ralphjaredd

[ralphjaredd]

Bootleg Shirt Designs

On my birthday, my best friend got me a local bootleg shirt. It was a design centered around my favorite idol from New Jeans, Hanni. The design was pretty cool, and it was in black. At first, I found it funny how goofy it looked, but the more I wore it, the more I started to appreciate the artistic choices behind it. The design wasn’t just some low-effort knockoff—it had its own personality, a unique twist that made it feel special. The distorted typography, the over-the-top graphics, and the vintage aesthetic all blended into something that stood out. It wasn’t about perfectly replicating an official design; it was about reinterpreting it in a way that felt fresh and personal. That’s when I realized just how much I loved the idea of bootleg shirts—not because they were cheaper or fake, but because they allowed for a different kind of creativity.

The more I looked into bootleg fashion, the more fascinated I became. I started seeing bootleg shirts as an art form, a way for independent creators to put their spin on something popular. Unlike official merch, which often follows strict branding guidelines, bootleg designs have no rules. They mix and match aesthetics, blend different influences, and sometimes add humor or irony. It’s this freedom that makes them exciting. Instead of just wearing something that everyone else has, bootleg shirts let you wear something unique, something that tells a different story. I love how they embrace imperfections, whether it's the bold color choices, the exaggerated graphics, or the way they play with typography. It’s not about being flawless; it’s about being expressive.

Seeing all these creative designs made me want to try making one myself. If so many independent artists could create their own take on bootleg fashion, why couldn’t I? I decided to challenge myself and design a bootleg shirt centered around my favorite idols—New Jeans’ Hanni, Haerin, and Blackpink’s Jisoo. I wanted to capture that same raw, experimental energy that makes bootleg designs so appealing. I started by studying different bootleg styles, from vintage band tees to anime mashups, trying to understand what made them work. I played around with different fonts, image distortions, and layout ideas, making sure each element felt dynamic and eye-catching.

The process was both fun and challenging. Unlike official designs, where everything follows a structured template, bootleg fashion thrives on controlled chaos. I experimented with color overlays, glitch effects, and layered graphics, pushing myself to create something that felt authentic yet unexpected. It wasn’t just about slapping an image on a shirt—it was about reinterpreting my favorite idols in a way that felt fresh and personal. When I finally finished my design, I felt a huge sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t just a bootleg shirt; it was my own take on an art style I had grown to love. I can’t wait to share it and see how others react, because for me, bootleg fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a way to express creativity in a way that feels real and unfiltered.

[ralphjaredd]

My Hometown made me who I am

I've only been living in Baguio, so I don’t really have much to say that is different from anyone. Growing up in the city shaped how I see the world, but it didn’t come with a lot of exposure to other places. Though we visit our province occasionally, I wouldn’t say I was immersed enough in their culture to say it shaped my sense of self. What I do know, however, is that Baguio, as my home, taught me so much about values and traditions that have stayed with me until today.

One thing that stands out is how people in Baguio respect their elders. From a young age, I was raised to greet my elders properly, listen to their advice, and always offer help whenever I can. It wasn’t just something taught at home; it was everywhere—in schools, in public spaces, and even in how people interact daily. This tradition instilled in me a deep sense of humility and gratitude, knowing that the wisdom of older generations plays a vital role in guiding us. To this day, I find myself carrying this value in how I treat people, not just the elderly but everyone around me. Respect, as they say, goes a long way, and this is one lesson from Baguio I will always carry with me.

Another thing that has significantly shaped me is the culture of queuing. Whether it’s for jeepneys, taxis, or even at the grocery store, people in Baguio are very particular about following lines. I remember standing in long queues during the cold mornings and stressful rush hours, waiting patiently for a ride. While it might seem like a simple everyday act, it taught me two important things: patience and time management. When you know you'll be spending a portion of your time waiting, you learn how to manage your day better and plan accordingly. More importantly, queueing also taught me to respect others' time and effort. No one is more important than anyone else in the line—everyone waits their turn, and that fairness is something I truly admire about the people here.

Lastly, and perhaps my favorite, is the weather in Baguio. The cool breeze and refreshing air have always been a source of comfort for me. Growing up in such a climate shaped how I view relaxation and peace. It’s one of the reasons why I find myself longing for the cool breeze of Baguio whenever I travel to other places. No matter where I go, the warmth and humidity elsewhere never feel quite right. Baguio's weather has a way of grounding me, reminding me of home and the simplicity of life here. It’s more than just a physical preference—it’s a connection to my identity and upbringing.

Living in Baguio has taught me values and traditions that shaped who I am today. Respect for elders, patience from queueing, and a love for the weather have all contributed to my personal development. These simple yet profound lessons show how cultural and environmental factors play a role in shaping one’s identity. While I may not have much exposure to other cultures, I am grateful for what Baguio has taught me. It’s not just a place; it’s a part of who I am.