PlusHeart Issue #22 - Esports design as culture (with Drewface)

Speaking with a pro esports designer about fashion, work culture, and the need for authenticity in the things we create.

Hello hello! I'm back with another interview episode.

I'm a big fan of Drewface's work, mostly because I think he brings a knowledge of streetwear to esports that comes off very authentic. He creates great clothing pieces and bits of graphic design, and I wanted to chat to him about that; he was partially the inspiration for PlusHeart because of how well his stuff comes across.

We mainly talk about:

• Changes in esports teams when it comes to hunting for new designers

• How new designers approach projects and professionalism

• How fashion influences esports culture and what "feels real"

• Where we're going next

Give him a follow if you want to see more of this stuff.

"Yeah, in my experience is actually just process, a lot of young designers don't communicate what's going on. Or they don't really take this extra step to be like, "Hey, this is what I'm trying to accomplish." 

[Creative briefs and that kind of stuff?]  

Yeah, they don't really know, they don't really know how to tackle creative briefs, they don't know how to explain the rationale, and they don't know how to justify it either. And that's like, the biggest. And that's the thing, the situation most high level esports team face is that they were going to spend a lot of money both ways. 

They spent a lot of money with the agency, because the agency doesn't really understand or have an organic touch with the communities that they're trying to appeal to, or they go with someone who is organic, but unfortunately doesn't have the professional skills to adequately explain or deliver product. And they both lose almost the same amount of money."

PlusHeart's audio issues (which go free to the public after a week) can now be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Pocket Casts. If you want to listen to stuff, you can do so there. Patrons can also get a custom RSS link to get audio stuff in real time without the wait.

I also put together a list of Substack newsletters that I think are worth reading.