Industrial -
RENEWED CONSTRUCTION:
Hike Bag
Objective_Make a bag from found upcycled materials + create other color ways for it.
2022

Thrifting Lifestyle
Younger generations more conscious of the life cycle of items + turning towards buying second hand. Fast fashion doesn’t have the same appeal when people are on the hunt for unique items

Call of Nature
People going back to nature, + outdoor brands are becoming more synonymous with streetwear. Covid sent people outdoors + national parks had a jump in popularity compared to earlier years
Sourcing

messenger bag

book binder

small medical bag
Materials found for project - I tried to keep a color palette in mind that could work together
I let the materials lead the design + size of my bag
Inspired by the utility of outdoor brands I wanted to make a bag geared towards a day hike
Sketching




Ideation
Inspired by hiking/ military bags
Utilitarian + androgynous
Pockets on outside for quick organization
Color Inspiration
Since this bag is geared towards outdoor use, I looked for unique combinations that are not sterotypically viewed as nature inspired, but still have that earthy, energetic feeling of it.


Application





Photography

Supplies for a Day Hike
a. wallet
b. headphones
c. multi tool
d. camera
e. food
f. hair tie
g. map
h. medication
i. lip balm
j. note + pen
k. mirror
l. lighter
m. sanitizer
n. bandages
o. toilet paper
p. water
q. jacket
r. phone
s. tick key
t. keys











This was my first attempt at constructing something completely by hand
It was difficult, I redid steps many times over, + it was a fulfilling experience where I learned so much




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Industrial -
RENEWED CONSTRUCTION:
Utility Bag
Objective_ An iteration from my hike bag, I wanted to explore another useful soft good using different found materials
2022
2022

Makeup Storage
Tends to be either one little pouch or in piles on vanities. Real lack of organization.

Tech Bags
Focused more on practicality over aesthetic. Muted colors, simple. Is there a way to solve for both?
Sourcing

purse

tent tarp

pillow cover
The materials found - I tried to keep a color palette in mind that could work together
I let the materials lead the color application on the bag
Wanted to explore transparent fabrics + internal organization


Ideation
Exploring as many shapes as possible
Utilitarian + androgynous is always a goal for me
Practical shape that works for packing
DIMS: 7”L x 5”W x 5”H
Color Inspiration
The main sources of my inspiration for these bags are nature based - I love the soft natural tones of deserts because whether you look at them from a wide point of view or small, the color stories can shift dramatically.
Other things I love lately are petri dishes... The patterns and colors that can come from them are so pretty for natural reactions representing something gross to most


Application





Physcial Prototype - Possible Uses

a. makeup

b. tools

c. tech

d. toiletries / travel
Process Documentation










Features
Repurposed waterproof tent to line bag/ outer pocket
Original construction seams add visual interest
Transluscent quality on outer pocket
Two pockets inside to organize
Small but wide for compact storage
Repurposed waterproof tent to line bag/ outer pocket
Original construction seams add visual interest
Transluscent quality on outer pocket
Two pockets inside to organize
Small but wide for compact storage

This is an iteration off my hike bag, after seeing what I was capable of I wanted to push myself further + saw my construction skills grow
I tend to think in “series” whenever I’m working on a project, on ways the initial idea can evolve + expand
designed in Ai,Lr,Ps,Procreate
Industrial -
Rebranding
Objective_Choose an existing brand and redesign a line of products for it
2021




About
Brief: Rebrand + redesign line of products from one brand
Brand: Glossier
Brief: Rebrand + redesign line of products from one brand
Brand: Glossier
Target User: Millenial/ Gen Z demographic - trends leaning skincare > makeup
Price Range: $12 - $50
Glossier Brand Attributes

feminine colors

sanitized top

utilitarian packaging

round shapes

clear branding

simple
Users

name: Drew
age: 25
occupation: accountant
preferences: glowy skin
pain points: skincare with too many steps

age: 20
occupation: student
preferences: skincare introduction
pain points: easily confused by wordy packaging
Insights
• needs clean + clear labelling
• gender neutral design
• color coding based on skin concern
Inspiration
Gender in skincare marketing tends to come across as binary
I wanted elements of the rebrand to be distorted and have a fluid feel, which is represented in the logo + wraparound sticker. Slightly outside of the norm while staying practical.
For color, I was inspired by natural elements like insects. I wanted the palette to be distinctive, while representing a wide audience
Gender in skincare marketing tends to come across as binary
I wanted elements of the rebrand to be distorted and have a fluid feel, which is represented in the logo + wraparound sticker. Slightly outside of the norm while staying practical.
For color, I was inspired by natural elements like insects. I wanted the palette to be distinctive, while representing a wide audience

Ideation

form

branding
Brand Guidelines

Final Packaging








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designed in Ai,Lr,Ps,Procreate,Rhino,Keyshot
Industrial -
Tidal Chair
Objective_ Come up with descriptive words about ourselves, then we were given the prompt to design a chair around three of those words
2017
My Descriptive Words
daydreamer
meticulous
naturalist
meticulous
naturalist
Inspiration
Using the chosen words to lead my mood board, I found the general idea of what I wanted my chair to look like
I like the moodiness this board presents - it’s got a subtle darkness with soft elements. After learning about “yarn bombing” I thought this could be a way to add a natural feel to the chair. The idea of negative space was a fun element to add, which can portray the dreamy aspect

Sketching



Prototype







Final Shots







The process led to a wire prototype modeled off the dimensions + shape of the Eames Fiberglass Molded Side Chair, as this is a comfortable chair with a widely known history in the design world. I made it out of wire, wrapped it in a cotton string, then dip dyed it a muted navy. By wrapping it, I couldn’t make each loop sit perfectly straight which resulted in the bunching of string. At first I didn’t like it, but this actually gave it a natural, soft look, that paired well with the soft round shape of the chair. The result reminded me of a tidal pool.
designed in Lr,Ps
©2025 - Michelle Turcios