I tried to find a solution that would be universal and easily relatable to any viewer. I found that referencing classic tear-jerking films would not be the way to go, as it is difficult to gauge which films are tear jerkers and there is no guarantee that everyone has seen it.
I found that most people fell into two categories: the Weeper and the Comforter. Playing with the idea of these two demographics, I began to develop these two characters. I thought of these two characters’ experience at the Tear Jerk’n FIlm Festival: How can I make heart-wrenching movies more bearable for both?
The Weeper must be prepared with an endless supply of tissues, while the Comforter, however unwilling they may be to accompany the Weeper to the Festival, should be equipped with a heavy duty shoulder patch to absorb those tears. I wanted to portray these “tear stains” as some sort of battle scar or medal of honour - to put the Comforter into a more positive mindset. Don’t be embarassed your friend is sobbing the loudest - be proud that you care enough to be there and comfort them.
Although I had developed these two characters, the Weeper and the Comforter, I did not want to stereotype and assign genders to either of them. I purposely illustrated the two figures are gender ambiguously as possible, and also chose a colour palette that was neither stereotypically male or female. I felt like this would be more inviting to all type of film enthusiasts.
I developed the T-shirts as a ‘must-have equipment’ that viewers would want for the Film Festival. For the Weeper, reinforced patches on their sleeves, and for the Comforter, patches on their shoulders.
