BNCEBACK x Lei Melendres : Doodles of Resilience in ‘Not Done Yet’
In the dynamic intersection of art and fashion, renowned illustrator Lei Melendres and the resilience-focused brand BNCEBACK has brought to life a collaboration shirt that speaks volumes about bouncing back from life’s challenges. Lei Melendres, celebrated for his distinctive doodle-style illustrations, sat down to share insights into his artistic journey, the inspiration behind the collaboration, and the meaningful symbols woven into the designs.
The Doodle Journey
Lei Melendres, an illustrator whose art style is characterized by whimsical doodles, takes us on a journey into his creative world.
“I’m an illustrator, and my art style looks like doodles. I can’t say it’s unique, as many artists use this style, but I wasn’t aware of that a decade ago when I started doing it,” he reflects.
Starting his artistic explorations at a young age, Lei experimented with various styles over the years. However, it was the joy found in doodling random things that led him to embrace it as his signature style.
“Not Done Yet”: An Undead Manifesto
The artwork Lei crafted for BNCEBACK’s collaboration is titled “Not Done Yet.” Explaining the inspiration behind the design, he says, “Whenever I hear the phrase ‘Bounce Back,’ I always imagine it either as a red ball bouncing or as someone who has hit the lowest point in their life and is now trying to recover from it through significant effort.”
Lei envisioned a character who, having faced death, comes back to life with the determination to finish what they started — an extreme and amusing illustration of resilience.
The Perfect Collaboration
Lei sheds light on what prompted him to collaborate with BNCEBACK: “I’ve always wanted to illustrate the idea of the undead I mentioned. When I met and became friends with Karl Vasquez, who owns the brand, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to do it.”
For Lei, the collaboration presented a chance to pursue a long-held creative vision, support a friend’s business, and promote his own brand simultaneously. Aligning with the ethos of BNCEBACK, Lei admires individuals who can bounce back despite challenges, a sentiment he personally resonates with his artistic journey.
Design Symbols and Their Meaning
Within the intricate details of Lei’s design lie symbols that hold personal significance. He reveals, “The UFO icon at the back of the laptop, the diamond-shaped star in his left eye, my signature logo printed on the EHD, and last but not least, my signature character hidden somewhere in the artwork.”
While these elements are common in Lei’s works, the diamond star carries a deeper message, symbolizing rebirth — an element that aligns seamlessly with the overall theme of the illustration.
Impacting the Community and Beyond
Lei envisions the collaboration making a positive impact on the BNCEBACK community and the art and fashion scene. “Being able to help promote the kind of mindset where you focus on getting back up again is something I want to be a part of,” he expresses.
Having faced numerous struggles and failures in his career, Lei understands the significance of resilience and the supportive community that keeps artists going.
In the fusion of Lei Melendres’s whimsical doodles and BNCEBACK’s commitment to promoting resilience, “Not Done Yet” emerges as more than just a fashion statement — it is a visual narrative of triumph over adversity. As the collaborative shirts hit the shelves, they carry with them not just the artistry of Lei Melendres but a powerful message encouraging everyone to embrace the spirit of bouncing back, no matter what challenges life may throw their way.
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