fast… – Across design. – Development. – Marketing. Internally? It brings 𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆. Externally? It’s 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴. Ready for campaigns. Ready to connect concept to customer. If you design from patterns up, you already know…
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Your Wardrobe’s a Toolkit 𝗗𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗜𝘁
Sunday reflection: What if every outfit helped you move forward? Clothing is a 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹. Your wardrobe is a 𝘁𝗼𝗼𝗹𝗸𝗶𝘁. Every piece serves a purpose Function + Style + Emotion → What function do my clothes serve today? → What style reflects my vision? → What energy do they radiate? They’re tools to help you maneuver…
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3D tools aren’t just for show.
They’re a strategic edge. Here’s How: – Visualize faster – Refine smarter – Sell the story before it’s made I help brands bring ideas to life with precision and impact, accelerating decisions, leveraging menswear expertise, and crafting compelling stories.
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My ‘Free’ Secret Weapon for Visual Storytelling
– PureRef came on my radar a couple of years ago.– It’s been a game changer in my workflow.– Simple and intuitive to use. I use it daily to collect, sort reference images and craft mood boards that fuse function, style, and emotion. It helps me build bold, clear stories through strong visual libraries. Clarifies…
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Exploring Visual Tech to Push Design Forward
Collaboration sparks magic. – Together, we move forward.– Outcomes exceed expectations.– Shared growth fuels us. Functionality meets visual appealMenswear gets bold. With James Broad, we explore digital menswear. Digital Visualization isn’t just a tool, it redefines:– Design– Style– Essence Let’s push things forward, together.
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Pushback Blocking Your Designs? Here’s My Fix
You pitch a bold design.A stakeholder says, “Listen, it’s not there.”It stings. No clarity.How do you break through? Ignore it.Projects stall. Confidence fades.Deadlines loom.Stress levels rise. Ready for clarity?My trick? “I take the feedback and sleep on it.”Most things can wait 24-48 hours.Detach.I unpack feedback and align.Take it offline, have a casual chat.A simple tweak,…
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THE GENIUS OF GETTING IT WRONG
(Inspired by Carlo Rivetti) Fear failure? Don’t. It kills innovation. Playing it safe stops breakthroughs. kills the magic. In menswear, playing it safe kills innovation. Yes, errors cost. – Time. – Money. – Materials. Still, – We need to make samples. – We need to make mistakes. – That’s how we learn. That’s how we…
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Simple: A Quick Fix for Creator’s Block
1. The Grab: Start with an old rough sketch, inspiring image from your swipe folder. 2. The AI Twist: Inject your content, thoughts, and style into AI and let the inspiration take shape. The Final Twist: AI doesn’t suppress creativity—it enhances it, proving to be an invaluable ally in your creative process.
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3D Design Is Your Secret Weapon for Menswear Storytelling
Tired of slow, wasteful design cycles that fail to inspire? Flattening bold 3D ideas into 2D kills creativity and momentum. It racks up 50-70% more samples, lost into the real world. My work in 3D menswear illustration has helped brands craft compelling narratives anchored function, style and essences hat resonate in the Digi-physical worlds. Engage…
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Most Design Directors face the same issue:
They think rapid prototyping means rushed sketching. That’s for 2 main reasons:1. They’re stuck in a slow sketch-sample cycle.2. They fear there’s not enough time for prototyping rounds.= They end up with delays and frustrated teams. Here’s how you can change that:Let’s say you’re a Design Director at a sportswear brand.(By now, you know slow…
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Hoodies Rule? Time to Push Forward.
Menswear in the slow lane. Innovation stalled. Hoodies reign. – Safe bets fail. – Ideas fade. – Brands die. How do we break free? Go bold. 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Science-driven. 𝗦𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲: Pure craft. 𝗘𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Raw passion. Build. Test. Refine. – Digital first. – Virtual next. – Then real. Vision to reality—fast. This isn’t just clothes. – It’s…
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Chalayan’s M70: A Sunday Muse for Design
Hussein Chalayan’s M70 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…
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Physical to Digital: Ground Your 3D Menswear in Craft
Rushing into 3D visualization? No pattern cutting foundation? Unrealistic, uninspired renders. They fail stakeholders. Rick Owens said: “Learn how to make clothes, learn how to make clothes, learn how to make clothes – don’t do sketches and collages because that’s bullshit. At MMU, I mastered physical pattern cutting. Worked as a fabric cutter, then pattern…
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Reminder to self: Stop chasing shiny objects:
– New ideas to research– New AI Visualisation tools– New 3D design tools Instead, focus 100% on mastering one idea or tool at a time. Identify, solve, repeat.
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Creating a new concept → feeling CONFIDENT in the vision.
Modelling the functional elements in 3D → feeling CONFIDENT in the engineering. Refining the stylistic details in 3D → feeling CONFIDENT in the aesthetics. Capturing the design’s essence and emotion in 3D visuals → feeling CONFIDENT in the story. Presenting the full 3D visualization to stakeholders → feeling CONFIDENT in the buy-in.
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Unseen Menswear Ideas to Life in 3D: Design with Clarity
Design chaos? The old design process sketch, sample, repeat Wastes time. Creates confusion. Stalls your vision. I’m a Creative Director & 3D Menswear Illustrator. I use CG presentations for digital-physical storytelling. One clear 3D visual to refine and sell your ideas before they’re made. Vision clarified. This cuts weeks of revisions. Solves uncertainty. Delivers sustainable,…
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Pushback Blocking Your Designs? Here’s My Fix
You pitch a bold design. A stakeholder says, “Listen, it’s not there.” It stings. No clarity. How do you break through? Ignore it. Projects stall. Confidence fades. Stress levels rise. Deadlines loom. Ready for clarity? My trick? “I take the feedback and sleep on it.” Most things can wait 24-48 hours. Detach. I unpack feedback…
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Tips for Exploring AI Design in 2025
How to Create Your Unique Style: Evolving from Prompting in 2024 to Mastering AI Collaboration in 2025. Let’s Connect: Curious about AI design, advanced 3D modelling, or technical apparel innovation? Reach out for a dynamic discussion on these cutting-edge fields.
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Everything is Priority? Cutting Through the Noise with 3D Clarity.
Slightly High-pressure environment. Indecision creeps in. Stakeholders push. Calendars collide. Everything feels urgent. Progress stalls. Someone’s waiting. Stress builds. The reality for Decision makers wrestling with vague sketches, feeling unsure. I remember those days. That stuck feeling. That design bottleneck. I don’t like being the blocker. Process felt slow. Rough. Then, 3D changed that. Suddenly,…
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AI fails in design alone.
No human taste. No nuanced sensibility. It misses precise tweaks. Designs lack authenticity. Human-Driven Design. Experience shapes knowledge. Choices make designs real. Designers blend vision, function. Craft with 3D models, Adobe Suite, sketches. Humans spark ideas. AI amplifies concepts. Builds mood boards. Speeds discovery, research, validation. Humans lead. Create bold, precise designs. Menswear concept visualized…
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3D Workflows Through to 2D Walls.
The clothing industry runs in flat 2D. Black-and-white tech packs, flat patterns. Plugging a 3D design process into this 2D system. Now AI too. Jamming 3D, AI tech creates friction. Imagine a natural 3D Digital workflow. • Precise visuals. • Strong boardroom buy-in. • Aligned teams. • Design and development share one clear vision. This…
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Unseen Hours: Burning the Midnight Oil
Great design starts in the head, but it’s discipline that finishes. It’s 11:33 pm Saturday Night. Turning concepts into strong visual breakthroughs. It’s embracing feedback: Refining again to perfect the story. It’s unseen hours crafting a story through relentless focus.
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My Creativity’s Hidden Cost
My ideas fill my mind. I’m a digital designer. Buried in tools, projects, possibilities. Awe and curiosity drive me daily. But here’s the problem: I start endlessly. Finish sometimes. It’s exhausting. No mastery or standout craft. Tempted daily by new ideas instead of grinding on functional clothing design. Turning me into a generalist. Is it…
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𝗖𝗹𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴: 𝗔 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 to help you Move in the World
Purpose matters most. Function first. Not just cost. Girls’ trousers? No pockets. Boys’? They did. Unfair. Georgia, 8, led a petition 56 signatures strong. Now: DEEP pockets. And 𝗯𝗼𝘄𝘀. Function is key. Every piece needs a decision tree: What’s it for? 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Carry essentials. 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Desired image? Desired feeling? Feel equal. 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗧. Let’s get back…
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Weight Room Wisdom: Silent Friday
This morning was quiet An empty town. An empty weight room. It felt weird. I was out and about. Weight room time. Made me reflect. Review choices. Should I be here? Is this discipline? Do something else? Most aren’t about. On Good Friday. Is it right? Or wrong? Stuck to routine. Despite the pull. Consistency…
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From ‘I Got It!’ to ‘I Get it’: A Design Empathy Shift
3D Workshops teach beyond technique. I shared work. Asked a question, got it fast. “Got it!” I said. Educator kept explaining, and explaining and explaining… 10, 15, 20 minutes. Impatient, then it hit me: It wasn’t just for me. Saw the bigger picture. Focused on my grasp, forgot others. Education must reach everyone. Addressed all…
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Don’t Let Your Vision Fade
VISUALISE IT Get it out on paper Ideas stay vague. Words alone fade. They’re disappearing whispers. No clarity, no action. Visualizing ideas early? Now they’re concrete. More real. Long before…AI We sketched a concept for a big sports event. It wasn’t on the radar, but the sketch sold it. Got buy-in. Got it into the…
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Napkin to Strategy
Napkins hold gold. Vague, low-res ideas. Hard to action. We unlock it. 3D visuals Bridging idea to plan. Low-res to high-res. 3D builds clarity. Design turns strategic. Tactical. Actionable. Got gold on a napkin? Let’s turn it into a plan.
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Everything is Priority? Cutting Through the Noise with 3D Clarity.
Slightly High-pressure environment.Indecision creeps in.Stakeholders push.Calendars collide.Everything feels urgent.Progress stalls.Someone’s waiting.Stress builds. The reality for Decision makers wrestling with vague sketches, feeling unsure. I remember those days.That stuck feeling.That design bottleneck.I don’t like being the blocker.Process felt slow.Rough. Then, 3D changed that.Suddenly, design moved again. At The Structure of Magic, I use 3D to slash…
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Why PDF Portfolios Win
– Practical – Reliable – Easy to share – Viewable on any device – Simple to store – No endless links – No broken links – No confusing tabs Easy reviewing for recruiters and design managers. Stress-free to present in unknown environments. A 10-15 page portfolio with 2-3 projects is sufficient.
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From Unseen: Communicate.
Blowing smoke up your ****? No Talent stays silent. Great work, unseen. Hope? No strategy. Silence kills. No relationships built. Doors stay shut. Trump gets it. Starts with wins. Repeats them. Clarity. Owns “great.” Controversial? Yep. Self-promotion? Clear. Confident. Constant. Extreme case study. But what if you introduced just 3%? Gen X Brit? Very Uncomfortable…
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Slow is Smooth, Smooth is Fast
Creative rush breeds chaos.Errors. Rework. Confusion.Momentum stalls.Stress. 3D menswear illustration?It’s a counter-narrative.Slowing at the start.Speeding the outcome. Start with a blockout.Simple shapes. Clean forms. Set-up is slow.𝗦𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵, 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗼𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Smooth Mid-level details.Redefine shapes and features. Then comes speed:Tertiary Details.Materials.Artworks. 𝗥𝗮𝗽𝗶𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀. 3D visualisation allows:– Clear communication.– Confident decisions.– Smart design…
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I don’t sketch first.
Design purists hate this. I design in pattern shapes.Direct to form. I don’t split design and story.Kills the emotional connection. I don’t chase 2D revisions.2D lacks soul. I don’t pitch vague ideas.Clarity builds confidence and mojo. I don’t treat 3D as a novelty.It’s my studio. I don’t wait for first prototypes.Too much time. Too much…
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Every Creative Director in menswear needs this 3D edge in 2025.
No exceptions because clarity beats chaos. Most are still sleeping on the shift that saves time, cuts waste, and sharpens decisions. 1. Visualize First– Why go 2D to physical?– That’s slow. That’s wasteful.– 3D design clarifies concepts before prototypes, speeding up everything. 2. Sync Design & Story– Design and marketing shouldn’t split in 2025– 3D builds…
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I design with purpose—turning technical innovation into product stories that sell.
Bridging concepts to market-ready designs. 20+ years crafting Sportswear, Olympic gear, and FIFA World Cup kits. Blending craftsmanship with tech. Now, I design and consult for brands to innovate sustainably with 3D and AI-driven solutions. No trend-chasing—just results. Curious?
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I design with purpose—turning technical innovation into product stories that sell.
Bridging concepts to market-ready designs 20+ years crafting Sportswear, Olympic gear, and FIFA World Cup kits. Blending craftsmanship with tech. Now, I design and consult for brands to innovate sustainably with 3D and AI-driven solutions. No trend-chasing—just results. Curious? DM me to collaborate! Bonus: I also do 3D storytelling and run Open Pattern, a free…
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I’m English.
No surprise there. In July 2008, I left the UK and moved to Germany. It was me and my Dakine wheel bag – Still here– Still using it– Still spot it in airports I’d never been before.I didn’t know anyone.Now, I’ve built connections from scratch. I didn’t speak a word of German.(I still don’t fluently,…
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𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘀𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 & 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝗴𝗶-𝗣𝗵𝘆𝘀𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹
Culture isn’t just on the streets anymore.It’s in digital spaces, gaming, and the metaverse. In 2022, we flipped the script with Meta 70, an open-source military jacket turned digi-physical. I crafted the open-source digital pattern, a blueprint that:– Transformed into a real garment.– Became a remixable digital asset. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗜𝘁 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀:– 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: NFT…
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Weird Tip: Build for Function, Not Trends.
If you want to design smarter: – Study functional layouts: What goes where and why?– Analyse pocket construction: What’s essential vs. wasted fabric?– Test ergonomics: Is everything accessible?– Apply digi-physical tools: Bring historical patterns into the future. Great design should enhance performance and work in real-world needs.This is why some military gear lasts for decades.…
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The Best Digital Design Hack You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner.
A solid lighting setup makes colours pop and leads the eye to the product. A simple light system that elevates colour accuracy, depth, and realism—all in one shot. It speeds up decision-making. – Most 3D apparel designers struggle with washed-out or overly shadowed renders.– Fine—if you’re going for a stylized, edgy photo shoot.– But for…
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Everyone thinks a designer needs to keep up with Hypebeast.
But I believe in designing for function and innovation. Here’s why: 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗼𝗻.If it doesn’t work, does it really matter how good it looks? Performance and utility always come first. 𝗖𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗯𝗲𝗮𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗰𝘂𝘁𝘀.Fast solutions don’t last. Refining details, merging tradition with technology—that’s where real innovation happens. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗵𝘆𝗽𝗲.The best ideas…
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Raglan Sleeve Construction: A Military Innovation for Enhanced Mobility
After Waterloo (1815), the raglan sleeve evolved clothing design. One piece of fabric, running from cuff to shoulder, redefined movement and durability. Why It Works:– Move Freely: No restrictions, just range.– Built Tough: Fewer seams = fewer failures.– Stay Dry: Less stitching, less leaking. Still in action today, the British Army Rain Jacket showcases this…
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Unfinished Projects Piling Up
Unfinished Projects Piling Up.I need to move forward.No time for perfection. Here’s what happened:– Overthinking kicked in– Progress froze– Nothing published The Sticky Spot:– Redoing– Trapped in almost done– Projects stayed unpublished The Blockers:– Creativity froze– Hesitation the norm– Nothing ever got done But Then, I Shifted:– Stopped chasing perfection– Focused on publishing.– Action crushed overthinking.– Each step brought clarity Here’s What I Did:1. Set clear, small…
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My Weird Design Trick: “Flip It”
My Weird Design Trick: “Flip It” AKA “𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗹𝗶𝗽-𝗩𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗙𝗶𝘅” Here’s what I mean: On Sunday evening, I was staring at a digital menswear illustration I’d been working on. Something felt off. I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Proportions? Off. Balance? Off. Flow? Off. Then I remembered an old painter’s trick I use:…
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Elevate Your 3D Fashion Renders with These 3 Lighting Tips
In my work, a photographer mate pointed out a cold blue colour cast in a 3D render I showed him. Hmm. I switched to a studio sunlight HDRI set to 5600K. This creates a warmer, more natural colour palette for fashion rendering. Now, in my daily work, I see bad colour in 3D clothing renders.…
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2024 was a top year for the menswear books.
My List: Magnetic – Tony Rivers and James Burnett @magneticbook_990 Inside the Westminster Menswear Archive – Andrew Groves and Danielle Sprecher @menswear_archive Fashion Army – Matthieu Nicol @matthieu_nicol Belstaff: Our First 100 Years – Charlie Porter and Jodie Harrison @belstaff Mountain Style British Outdoor Clothing 1953 – Hernry Iddon and Max Leonard @mountainstylebook New Nomads An exploration of wearable electronics…
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2025 Clothing Designer : The craft keeps evolving.
Artistry with technology. Designing for a digi-physical world. 20+ years in sportswear design. Merging craftsmanship and innovation to help brands thrive. Creativity Solving creative problems Staying Curious Driving Ideation Analyzing trends Understanding of taste levels Digital Design 3D spatial awareness Tech-savviness workflows Texturing Rendering Composition Integrating AI in Design Making Pattern cutting Garment construction Colour…
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Want to Master Digital Clothing for 2025? My Top YouTube Picks to Upskill Fast.
My favourite YouTube channels to upskill (No direct links—keep the bots calm): 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Basics [Menswear]: @CorneliusQuiring – Mid-Level to Advanced [Vintage Women’s]: @charlotta_patterncuttingschool 𝗖𝗟𝗢3𝗗 – Basic [UX]: @ides.studio – Mid-Level to Advanced: @stitchandrender 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – @VisualEducationStudio 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Photoshop Experts: @PiXimperfect or @phlearn Ready to level up your skills?…
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When I first jumped into 3D clothing, I got quick results—but my renders were a mess
It turns out 3D is hard. Everyone struggles at first. There’s a lot to wrap your head around: complex interfaces, conflicting advice, and a steep learning curve. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺: A lot of creators have been told that they can get quick results without mastering the craft. They assume 3D requires no patience, effort, or…
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I almost didn’t end up in design.
I planned to study business and finance. A lecturer saw my potential and encouraged me to explore the design pathway. I took their advice—and I’ve been on that path ever since. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to recognize your potential. Trust the process. Stay open to the unexpected. Let’s connect and explore how…
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Timeless Design: The Craft of Research and Resisting Trends
Timeless Design: The Craft of Research and Resisting Trends I believe in making the best products we can.Through research—both physical and digital.Consistency in design creates timeless classic icons. Flight jackets are a perfect example of function transformed into style:-1950s: The MA-1 sets the standard.-1973: The CWU-17/P refines pockets and collars.-1977: The CWU-36/45 elevates the design with Nomex…
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The 26-Degree Angle: How Cut Lines Shape Design Stories.
Lines shape everything. In 1979, Nike’s windbreaker nailed it with vigor A 26-degree angle made all the difference. It showcases an icon’s simplicity, never gone out of style. More than seasonal lines. The key is consistency. Are your cut lines telling the right story? I’m Hugh Clarke, owner of The Structure of Magic. We help…
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From Calm to Dynamic: How Cut Lines Shape Emotion in Your Product
From Calm to Dynamic: How Cut Lines Shape Emotion in Your Product Even the simplest line can evoke emotion. – Horizontal lines bring calm.– Vertical lines convey power.– Angled lines add energy and dynamism. Rapha uses cut lines to distinguish its brand identities. Road cycling collection: horizontal lines for a smooth, performance cadence Their MTB…
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Energy Over Noise: Power in Simplicity
Bold craft comes from balancing energy with simplicity. -Style and elegance win over being loud.-Simplicity and fun draw people in.-Minimalist, design sets you apart. Transformation comes when energy meets elegant simplicity. The M51 parka’s lasting design is inspiring. It showcases simplicity and usefulness, which never goes out of style. You can find the pattern through…
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A PDF portfolio is practical.
A PDF portfolio is practical. No endless links or tabs for design managers to navigate.
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The Most Overlooked Design Mistake: Spelling
Been there—too focused on the visuals, missed a typo. Someone always calls it out. You’re caught with your pants around your ankles. • It distracts from your creative story.• It raises doubts—what else have you missed?• It could’ve been avoided. Mistakes happen. Measure twice, cut once. A quick double-check would’ve saved me.
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Portfolio vs. Post
A post? Disappeared in seconds. A portfolio? Serious, solid, and lasting. Your portfolio is a long-term reference. It holds your work, shows your skills, and tells your story. Start an online portfolio today. Like a time stamp, it shows how long you’ve been in the business. Make it well-designed, clean, and easy to navigate. And…
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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 creativity—it’s here to amplify it, serving as a potent collaborator in your creative journey.
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Adidas Ruled Years Before Nike Even Entered the Game
Adidas had the bigger budget.Nike dominated.Then Nike wobbled. There’s a story—and a triangle structure—behind every brand, company, or product’s magic. Dan Wieden stepped in early and found Nike’s narrative, direct to the heart. It’s all about finding that narrative and telling it in a compelling way: – Irreverence justified [start edgy, but with purpose]– Can-do [make…
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A highlight for me was crafting a whitewater kayaking cag.
A highlight for me was crafting a whitewater kayaking cag. We created an innovative three-way pre-shaped sleeve. Paddlers could sit comfortably while enjoying full freedom of movement. The feedback? Awesome, dude. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. If you find this helpful, let’s connect and push things forward.
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Taste levels are cultivated over time.
It’s not just learned; it’s earned through experience. It’s the gut instinct that shapes every creative choice. Taste isn’t just about aesthetics. Taste turns good design into great design. Work on it and let it guide your creativity. Don’t fall into the hipster trap. If you find this useful, let’s connect and push things forward.
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Study all designs.
the good the bad the ugly Why does a design captivate you? -It mirrors your values.-It fits your style.-It speaks to your taste. The goal? To create products that resonate emotionally and function beautifully. Good design is clear, focused, and engaging. It opens new ideas. Explore design to tell stories that connect. If you find…
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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. …
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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…
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![What is the last thing you did with AI [artificial intelligence]?](https://hcexplor.fyi/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thestructureofmagic_1.jpg)
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.
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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…
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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.–…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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.
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As a creator, I figured out comparing my work is counterproductive.
If I find myself comparing aimlessly. I stop. Concentrate on my work. Goodbye.
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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…
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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
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Nobody cares about how long it took.
What matters is their time. Keep it short and sweet.
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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…
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This is how to get better at 3d
-first, be persistent -second, be persistent -third, be persistent hmmm
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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…
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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–…
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.