Every VETERAN & ARTIST collaboration CREATES inspiration & impact.
stories come alive through the transformative power of art, weaving narratives that resonate deeply within our hearts ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
How the hero[series] Began
A Veteran Met An Artist
2010
At a local Veterans event, Michael met a wounded U.S. Marine & his full-time nurse. Paralyzed from the neck down & unable to speak due to injuries suffered in Iraq, the young Marine shared his story through a special alphanumeric communication code that was translated with the aid of his nurse. Michael learned of his love of t-shirts and asked the Marine if he would like to design his own. Seeing the larger-than-life grin come across his face, Michael called Tyler to see if they could design a shirt together.
From that first t-shirt design & its powerful creative process, the HERO[series] was created: a Veteran partnered with an artist for the shared mission to tell their story through the mediums of art, design, & fashion.
The Hero[Series] Process
WE ARE COMMITTED TO DEEPENING CONNECTIONS THROUGH CREATIVITY
Project Breakdown
At HAS HEART, we initiate the journey by pairing a local veteran with an artist. Over the next two days, affectionately termed as the “Design Days,” they delve into mutual exploration, getting acquainted and collaboratively crafting a design concept that authentically reflects their shared narrative.
Day 1:
Connecting + Crafting The Vision
The HERO[series] begins with connection over coffee, where questions and discussions flow leading to meticulous note-taking and the capturing of the veteran’s story and coming up with ideas, inspiration for an initial design concept.
Day 2:
Reflection + Story Telling
On day 2 we regather to review the artists sketches and concepts, culminating in the finalization of the concept. Participants portraits are captured, and insightful video interviews are conducted to enrich the narrative further.
3-6 Weeks
Refine + Complete
Over the following weeks, the artist refines the design details, ensuring that every aspect of the design is thoughtfully considered and crafted, resulting in a final product that embodies the essence of the collaborative journey between the veteran and the artist.
6-16 Weeks
Prepare + Launch
Attention is devoted to preparing the techpacks, laying the groundwork for production. With a steadfast commitment to crafting each item with precision and care in the USA. The culmination arrives as the project is launched online, marking the culmination of months of collaborative effort and creative endeavor.
