Burn the House Down
The climbing gym where I work, built into the infrastructure of an old newspaper factory, underwent a full renovation in 2023. To honor its legacy and future, we hosted a massive event celebrating this transformation. I took on the challenge of designing a commemorative shirt for the occasion, aiming to reflect the grungy DIY character and history of the space.
Design Inspiration
The Beast: The gym’s iconic feature, nicknamed "The Beast," was an aggressive, overhanging wall in the back. This crumbling cave was one of the first of its kind and remains a symbol of the space. For the shirt, I rotoscoped an image of The Beast, highlighting its sharp edges and creating depth through intricate line work. This not only honors its legacy but also visually anchors the design in the gym’s identity.
Passang: Passang, a Nepalese immigrant and two-time Everest summiteer, has been a cornerstone of the gym community since its inception. To honor his contributions, I asked him to handwrite the event’s text, incorporating his beautiful penmanship into the design. While subtle, this detail resonated with those who know and appreciate him.
The Newspaper Factory Sign: The gym’s entrance still bears the etched sign of the old newspaper factory, a relic of its past. Including this detail in the design was a nod to the building’s enduring legacy, bridging its historical significance with its modern purpose.
Event Contributions
Competition Scorecard: I designed the scorecard for the climbing competition, prioritizing legibility to prevent inefficiencies in score counting—a recurring issue in past events. This improved the overall flow and accuracy of the competition.
Vendor Coordination: I collaborated with a tattoo artist vendor to select designs that matched the gym’s industrial and gritty aesthetic. One standout design featured a graffiti-inspired "575," the street number of the building, which resonated with attendees.
Event Logistics: I facilitated the smooth transition between the competition finals and the live band performance. This involved coordinating the clearing of large climbing pads and setting up a stage efficiently, ensuring the event proceeded seamlessly.