Author: Hugh Clarke
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2025 Clothing Designer : The craft keeps evolving.
Artistry with technology. Designing for a digi-physical world. 20+ years in sportswear design. Merging craftsmanship and innovation to help brands thrive. Creativity Solving creative problems Staying Curious Driving Ideation Analyzing trends Understanding of taste levels Digital Design 3D spatial awareness Tech-savviness workflows Texturing Rendering Composition Integrating AI in Design Making Pattern cutting Garment construction Colour…
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Want to Master Digital Clothing for 2025? My Top YouTube Picks to Upskill Fast.
My favourite YouTube channels to upskill (No direct links—keep the bots calm): 𝗣𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Basics [Menswear]: @CorneliusQuiring – Mid-Level to Advanced [Vintage Women’s]: @charlotta_patterncuttingschool 𝗖𝗟𝗢3𝗗 – Basic [UX]: @ides.studio – Mid-Level to Advanced: @stitchandrender 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – @VisualEducationStudio 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 & 𝗜𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Photoshop Experts: @PiXimperfect or @phlearn Ready to level up your skills?…
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When I first jumped into 3D clothing, I got quick results—but my renders were a mess
It turns out 3D is hard. Everyone struggles at first. There’s a lot to wrap your head around: complex interfaces, conflicting advice, and a steep learning curve. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺: A lot of creators have been told that they can get quick results without mastering the craft. They assume 3D requires no patience, effort, or…
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I almost didn’t end up in design.
I planned to study business and finance. A lecturer saw my potential and encouraged me to explore the design pathway. I took their advice—and I’ve been on that path ever since. Sometimes, all it takes is one person to recognize your potential. Trust the process. Stay open to the unexpected. Let’s connect and explore how…
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Timeless Design: The Craft of Research and Resisting Trends
Timeless Design: The Craft of Research and Resisting Trends I believe in making the best products we can.Through research—both physical and digital.Consistency in design creates timeless classic icons. Flight jackets are a perfect example of function transformed into style:-1950s: The MA-1 sets the standard.-1973: The CWU-17/P refines pockets and collars.-1977: The CWU-36/45 elevates the design with Nomex…
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The 26-Degree Angle: How Cut Lines Shape Design Stories.
Lines shape everything. In 1979, Nike’s windbreaker nailed it with vigor A 26-degree angle made all the difference. It showcases an icon’s simplicity, never gone out of style. More than seasonal lines. The key is consistency. Are your cut lines telling the right story? I’m Hugh Clarke, owner of The Structure of Magic. We help…
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From Calm to Dynamic: How Cut Lines Shape Emotion in Your Product
From Calm to Dynamic: How Cut Lines Shape Emotion in Your Product Even the simplest line can evoke emotion. – Horizontal lines bring calm.– Vertical lines convey power.– Angled lines add energy and dynamism. Rapha uses cut lines to distinguish its brand identities. Road cycling collection: horizontal lines for a smooth, performance cadence Their MTB…
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Energy Over Noise: Power in Simplicity
Bold craft comes from balancing energy with simplicity. -Style and elegance win over being loud.-Simplicity and fun draw people in.-Minimalist, design sets you apart. Transformation comes when energy meets elegant simplicity. The M51 parka’s lasting design is inspiring. It showcases simplicity and usefulness, which never goes out of style. You can find the pattern through…
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A PDF portfolio is practical.
A PDF portfolio is practical. No endless links or tabs for design managers to navigate.
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The Most Overlooked Design Mistake: Spelling
Been there—too focused on the visuals, missed a typo. Someone always calls it out. You’re caught with your pants around your ankles. • It distracts from your creative story.• It raises doubts—what else have you missed?• It could’ve been avoided. Mistakes happen. Measure twice, cut once. A quick double-check would’ve saved me.
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Portfolio vs. Post
A post? Disappeared in seconds. A portfolio? Serious, solid, and lasting. Your portfolio is a long-term reference. It holds your work, shows your skills, and tells your story. Start an online portfolio today. Like a time stamp, it shows how long you’ve been in the business. Make it well-designed, clean, and easy to navigate. And…
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Simple: A Quick Fix for Creator’s Block
1. The Grab: Start with your old sketches and inspiring images from your swipe folder. 2. The AI Twist: Inject your vision and style into AI and let new inspiration take shape. The Magic: AI won’t overshadow your creativity—it’s here to amplify it, serving as a potent collaborator in your creative journey.
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Adidas Ruled Years Before Nike Even Entered the Game
Adidas had the bigger budget.Nike dominated.Then Nike wobbled. There’s a story—and a triangle structure—behind every brand, company, or product’s magic. Dan Wieden stepped in early and found Nike’s narrative, direct to the heart. It’s all about finding that narrative and telling it in a compelling way: – Irreverence justified [start edgy, but with purpose]– Can-do [make…
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A highlight for me was crafting a whitewater kayaking cag.
A highlight for me was crafting a whitewater kayaking cag. We created an innovative three-way pre-shaped sleeve. Paddlers could sit comfortably while enjoying full freedom of movement. The feedback? Awesome, dude. It gave me the confidence to keep pushing forward. If you find this helpful, let’s connect and push things forward.
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Taste levels are cultivated over time.
It’s not just learned; it’s earned through experience. It’s the gut instinct that shapes every creative choice. Taste isn’t just about aesthetics. Taste turns good design into great design. Work on it and let it guide your creativity. Don’t fall into the hipster trap. If you find this useful, let’s connect and push things forward.
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Study all designs.
the good the bad the ugly Why does a design captivate you? -It mirrors your values.-It fits your style.-It speaks to your taste. The goal? To create products that resonate emotionally and function beautifully. Good design is clear, focused, and engaging. It opens new ideas. Explore design to tell stories that connect. If you find…
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Design Balance: Subjective vs. Objective
Creative work is tricky. I just finished a project. Technically solid, but opinions on aesthetics varied. I even packaged a solid emotional and visual case to pre-empt a discussion. Functionality is black and white. Aesthetics? Subjective feedback, less.It often boils down to taste levels. Subjective feedback can get deeply personal. It can be distracting. The key? Professional Balance. …
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My Digi-Physical fashion design tools:
The aim is to keep it as simple as possible. CLO3D [Apparel Prototyping]Adobe Illustrator [Vector Artworks]Plasticity [Hard surface modelling: Trims and accessories]Adobe Substance Sampler [Materials Creation]Adobe Substance Asset [ Pre-made Materials and Hard surface models]Blender 3D [Render and Animation] Photoshop [Image Composting] These work for me; I’m curious about what tools enhance your design workflow. I’m the…
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![What is the last thing you did with AI [artificial intelligence]?](http://18.158.96.75/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/thestructureofmagic_1.jpg)
What is the last thing you did with AI [artificial intelligence]?
I’ll start! I just used Photoshop AI to expand a background into a square. Insanely good! Note: The image is of a vintage Swiss M59 Field Shirt. The pattern is part of the open pattern library. You can download it from my LinkedIn featured section. Let’s connect and drive digital-physical transformation from idea to impact.
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Knowing When to Leave a Project
Mastering the art of knowing when to exit from a project is a crucial skill for any creative. Despite pouring energy and best efforts into a recent project, I realized we had drifted and were not aligned on the project’s outcome. This awareness weighed on my mind, and the result was clear: our visions weren’t…
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Raglan Sleeve Construction: A Military Innovation for Enhanced Mobility
Developed after the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, Raglan sleeves have transformed clothing by significantly enhancing freedom of movement and improving durability This design features a single piece of fabric extending from the cuff to the shoulder. Functional Advantages: – Better Movement: Allows for a wider range of motion.– Stronger: Less likely to tear due to fewer seams.–…
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Seeing the unseen
Beware of the trap of the echo chamber. Step out of your world. Recently, while chatting with my photographer mate, he mentioned the cold blue colour cast in a 3D render. Hmm Consider switching to a studio with sunlight HDRI, around 5600k. It could offer a warmer and more natural colour palette for fashion images. Hmm The…
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Are Pockets Going to Be Extinct Soon?
The traditional pocket faces an existential crisis as we embrace the digital age. My everyday carry has gone digital: -My newspaper has gone digital.-My money has gone digital.-My keys have gone digital. Frank Sinatra only carried one key for his front door, choosing to maintain the sharp aesthetic of his suit. Inspired by his minimalist…
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One step forward.
Looking back, I fondly remember a free-spirited traveller peddling hemp garments from a pop-up market stall on Upper Gardener Street in Brighton. The items resembled rope sacks, rough and unrefined. Engaging with his banter, I grew fascinated by hemp’s performance properties, which can keep you warm or cool as needed. I loved the idea that…
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Mastering the Art of Tapering before Presentations.
Last week, I prepared for a significant presentation. I gathered top-notch information and visuals rehearsed over and over. Despite immersing myself in the project, I experienced a drop in energy before showtime, a phenomenon athletes call “bonking”. In the weight room, I follow a 12-week intense training cycle culminating in a lighter final week. This…
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Stick or Twist Decision-Making
Caught in a traffic jam yesterday..What to do? – Stick it out and wait– Twist turn around to find another way– Clock ticking I chose to twist. I turned around in the traffic jam. Quicker? Unsure. I moved forward and was comforted by that action.
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As a creator, I figured out comparing my work is counterproductive.
If I find myself comparing aimlessly. I stop. Concentrate on my work. Goodbye.
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How to Consistently Get High-Quality Renders in CLO3D in Just a Few Seconds?
Before I start the rendering process, I give the render property editor settings a once over. Image:– Image Size: 1080 x 1080 Pixels– Resolution (ppi): 300– Background Color: Choose a solid colour that complements your scene– Texture: None– Image Format: PNG Lighting:– Preset: Swimming Pool Render:– Engine: GPU– Finish Conditions: Noise Threshold 0.001– Quality: Set…
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How to Become a Better Clothing 3D Designer
-Choose a sector you are passionate about -Pick a software tool -Create every day Keep doing number 3. That’s it
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Nobody cares about how long it took.
What matters is their time. Keep it short and sweet.
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Good Design, Great Legacy: Crafting an Icon
The M-65 jacket tells a tale of gradual evolution through decades: – 60s– 70s– 80s– 90s– 2000s Milan, 2023. M-65s seamlessly morphed from a military staple to a mainstream style icon. Veterans like John Kerry wore it in protests, transforming it into a symbol of peace. Picture Sylvester Stallone in “First Blood.” Imagine Kurtwood Smith as…
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This is how to get better at 3d
-first, be persistent -second, be persistent -third, be persistent hmmm
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It starts with the US Army BDU Jacket as a construction canvas
– Designed for functionality– Simplicity in construction– Smart, timeless style Junya Watanabe layered avant-garde artistry on top. The design transforms war into peace. Junya Watanabe Man SS 2004 Barbwire Field Jacket featured a distinctive camo print in the ‘NO MORE WAR’ collection. Image: Constant Practice The digital pattern of the US Army BDU Jacket, featured…
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Are We Entering a Collarless Era?
The collar, once a core is giving way to a new norm – Shirts are fading out– T-shirts have become the new standard– Collarless designs are on the rise. Collars have always been more than just style, serving functional purpose: – They maintain the shape of the garment– Offer protection against weather and daily wear–…
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My digi-physical design process in 6 steps:
1. Understanding the avatar– User profiling– Identifying Problems/Needs– Market awareness 2. Visualize the outcome– Specify Function– Refine Style– Capture Emotion 3. Make– 3D Prototyping– Physical Prototyping– Focus on design details 4. Test 5. Re-Make 6. Release This is how I bring innovative designs to life.
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Crafting Functional Gear: Concept to Reality
From 3D Visualization into the wild: – Artistry in design – Precision Engineering – Innovation in Functional Clothing Gear Emotion Combined with Technical Precision to Craft a Shield. Protects and inspires Discover the Structure of Magic Let’s Connect and Push Things Forward. image: Midjourney
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99.9999% of designers transitioning into 3D don’t fully address:
– The craft of pattern-cutting– The Step learning curve to mastering 3D tools– Creating a portfolio that impresses both the fashion and entertainment industries Way too much focus on the technical aspects. Not enough storytelling. Let’s connect and push things forward.
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Crafting Purposeful and Effective Creative Direction
Biomimicry: Nature’s Blueprint for Design Innovation – Drawing Aesthetic Inspiration from Nature– Fostering Natural Efficiency, Functionality, and Sustainability– Utilizing biomimicry to create innovative and environmentally friendly garments Helping a shift towards more dynamic and adaptable sustainable clothing. Image Midjourney Let’s connect and push things forward.
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The journey to better is always:
– rough– untidy– slow. Then, I witness the transformation: – from slow– to smooth– to fast Then, I notice the improvement: – accuracy– consistency– controlled pace Then, I receive positive feedback. Rinse and repeat. Let’s connect and push things forward.
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A common frustration persists: the lack of access to high-quality patterns, hindering my creative endeavors.
Building it. A design achieve of: -Functional clothing patterns -Military Pattern’s -Foundation for menswear Ensuring utilization of creation and digital immortality. The digital patterns are freely available for digital or physical design on the open pattern platform, openpattern.io Let’s connect and push things forward.
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Avatar in the Hustle.
But who’s your target? What do they seek? -Tribes we encounter -Avatars we meet -Runners on the streets -In every chat, I saw more. Patterns emerged. I thought I had it, pros champions, a realization dawn but some run for a health social. Engage with them, Know and feel them. Craft your avatar. openpattern.io
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Ideas vanish if not captured and thrive when visualized.
– Bring depth with 3D visualization. – Refine with design sketches. – Convince with physical prototypes. Make it quick. Make it real. Engage others. See it, feel it, get on board. PowerPoint falls short, often fading into the digital void. Taking ideas into the real world fosters drive. Let’s connect and push things forward.
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Attention economy. Professional attention. Creator economy.
-Sell what you want. -On your time. -At your price. Ye’s [Kanye West] Approach: Grabbing attention, he just happens to have an album out with some merch. Leveraging the Creator Economy using easy-to-access technologies owns the narrative, platform, and products, asserting control in the digital space. Disrupting the established industry norms.
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Explore the Unseen with 3D Tools.
Explore the Unseen with 3D Tools. 3D tools help me quickly see new perspectives. -See scale and layout with clarity. -Discover views unseen in 2D. -New colour patterns emerge, enhancing visuals. Designs deepen. Innovation thrives. Creations offer new visuals.
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Field jacket from “Absence and Presence” marked his first menswear collection in S/S 2003.
Field jacket from “Absence and Presence” marked his first menswear collection in S/S 2003. It starts with military functionality and adds avant-garde artistry. The design innovates with micro corduroy and transforms war into peace. Chalayan blends function with fashion, bridging worlds in “Absence and Presence.” The digital pattern of the M70 field jacket is freely…
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Simple: A Quick Fix for Creator’s Block
1. The Grab: Start with your old sketches and inspiring images from your swipe folder. 2. The AI Twist: Inject your vision and style into AI and let new inspiration take shape. The Magic: AI won’t overshadow your creativity—it’s here to amplify it, serving as a potent collaborator in your creative journey.
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Collaborative practices
Collaborative practices Collaboration creates magic: -Together, we push beyond. -Outcomes exceed. -Shared growth. Through the lens of collaboration, functionality and aesthetics merge, inspiring us to push forward continually. Engaged in digital collaborations with James Broad, we explore the digital frontier, innovating at the crossroads of clothing architecture and visualization.
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Stone Island’s 2024 strategy is to elevate its growth to the next level.
Engaging in bold tactics for 2024. Hosting its first-ever catwalk show in 40 years was a historic moment for the brand. Utilizing culturally significant celebrities is a move that is atypical for Stone Island.
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Crafting an icon is a journey.
The M-65 jacket tells a tale of gradual evolution through decades: – 60s – 70s – 80s – 90s – 2000s Milan, 2023. The heart of fashion pulses with M-65s seamlessly morphed from a military staple to a mainstream style icon. Veterans like John Kerry wore it in protests, transforming it into a symbol of…
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2024 Clothing Designers [3D/AI]
insane profile: – Tech-savviness – Ideation – Composition – Pattern cutting – Garment construction – Color theory – Material knowledge – Manufacturing knowledge – Fitting – Trend analysis – Understanding of taste levels – Eco-consciousness – Brand awareness – Multicultural awareness – Strategic sales – Marketing – Texturing – Rendering – Integrating AI in Design…
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How it started as a clothing [3D] designer.
2000 Manchester University 3D Pathway 2015 Inspire by FIFA 2015 2016 Modo Modeling 2017 Marvelous Designer 2018 CLO3D 2020 Browzwear V Stitcher 2021 Blender 3D 2021 Adobe Substance 2022 AI Midjounery Years later…
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AI isn’t going anywhere.
It moves forward at an unprecedented pace. I wobbled for a second, Midjourney v6 is scarily good. Me Constant Betterment + AI Constant Betterment = Broader Betterment
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Winter whispers, toes chilled, a mindful selection of shoes becomes paramount.
Winter whispers, toes chilled, a mindful selection of shoes becomes paramount. “Dress from your feet up,” an old mod wisdom echoes, not merely a style but a philosophy to live by. Desert boots, once guardians of soldiers’ feet in WWII, morphed into symbols of mod rebellion. The 1980s brought us the Nike Air Ship, Michael…
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MARKING 50 YEARS OF OSTI MASTERY
“Only by thinking about clothing in terms of years rather than seasons one can guarantee a quality which will win over the crisis of overdose which provoked the refusal of the consumer.” – Massimo Osti Memoirs of a Fan Cemented in the roots of modern-day casual culture, C.P. Company is a widely recognised Italian sportswear…
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Designers are:
2024 Clothing (3D) Designers are: More than just cad monkeys. They insane at – Tech-savviness – Ideation – Composition – Pattern cutting – Garment construction – Color theory – Material knowledge – Manufacturing knowledge – Fitting – Trend analysis – Understanding of taste levels – Eco-consciousness – Texturing – Animation – Rendering – Integrating AI…
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Eyeballs
eyeballs attention community growth
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The Best Way to 10x Your Design Skills:
The Best Way to 10x Your Design Skills: Three Key Tips 1. Learn Continuously: Keep updated with the latest software, courses, and tutorials.2. Practice Daily: Set aside time daily to work on various projects.3. Collaborate and Engage: Partner with fellow designers, showcase your work on social media, and be receptive to feedback. Simple Steps for…
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Tips for Exploring AI Design in 2024:
How to Create Your Unique Style: – Functional Design: Craft user-focused prompts. – Stylistic Style: Blend diverse art elements for a unique aesthetic. – Emotive Impact: Use emotive design to captivate and connect on a deeper level with viewers. – Visual Composition: Play with lenses, colours, light, and layout. Transitioning from scrolling in 2023 to…
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My digi-physical design Process:
My digi-physical design Process. Visualize the outcome Understanding – End Consumer – Technologies – Market Define – Function – Style – Emotion Make – 3D Concept Sketching – 3D Prototyping – Physical Prototyping – Design Details and Aesthetics Release What’s yours?
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The Process:
The Process: Love your work. Do the best you can. That’s it.
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Old vs New Clothing Design Process:
Old 2D Clothing Design Process: – Made basic, flat sketches. – Used simple decoration methods. – Struggled to explain design details. New 3D Clothing Design Process: – Create realistic garments with detailed patterns. – Use 3D models for accurate visualization. – Explain designs clearly to all, regardless of their design background. – Enjoy bringing designs…
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Stop the 3D design overwhelm.
Stop the 3D design overwhelm. I know that too many tools can be confusing. But you only need a clear path to excel: – Learn one software thoroughly. – Study one technique at a time. – Practice on small projects. – Join a 3D design community for tips. …it takes time. .
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Two years ago, I struggled to get my head around 3d design.
Two years ago, I struggled to get my head around 3d design. Now, I am decent at 3d design. 18 Months ago, I completed my first online 3D design course and started practising daily. 12 Months ago, I completed another online 3D design course. 6 Months ago, I finished a further online 3D design course.…
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The worst thing you can do to become a 3D creator is compare your work.
The worst thing you can do to become a 3D creator is compare your work. If you’re making comparisons without purpose, stop. Focus on your work. Goodbye
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5 Tips to Become a 3D Creator Without Expensive Software or Formal Education:
5 Tips to Become a 3D Creator Without Expensive Software or Formal Education: 1. Start with Free Software – Use Blender 3D. – Powerful tool. – Great community. – No cost. 2. Online Learning– Start with a Donut Blender Guru on YouTube– Use Structured courses– Use Udemy tutorials.– Use Blender Bros– Wait for promotions.– Use YouTube tutorials for quick tips.– Join…
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How to achieve realistic fabric textures using Adobe Substance .SBSAR Files:
How to achieve realistic fabric textures using Adobe Substance .SBSAR Files: – Set Resolution to 4096 for enhanced detail.– Set Reflection Parameters to 0 to eliminate glossiness. Ensure you’re using the latest Adobe Substance file for the best results. Expect a natural finish on your fabrics. Feel free to repost and share your creative insights.…
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How do a render in CLO3D
This is how I get a good render in CLO3D every time in just a few minutes. Before I render, I give this the once over. 1. Image – Image Size: 2048 x 2048 Pixels – Resolution (ppi): 300 – Choose a colour that works with your scene – Texture: Diagonal_01…
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Transition into an Independent Digital Tailor
Two years ago, I went all in with becoming a Digital Tailor. I wanted to merge traditional craftsmanship with new digital technologies to advance the narrative in the technical apparel space. Expand beyond apparel. Embracing my entrepreneurial spirit. Fuse my creative and my technical side. Feed my passion for Pattern Cutting. Foster sustainable innovation. Leave…
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16 things that destroy creativity
16 things that destroy creativity: 1. Overthinking 2. Perfectionism 3. Not practicing 4. Over tweaking 5. Lack of inspiration 6. Inconsistent style 7. Poor post-production 8. Fear of Criticism 9. Imposter Syndrome 10. Lack of goals 11. Prioritizing technology over artistry 12. Creating in isolation 13. Not taking breaks 14. Limited exploration 15. Not sharing…
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Nobody cares about how long it took They care about their time.
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Real Artist sign their work
Real Artist sign their work. Less ghost creators: Need less of this: – Celebrity creators – Product – Creator commodification – Trend chasing And more of: – Creator transparency – In-house creator collaborations – Respect for the craftsmanship – Time to create – Long-term generational creators – Fairly compensated What are your thoughts?
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Flat Lighting
Worried your renders are flat and uninteresting? Here’s a tip: 3 Point Lighting – Turn off HDRIs. – Use a 3-point lighting to add depth and realism to your scenes. – Experiment with various light sources, intensities, and colours to create mood and atmosphere. This is a great way to make your scenes more visually compelling. Try it for your…
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Becoming
How to Become an Independent Digital 3D Creator Pick a topic you love. Pick a platform. Create every day. Keep doing number 3. That’s it.
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Routine
My daily routine as an Independent 3D Creator 9:50 am: Make an Aeropress coffee level 5 with MTC Oil. 10 am: Outreach Writing – Journaling and Post Creation. 10:30 am: Outreach LinkedIn – Respond to direct messages, connection requests, comments, and likes. 11:00 am: Focus Learning – 3D Software, Branding or Running a Business. Noon: Deep Work …
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Welcome!
Welcome! I’m Hugh Clarke, a seasoned Design Leader and Sportswear Innovator with over two decades of experience in the global design industry. My expertise spans performance clothing, footwear, and accessories, where I effortlessly marry cutting-edge technology with the timeless art of craftsmanship. Born in the vibrant coastal town of Brighton, the Eighties acid house movement…