sidism

About Me

Contact

Resume

Off Hours

sidism

project
West Lotus

project
West Lotus

year
2024-2025

year
2024-2025

skills/programs
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Graphic Design, Apparel Design, Illustration

skills/programs
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Graphic Design, Apparel Design, Illustration

skills/programs
Adobe Illustrator, Procreate, Graphic Design, Apparel Design, Illustration

description
West Lotus was a streetwear brand that explored the Asian-American experience. Through vigorous research, our two-person design team (Janelle Tecson and myself) found the aesthetic intersections of American and Asian cultures, creating custom artworks that reflect the unique feeling of belonging to two cultures but never quite fitting into either. Our clothing was released in drops, each of which focused on a specific culture within Asia. Though the apparel is no longer available, our online store is still accessible here. 

description
West Lotus is a streetwear brand that explores the Asian-American experience. Through vigorous research, our two-person design team (Janelle Tecson and myself) find the aesthetic intersections of American and Asian cultures, creating custom artworks that reflect the unique feeling of belonging to two cultures but never quite fitting into either. Our clothing is released in drops, each of which focuses on a specific culture within Asia. Visit our website here. 

description
West Lotus was a streetwear brand that explored the Asian-American experience. Through vigorous research, our two-person design team (Janelle Tecson and myself) found the aesthetic intersections of American and Asian cultures, creating custom artworks that reflect the unique feeling of belonging to two cultures but never quite fitting into either. Our clothing was released in drops, each of which focused on a specific culture within Asia. Though the apparel is no longer available, our online store is still accessible here. 

01

creating the brand

Branding began with the logo, which turns 'W' and 'L' into a lotus.

01

creating the brand

Branding began with the logo, which turns 'W' and 'L' into a lotus.

01

creating the brand

Branding began with the logo, which turns 'W' and 'L' into a lotus.

I

II

III

IV

V

cross-cultural iconography

Our Mongolia concept centered around the eagle and the red/blue/white palette. In the Venn-diagram of the countries' cultural symbolism, these were the concepts in the center that piqued our interest.

cross-cultural iconography

Our Mongolia concept centered around the eagle and the red/blue/white palette. In the Venn-diagram of the countries' cultural symbolism, these were the concepts in the center that piqued our interest.

eagles

One of Mongolia's cultural staples is its use of hunting eagles. They can best be differentiated from their American cousins through the caps they wear, known as the 'tomaga' or 'tomog.'

eagles

One of Mongolia's cultural staples is its use of hunting eagles. They can best be differentiated from their American cousins through the caps they wear, known as the 'tomaga' or 'tomog.'

colors

Though the Mongolian flag doesn't include white, red and blue are very important to the culture. They symbolize eternity and the blue sky, tying nicely into the eagle iconography.

colors

Though the Mongolian flag doesn't include white, red and blue are very important to the culture. They symbolize eternity and the blue sky, tying nicely into the eagle iconography.
02

mongolia drop

West Lotus' creator is Mongolian, so Mongolia was a fitting choice for our first drop. Using his knowledge as our reference, we went to work crafting our final illustration.

02

mongolia drop

West Lotus' creator is Mongolian, so Mongolia was a fitting choice for our first drop. Using his knowledge as our reference, we went to work crafting our final illustration.

02

mongolia drop

West Lotus' creator is Mongolian, so Mongolia was a fitting choice for our first drop. Using his knowledge as our reference, we went to work crafting our final illustration.

03

india drop

As the team's only Indian-American member, I led this design concept. India's diversity makes singling out a concept hard, so we chose something that could unite all: revolution.

03

india drop

As the team's only Indian-American member, I led this design concept. India's diversity makes singling out a concept hard, so we chose something that could unite all: revolution.

03

india drop

As the team's only Indian-American member, I led this design concept. India's diversity makes singling out a concept hard, so we chose something that could unite all: revolution.

revolutionary themes

India and the US were both British colonies. They rose against their oppressors and became independent. This history is one I wanted to tap into, marrying Indian clothing and language with American revolutionary art and writing.

revolutionary themes

India and the US were both British colonies. They rose against their oppressors and became independent. This history is one I wanted to tap into, marrying Indian clothing and language with American revolutionary art and writing.

revolutionary themes

India and the US were both British colonies. They rose against their oppressors and became independent. This history is one I wanted to tap into, marrying Indian clothing and language with American revolutionary art and writing.

the leutze

This concept began with Emanuel Leutze's famous painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, which I used as a compositional reference.

​Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

the leutze

This concept began with Emanuel Leutze's famous painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, which I used as a compositional reference.

​Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

the leutze

This concept began with Emanuel Leutze's famous painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River, which I used as a compositional reference.

​Washington Crossing the Delaware (1851). Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City

என்னை மிதிக்காதே

என்னை மிதிக்காதே

என்னை மிதிக்காதே

"Eṉṉai mitikkāthē."

"Eṉṉai mitikkāthē."

"Eṉṉai mitikkāthē."

"Don't tread on me."

"Don't tread on me."

"Don't tread on me."

मुझे आज़ादी दो या मुझे मौत दो।

मुझे आज़ादी दो या मुझे मौत दो।

मुझे आज़ादी दो या मुझे मौत दो।

"Mujhe āzādī do yā mujhe maut do."

"Mujhe āzādī do yā mujhe maut do."

"Mujhe āzādī do yā mujhe maut do."

"Give me liberty or give me death."

"Give me liberty or give me death."

"Give me liberty or give me death."

ہم ان حقیقتوں کو واضح مانتے ہیں …

ہم ان حقیقتوں کو واضح مانتے ہیں …

ہم ان حقیقتوں کو واضح مانتے ہیں …

"Hum in haqīqaton ko wāzeḥ mānte hain..."

"Hum in haqīqaton ko wāzeḥ mānte hain..."

"Hum in haqīqaton ko wāzeḥ mānte hain..."

"We hold these truths to be self evident…"

"We hold these truths to be self evident…"

"We hold these truths to be self-evident…"

languages

The three phrases in the design are written in one of three languages from the Indian sub-continent. Each was chosen because of its age, usage, and the uniqueness of its script.

languages

The three phrases in the design are written in one of three languages from the Indian sub-continent. Each was chosen because of its age, usage, and the uniqueness of its script.

© 2025 by Sid Shukla. All Rights Reserved

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.