The Art Institute of California Environmental Art
We had the wonderful opportunity to work with The Art Institute of California — Orange County (AI) to create a large-scale wall installation that would serve as a constant source of inspiration for current and prospective students. This installation showcased the incredible destinations AI graduates had gone to work but also blended industrial modern design with a whimsical, childhood-inspired tagline to create a space that felt inspiring and highlighted the impressive pedigree of The Art Institute. Here's a closer look at the intricate work we accomplished for this project.
Looking to the Classics to Craft a Memorable Tagline
In our quest for the perfect tagline for the installation, we strategically chose to juxtapose elements of the installation between industrial modernity and a touch of whimsy. The chosen tagline, "Oh the places you will go...", borrowed from the beloved Dr. Seuss, became the centerpiece of the entire installation. To bring this tagline to life, we opted for a satin matte vinyl directly applied over a lightly textured matte white wallpaper. This wallpaper served as the base substrate and played a vital role in the overall aesthetic. The texture from the wallpaper gracefully bled through the black vinyl, seamlessly blending the typography with the larger substrate. This unique approach added depth and character to the installation when viewed close-up. Like a pointillist painting, the closer you interact, the more layers of detail you begin to see.
Collaborating for Maximum Coolness
For the formal installation, we embarked on a collaborative journey, reaching out to the remarkable companies where AI graduates had found employment. Over 36 prestigious brands, including PlayStation, Obey, Four Seasons, Mazda, and Disney, graciously granted us permission to incorporate their logos into the installation. This collaborative effort not only reinforced AI's industry connections but also showcased the real-world destinations AI graduates could aspire to. Our close collaboration with Moses Choi at Pro Lab Digital, a renowned printer in Santa Ana, proved instrumental. We utilized die-sublimation to transform massive sheets of anodized aluminum into the substrate for our prints. These sheets featured alternating black and white logos and backgrounds, reinforcing the industrial look that defined the installation.
Precision and Creativity during Installation
The installation process was marked by meticulous precision. First, we installed the textured white wallpaper, a task that demanded an entire day for installation and drying. We then embarked on the delicate task of mapping out the grid for drilling post mounts, a task made more challenging by the need to avoid any visible permanent marks. Our innovative solution involved a MacGyvered string line system, employing museum putty to position the grid while ensuring it remained level, plumb, and true. The final installation spanned an impressive 10 feet by 15 feet, involving three days of work to complete. This included installing the textured wallpaper, hand-drilling 144 metal posts into the wall, mounting 36 metal prints, and applying the vinyl typography with painstaking precision.
Designing Destiny
We sincerely thank Mark Lucero, Shelby Gugel, Kelley Lewis, and Grace Hong for entrusting us with the remarkable opportunity to collaborate on this inspiring project for The Art Institute of California — Orange County. Their trust, vision, and collaboration throughout the process were instrumental in bringing this installation to life. We are immensely proud to have created a lasting source of inspiration for AI students, reminding them of the incredible destinations they can aspire to reach. Together, we've achieved a blend of artistry and industrial design that captures the essence of AI's creative spirit, providing a constant reminder that, students can indeed go many places. Thank you for the privilege of working alongside you and contributing to the artistic journey of AI students.
