When the true self is hidden by reality,
how can it be revealed?
Project
Tattoo Design
Nov/2019
Client
Craig Lin
我們穿著的服裝、鞋子、包括襪子都是一個隱喻，隱喻我們「穿上」了社會地位的符碼、被迫妥協、自我被壓抑在外顯形象之下以符合社會對職業的想像與期望。
若是真我被無可奈何地隱藏，我們該如何顯示隱藏在底下的自我？
Craig請為他設計一個tattoo時，他希望我能幫他做一個設計來提醒他每一個人都有各自的獨特價值。經過一些初步構想，我希望給他的是一個能夠跟著年齡一起成長無論任何年齡都不會後悔的刺青。比起精雕細琢的圖樣，我們朝「Message」的方向前進。
The clothes, shoes even socks are the metaphors, implying that we are “wearing” the social identities given by our jobs, positions and most of the time, the expectation from others.
It is hart do to break the limitation and reveal our true selves.
Craig asked me to design a tattoo as a reminder of the belief that everyone has his/her unique value. After some initial brainstorming, we found the direction and idea to create a tattoo that can inspire him at any age. Instead of delicate graphics, we decide to make it shine with a unique message.
我希望這個刺青是能跟刺青的擁有者互動，無論何時看到它都能有些省思。因為Craig想將刺青刺在腳踝邊，這樣平常工作時都能被襪子遮住，非常隱密。我順著這個想法去揉合討論的內容，讓它充滿變化和別具意義。
在日常生活中穿戴的襪子或褲子甚至是別人的影子都是隱喻外在的束縛和現實，當這些東西被除去，就能看到自己真正的樣子。
The tattoo is expected to be interactive with its owner and Craig can be inspired anytime when he sees it. Craig requests to place his tattoo on his ankle, like this, he can hide it while working with socks or pants. Following this idea, we tried to make it dynamic and meaningful by the way it is presented.
In daily life, socks and clothes, even shadows metaphrase the limitations and reality. The true self can be revealed only when they are removed.
VIsual communication Idea
Break the status quo and reveal yourself
這個刺青設計使用了符號學，利用禁止通行的路標來表示我們所遇到讓我們難以向前的社會規範、限制和被強加的既定印象。
禁止通行的橫槓的方形代表的是桎梏、是被畫好的框框與規則。
擦除的動作代表的是真我顯露。雖然因為一時的規範(衣物、影子等隱喻)將真我遮蔽，但去除束縛後真我依然存在。
「My Way」代表的除了真我還有未來。未來的路是自己走的，即使前方禁止通行，也要有打破限制無畏冒險的精神。
Applying semiotics, leveraging a stop sign to indicate the rules, limitation and the status quo.
The white bar indicates the obstruction, the framed thoughts.
The erasing motion implies the action of revealing true self which can be temporarily hidden for certain reasons but it will eventually be under the sun.
The phrase “My Way“ means not only the true self but also the future. The future can only be created by one’s own adventure. Break the limitation and keep ongoing.
