BELT BUCKLE DESIGN
The concept of this project was to design and create a belt buckle featuring the three initials of my name, btc. I am using this online portfolio to demonstrate the process of various design stages, and most importantly, the production phase.
To begin this design, I was asked to choose a previously submitted assignment as a basis to build my belt buckle design on. The assignment that I chose made us design a monogram of our initials in a distinct calligraphy typeface. I had chosen my Modern Gothic Logo design of my initials, and decided to choose a belt buckle as a product to produce them on.
RESOURCES
My design required extensive editing and research from programs such as Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Dimensions. Adobe Photoshop was used to apply a quick variation of a belt buckle mock-up, with an applied texture. Being new to the program, I researched on the best way to apply a realistic texture to a design. Adobe Dimensions was a new skill I had to learn to create high quality, realistic three-dimensional imagery of my belt buckle. This skill was learned by watching various tutorials to help produce a final outcome.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K2M7z56BQs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHWdSGm8OwQ
MATERIALS
This document shows the relationship between my design technique and materials used to produce the final outcome. My technique uses mixed media, being manual hand-drawn ideas and Mock-ups, to digital illustration. This allows me to produce multiple sketches filling pages, so my ideas can scatter. This promotes my creative flow for any project, and is a great way for me to start any design.
To finalize any mock-up, the design is always taken onto a digital platform. This allows for a professional iteration to my design. For this project (similar to my manual design method), I begin with an Adobe Illustrator brief mock-up, Adobe Photoshop mock-up to begin to analyse texture, then finally produce a three-dimensional render in Adobe Dimension.
PROCESS
Regarding the previous monogram assignment to base this belt buckle design off of, I began by sketching multiple quick ideas for me to have a chance to develop into a monogram logo of 'btc'. These ideas mostly included the Modern Gothic script.
Generation of ideas for the previous 'btc' logo monogram assignment.
Final design selection.
Upon selecting my final design, a Generation of Ideas was then developed to put this logo design into a practical/functionable format.
These designs were completed in the privacy of my own room, with a desk and chair set to an appropriate height for comfortability and safety precautions. Regular breaks were taken to ensure my eyes weren't being strained from my computer screen, and I set aside time to stretch regularly to relieve muscle tension and overall posture.
I took inspiration from the Louis Vuitton belt buckle, as the buckle itself was made up of type. I analysed how their belt buckle functions, which gave me a clearer idea as to how I could allow my belt to be fastened and secured in my design.
https://shopee.com.my/LV-Louis-Vuitton-men%27s-belt-gold-buckle-presbyopia-checkerboard-black-leather-belt-buckle-belt-leather-i.140225565.7111923297
https://aquilafashions.wordpress.com/2020/07/15/louis_vuitton-lv-replacement-leather-belt-strap-without-buckle/
My two chosen iterations were then traced on Adobe Illustrator to begin the digital production phase.
Once I was certain of my design, I began gathering quotes from different manufacturers around Australia as soon as possible. Whilst I was refining my designs and developing the concept, I was emailing various organizations to find manufacturers that would be most beneficial to my project. I felt this was the most effective way to utilize my time during this process.
PHOTOSHOP
This mock-up on Adobe Photoshop was beginning the technical illustration phase and the textured pattern associated with the metal buckle. I had not chosen a type of metal I was going to use yet, although I implemented this texture as a result. These panels feature each stage during the process. Firstly, drawing the oval-shaped buckle followed by the three-dimensional oval design. Furthermore, adding the logo with appropriate shading and then placing the texture over it for a realistic design. This gave me a clear path to see what exactly I was working with, and the direction my final design was taking at this stage.
I included the oval-shaped backing for cost-effectiveness and so the buckle could be straight forward and easy to use. This did alter my design, but I was happy where it was headed at this stage.
Below is a process video of me designing the buckle in photoshop.
Music used from default music library in Video Editor, Windows 10.
MATERIALS AND PRICING
The logos were sent to manufacturing companies around Australia to get quotes on pricing, per 100 buckles. At this point, I aimed to be cost-effective, and chose a Die Struck mould to produce my buckle. The manufacturing companies I contacted were based in Australia, as I wanted my product to be known for being proudly Australian made. The images above are email replies from manufacturers providing me with different materials and pricing.
This mould would use a large amount of pressure to form metal into a 'Die Struck', and be recyclable after use. There are many local companies that promote this environmentally friendly process, which gave me confidence when choosing this metal that the environment is not at risk.
Along with this, I also learned that ordering belt buckles in bulk was the best way to start my brand. 1 buckle costed me $350-$450 to make, whilst 100 buckles overall were $1879.90, adding up to $18.79 each.
$1879.90 for 100 Die Struck belt buckles was therefore agreed on, at the size of 6cm in width by 4cm in height.
FINALISED/PRESENTABLE MOCK-UP
Wood texture background: www.unsplash.com/photos/h0Vxgz5tyXA
Background image from: www.pexels.com/photo/one-full-glass-of-coffee-3220996/
REFLECTION
PROCESS
In conclusion, my final design was a result of a constructed approach to each design stage. This began with a manual generation of ideas by pencil, leading to a proposed mock-up, to a digital refinement and a final rendered outcome. Two main programs were used to demonstrate the final outcome, being Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Dimension. These programs were utilized with research to produce a final that was satisfactory to my brief. Photographs were taken along with videos, helping me produce a process blog showcasing the distinct stages along the way.
DECISIONS
My production phase led to the success of my project as I allowed time for multitasking. This was implemented by communicating with multiple manufacturers via email and sending them a basic concept design for pricing, whilst still developing my digital mock-ups. I would like to use this process in my future practice as I believe it helps with my time management skills and time efficiency. The chosen material also aided in the completion, as using an environmentally friendly 'Dire Struck mould' allowed for a cost-effective alternative to my design. My ability to alter the design based around these constraints also played a part in this final outcome.
Most importantly, I believe that my initial generation of ideas allowed me to quickly expand various options within my brief. As I had filled the page with multiple ideas in a time efficient manner, it allowed me to get a head start with the design process. This helped me become certain on a concept to begin developing, helping my project finish before a deadline and run on schedule.
Meeting with team members regularly allowed me to showcase my process to peers, which gave me feedback on how my design was progressing. This feedback ranged from constructive criticism to questions about my brief, which allowed me to produce a final that was consumer efficient.
Track used for opening video: ElementD - Giving In (feat. Mees Van Den Berg) [NCS Release]
[ElementD] • https://soundcloud.com/elementd
[Mees Van Den Berg]
