TAD Gear makes Apparel, Soft Goods, Custom Edge Tools, and Accessories
Contributions
Great way to learn about a business bottom-up is to start in the warehouse. When I was brought into the design team, I took the opportunity to refresh and establish visual elements – logo and topographic map – to maintain a holistic approach for customer touch points.
Initially it was very much a "crew of misfits" and we were able to work on a variety of projects – anything that added value to the brand or had a positive impact for team mates and customers. The experience was really amazing.
Learnings
Discovered a passion of designing for product goods as opposed to only print & digital solutions. To wear a jacket after spending months helping with designs on screen is a really fantastic feeling. Able to witness the transition of a company from a "small shop" into a corporate structure.
Retrospect
TAD has done a wonderful job catering to tactical enthusiasts and outdoor gear heads. It would be great to see them embrace an urban component in the product lineup as there's overlap in the existing audience. There's lots of opportunities for growth and experimentation as seen with Arc'teryx Veilance and ACRONYM. Also, I think it'd be killer if they had techspec as their Art Director.
So fun to make!
Morale patches with hook-side backing, embroidered and woven. Accessories for apparel and soft goods.
Who doesn't love to make shirts?!
With the help of local silkscreen shop Babylon Burning, fans were able to enjoy these designs.
Simplicity can leave bold impressions.
Variable printing provided by Nexgen Packaging for cost effective solutions.
Not only are these fun to make, but very exciting when you get the first shipment. Lights off!
Accessories for apparel and soft goods.
Vinyl applications to mimic frosted glass.
Dan and I were downhill longboarding a bunch at the time, so we thought it'd be a fun way to tease and showcase the new Creature Hoodie from the sister company Rocket World.
Concept decks, tech packs, and sales catalogs for trade shows, conventions, and manufacturers.
For apparel and accessories.
We wanted to improve the customers experience of receiving custom edge tools in order to match the value of the product.
Collaboration with Dan Matsuda.
Online retail was a large portion of our business, so we wanted to improve the transparency & accountability with orders and learn why people we're returning their items. We used the opportunity as another customer touch point to reinforce the brand.
Customized stamps for the hard working Fulfillment team.
Fun and simple solution for retail and shipping packaging.