It’s officially been a week since I embarked on this challenge, and I don’t think I’ve ever taken on something this demanding. These design projects require significant time investment, and I’ve pulled too many all-nighters to count. But that’s okay—if you know me, you know I’m not one to prioritize sleep.
"Design a promotional beanie for a hotel in Portland."
Now this is gonna be a fun one. Apparel design and development are among my favorite areas to work in, and I’m eager to dive in. While my focus has primarily been on product design, I’m looking forward to exploring clothing for the first time in this challenge. I may even expand the concept with additional mockups.
For this challenge, I chose McMenamins, a trendy hotel chain located along the banks of Portland. They are well-known for their creative repurposing of historic buildings, transforming former schools, churches, and other structures into unique lodging experiences. McMenamins preserves the original charm of these locations while adding contemporary elements, allowing guests to enjoy on-site breweries, pubs, and live music venues for a lively atmosphere. I drew inspiration from the natural Oregon forest aesthetic and combined it with McMenamins’ warm, homey vibe to create assets that reflect their earthy, granola-inspired identity.