These Konrad Kirpluk illustrations would not be out of place as a mural on the wall of an urban setting, but thankfully, they are actually just designs for potential Adidas wear. Can you not imagine how sick these kooky, oozing graphics of a bunny in a jumpsuit would look on a T-shirt?
Konrad Kirpluk is a U.K.-based illustrator who specializes in using vector graphics in various pop art styles. Commonly seen in his art pieces are hyperbolic characters with graffiti artwork influences. I’m most impressed with Kirpluk’s skill of emulating felt-tip marker strokes in the digital realm.
Implications - Consumers are obsessed with expressing their individuality, as it’s seen as an ideal in first-world nations. As a method of invoking particular identity characteristics, sneaker corporations often align themselves with particular subcultures. Corporations in other industries may also consider aligning their wares with particular subcultures as a way to gain credibility and ultimately garner consumer business.
What Makes This Trend Stand Out
- Street Art-inspired Designs
- Opportunity for companies to incorporate graffiti artwork influences into their designs to appeal to consumers' desire for individuality.
- Emulating Handcrafted Style Digitally
- Chance for companies to develop digital technologies or tools that accurately simulate traditional artistic techniques, such as felt-tip marker strokes.
- Subcultural Brand Alignment
- Potential for companies in various industries to align their products with specific subcultures to establish credibility and attract consumer attention.
Sectors Adopting This
- Fashion
- Fashion companies can integrate street art-inspired designs into their clothing and footwear to tap into the demand for individualistic style.
- Digital Art
- Opportunity for companies in the digital art sector to create software or tools that replicate the look and feel of traditional handcrafted illustrations.
- Marketing and Advertising
- Businesses in the marketing and advertising industry can explore subcultural brand alignment strategies to connect with target audiences and enhance brand perception.
