Oakley, founded in 1975 by Jim Jannard with just $300 and named after his dog Oakley Anne, began as a garage project that evolved into one of the most iconic sunglasses brands in the world. Their first release, the Factory Pilot Eyeshades (1984), introduced a bold, sport-driven design, followed by the lifestyle-defining Frogskins in 1985.

For this project, I created a design series inspired by my painting techniques, reinterpreted through digital processes. By translating layered brushwork into graphic, print-ready forms, the artwork maintains the essence of a painting while embracing a deliberately flat, stylized aesthetic. The result bridges Oakley’s heritage of bold innovation with a contemporary artistic lens.

“...Whether it's for sports, daily wear, or special activities, Oakley offers a wide range of products that ensure comfort, durability, and superior performance...

Initial

Sketches

The illustration was inspired by street art and fashion illustration collaborations, drawing on research into Artist Series projects and brand partnerships from companies like Carhartt and Nike. These references informed the creative direction, blending the raw energy of street art with the refined visual language of fashion design and contemporary brand storytelling.

The process began with a hand-drawn composition on bristol board, inked traditionally using a dip pen and india ink. The artwork was then scanned and digitally enhanced, with colour added through bold, abstract vector shapes that defined form and movement. This combination of analogue illustration and digital design techniques reflects a modern approach to fashion branding, streetwear graphics, and cross-disciplinary creative collaborations.

Hijinx

Sunglasses

The sunglasses design features a dual-colour concept, with blue applied to the left leg and red to the right, creating a bold and dynamic contrast inspired by contemporary streetwear and fashion illustration trends. Each colour was symbolically chosen to represent its side of the frame, enhancing both visual identity and brand storytelling. The accompanying sunglasses bag mirrored the box artwork in a repeated graphic pattern, following industry-standard packaging design approaches seen across fashion and lifestyle accessories.

The illustration process began with a hand-drawn sketch on bristol board, inked using a dip pen and Indian ink to capture precise linework and texture. The piece was then scanned and digitally coloured with abstract vector shapes to define form and depth, blending traditional illustration techniques with digital design. This workflow highlights expertise in street art–inspired illustration, vector graphics, and creative product design for fashion, accessories, and branded collaborations.

Oakley

Packaging

The colouring technique used abstract white tones layered at varying transparency levels in Adobe Photoshop to create a sense of depth and dimension. By overlapping these transparent layers, the artwork achieved a modern visual effect that merged digital illustration techniques with principles of fine art shading and visual storytelling. This process highlights technical skills in Photoshop, digital layering, and abstract colouring for contemporary design applications.

The submitted design was developed around the concept of transforming painted artwork into a wearable piece of art. The box was intentionally created to serve a dual purpose — both as functional packaging and as an ornamental object worthy of display. This approach aligns with trends in product design, fashion branding, and collectible packaging, where artistic presentation enhances consumer engagement and brand value.

Oakley

Microbag

The colouring technique applied abstract white tones at varying transparency levels in Adobe Photoshop, creating layered effects that produced depth and dimensionality. This method combined traditional artistic sensibility with digital illustration workflows, showcasing skills in Photoshop, transparency layering, and abstract colouring for contemporary visual design.

The submitted concept focused on transforming hand-painted artwork into a wearable art piece. The box design was crafted not only as protective packaging but also as a collectible ornamental object, intended to be displayed like a work of art. This approach reflects current trends in fashion branding, product design, and limited-edition packaging, where aesthetics and functionality merge to elevate consumer experience.

Final

Product

The colouring technique made use of abstract white tones applied at varying transparency levels in Adobe Photoshop. By layering these translucent shapes, the design built up depth and dimensionality, combining digital illustration workflows with contemporary abstract art principles. This process demonstrates expertise in Photoshop, transparency effects, and digital colour layering to achieve modern visual storytelling.

The final design centred on the concept of wearable art, translating hand-painted work into a product that was both functional and collectible. The box was intentionally created as an ornamental object, designed to be displayed as part of home décor or a curated collection. This approach reflects trends in fashion branding, product packaging, and limited-edition design, where artistry and functionality intersect to elevate brand perception and consumer engagement.