Maiko

After seeing different versions of the makeup designs on the nape of geisha, I was inspired to create a front-back design. One of the challenges with the work was rendering patterned fabrics, while maintaining the simplicity and “flatness” that I was going for aesthetically. I decided on three color variants for this piece.

Regarding the design on the fan, most of the fans I saw held by geisha do not depict tigers or other fearsome beasts. But I decided on the design in order to balance the femininity of the overall design with a more aggressive element.

Ultimately, I went with the title “maiko” (which is a beginner/apprentice geisha) because this piece was part of my first t-shirt collection - the launch capsule for my brand esthetek. Being a brand new venture, it felt more fitting.

It can be purchased on a front-back t-shirt with a custom tag here. You can also get the front and back design together on different merchandise via Redbubble.