There is a really cute article in the September 10, 2011 New York Times entitled “Crayon to Cotton.” The author, Heather MacCrimmon, a costume designer, asked three little girls to imagine a dress and draw it using crayons. MacCrimmon then turned them into real dresses and had the girls wear them. As you can see, they turned out wonderfully fun, whimsical and kind of cool looking to boot (I really like that red one). All three possess a kind of toy / storybook sense of style.
It reminds me of North American Bear’s “My Own Monster” line of plush animals which turns a child’s drawing of a monster into an actual stuffed animal. The hang tag shows the original drawing and the child’s first name. In addition, North American Bear also offers a “Make My Own Monster” kit so you can create your own monster in the comfort of your own home.
In both cases, children get to see their designs come to life which has to be empowering for the child and rewarding for the initiator (in this case Ms. MacCrimmon and North American Bear). This kind of personalization is definitely a way for companies that market to children to engage them on a whole new level and in doing so come up with designs that are groundbreaking and fun.
If you are turning to children for design ideas, let us know.
Dear Mr. Gottlieb,
Your article inspired me to think you should have a contest for children. Rewarding the child’s toy creation. You could create catagories, such as easily packaged, low priced toys, to be sent to poor countries. Toys that are interactive with adults and children. Toys for blind and other impairments. (Etc.)
N.F. Richman Rehab. Teacher
Great article Richard!
It’s interesting how child-inspired/created designs are being used in new ways. I saw this application of children’s art recently and thought I’d share:
Turn Your Kid’s Racing Car Drawings Into Plush Toys
http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2011/09/turn-your-kids-racing-car-drawings-into-plush-toys.html
Thanks for sharing Richard!
Children have such big imaginations! Its great to see their ideas come to life in fashion.
-Shannah Katz