Personal Aesthetic and Main Project

My aesthetic is best described as casual and lived-in—comfortable, functional, and full of personality rather than overly polished or minimalist. I’m drawn to objects with history, things that show wear and character rather than looking pristine. A well-worn leather jacket, a scuffed-up coffee table, or a thrifted piece with a backstory holds far more appeal to me than something brand new. My spaces feel collected over time, filled with objects that carry meaning rather than just matching a trend. There’s an effortless quality to it—nothing too curated, but still intentional.

This aesthetic draws inspiration from several 20th-century design movements, especially mid-century modern and industrial design. Mid-century modern emphasizes functionality, clean lines, and high-quality materials, all of which align with my preference for timeless, well-crafted pieces over trendy ones. Industrial design, with its raw materials, exposed construction, and appreciation for wear and patina, connects with my love for objects that feel broken-in rather than flawless. I like the idea of design that doesn’t try too hard—pieces that look like they’ve been lived with, used, and appreciated over time.

A lot of this aesthetic comes from my own experiences growing up. The spaces I spent time in weren’t showroom-perfect; they were well-loved, layered with history, and full of things that had been repurposed or passed down. My style also reflects the environments I gravitated toward—record stores, old movie theaters, skateparks, and secondhand shops. These places had a raw energy, a mix of nostalgia and personality that stuck with me.

Beyond physical spaces, music, movies, and skate culture have shaped the way I see and create. Bands like The Strokes and Arctic Monkeys represent an aesthetic that feels both effortless and nostalgic—gritty but cool, with a sense of personality over perfection. Video games like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater introduced me to the raw, unpolished visuals of skate culture, where imperfections and DIY elements are part of the appeal. And classic Hollywood films have influenced how I think about storytelling through visuals. The way old films use contrast, lighting, and minimal but effective set design to create atmosphere has always stuck with me.

That’s why, for my aesthetics class final project, I’m making a clapperboard. Classic Hollywood’s aesthetic is a bit more refined than my usual style, but it still connects to my love for nostalgia, history, and storytelling. Instead of using plastic, I’m crafting it from wood, hand-painting the lettering, and experimenting with finishes to capture an authentic vintage film look. I want it to feel like an artifact from another time—something that has seen use rather than just sitting on a shelf.

This project is slightly outside my usual comfort zone since it leans toward a more polished, cinematic aesthetic. However, I’m still approaching it with my own perspective—focusing on craftsmanship, visible wear, and a sense of history. In the end, even though it’s inspired by classic Hollywood, it will still feel like something I’d want to keep in my own space: lived-in, meaningful, and full of character.

Links

1. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/153755774766136159/
2. https://collider.com/james-stewart-movies-ranked/
3. https://www.bing.com/aclick?ld=e80FM1Hic24-3PFqgHmhcNazVUCUxHpTJ