Steampunk is a growing subculture that’s
existed since at least the 1980s. The genre uses the 19th century as its
backdrop (often with a Victorian or Wild West slant) and focuses on a fictional
world where steam power rules the world and delivers a new industrial era.
The steampunk movement inspires us to imagine a
different time with wildly imaginative, nostalgic and often far-fetched
outcomes. The aesthetic is instantly recognizable, often taking a vintage
approach to form and function—swirling gears, gaslights, Neo-Victorian
outfits—that transport you back to a fantastical past. Today you can see traces
of steampunk everywhere, from fashion and art to large scale events like
Burning Man.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of
the most prominent motifs to familiarize and inspire you with the world of
steampunk! (teespring grandma shirt)
1. Steam
Steampunk design fabricates an alternative
timeline after the invention of steam-power, so many older steam technologies
(such as steam trains) receive special attention. The illustration above
depicts what a “futuristic” train may have looked like from the eyes of someone
living in the 19th-century.
Compared to a 19th-century locomotive, this one
is much larger. The mechanical design is more complex. It has ornate patterns
adorning individual components. For these reasons, this illustration can be
considered a steampunk design.
2. Air, aviation & flight
Another motif that weaves throughout steampunk
design is the idea of flight or aviation. Often in fashion, you’ll see people
sporting aviation goggles and apparel. Designers often drift towards early 20th
century machinery and toy with futurism.
In the steampunk book cover design above, we
see intricately designs propellers, wings and flying machines. While they may
not necessarily require steam, these elements are undeniably steampunk.
3. Moving parts, gears & mechanisms
No steampunk design would be complete without
at least one exposed gear. The “bicycle” 3D model design to the right displays
many gears, and quickly lights up the imagination.
It pushes the traditional idea of a machine to
the extreme. At first it’s hard to even imagine where the rider would sit, let
alone how they would ride it (fly it?), but that’s part of what’s loved about
steampunk design—it settles you into a reality where over-the-top machines are
normalized and intuitive.
A propeller is incorporated into the design, as
well. in terms of real-world functionality, there’s no way this bicycle would
work under our laws of physics, but that doesn’t matter in steampunk design.
Steampunk liberates us to let our
post-apocalyptic steam powered ideas take flight! (teespring grandma shirt)
4. Brass & copper
It’s no secret that steampunk is fascinated
with mechanics, and consequently copper and brass are often incorporated into
design. From mechanical gears to accessories like buckles and pocket watched,
this color palette is a popular motif.
In the branding concept above, metallics
accentuate every element. The vintage duo grasps onto chains attached to a
floating pulley, animating a giant hand to press down on the keys of shiny,
copper typewriter. The surrealistic approach and nostalgic tone are a perfect
fit for the steampunk aesthetic—and anyone in search of “purveyors of fine
stories”.
5. Clocks & timepieces
Steampunk has a great affinity for clocks and
timepieces of all shapes and sizes. With gleaming metals and exposed mechanics,
it’s the perfect tool to really show off the genre’s aesthetic. Figuratively
speaking, clocks also stand as a reminder that steampunk happens within its own
time frame, stemming from a different history.
The design above features a classic steampunk
clock, full of copper plating, mechanical gears and ornate details.
More steampunk design inspiration
We’re big fans of steampunk style (and our
community is too!). Here’s some of our designers’ interpretations of this
wildly innovative style. (teespring grandma shirt)
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar