Some of my favorite graphics from this year!

I wanted to talk a little bit about the process for creating these posts and why how I do it is reflective of both what I find inspiring AND my values!

★ Most of my graphics begin with an idea about what I want to explain.  I write it out in a google doc, fine tuning it until I think it is concise but also  nuanced. 

★ Next I dig into my library of scanned images, as well as a filing cabinet full of vintage cards, magazines, stickers, and stationer...and (many) shelves of vintage books. All of these things have been collected for years from thrift stores, yard sales, flea markets, and free piles. Right now I am really into 70s board books featuring photos of stuffed animals! Most are published by two companies: Froebel-Kan and Renwal. I'm constantly scouring thrift stores and eBay for ones I don't have yet.

★ Because many of the images I use are old and often damaged, they require cleaning up/repair in Photoshop.

★ Then I move everything into @figma, where I layer images, text, etc. I like to mix scanned bits of paper with stickers, photos, tape, and other images...most scanned by me.  I also create my own stickers, badges, and other items to create a collage/zine vibe.  Sometimes I use Photoshop to create lettering and backgrounds that look like they were screenprinted.

Yes, this is a lot of work. Generally 2-4 hours per post. It is a little embarrassing when I think about the time spent on something only a few people will see for a few seconds. But if even one person sees my post and thinks differently afterwards, that's a success! Or even if they just make you smile to see them, that's a win!

Lastly, I am very anti generative AI. I do not (and will not) use AI for anything remotely Clotheshorse-related. If you want to learn more about my thoughts on AI, listen to episode 216!

I am obsessed with finding unloved vintage books and giving them new life/appreciation via the work I share here and across the internet. My path through every thrift store is books-->office/craft supplies-->toys-->home goods--->clothes.  

While I was in Portland for the live shows, I thrifted the 1989 book “Bears For All Seasons,” essentially a how-to for decorating with teddy bears for every season and holiday. Obviously a must-read lol. I didn't think I was a teddy bear person, but then again my favorite outfit in 3rd grade was a pair of cobalt blue jeans and a sweatshirt that said "Bear in the USA" alongside a drawing of a teddy bear dressed like Bruce Springsteen. I also recently thrifted a teddy bear nightgown, so I might be in my teddy bear era? Anyway, all of the images in this post come from that book.