Milestones - An Interior Collection on Human Experience


01.    Milestones - The Collection 

“Milestones” is a captivating exploration into the essence of humanity, intricately woven into the tapestry of interior design. Delving deep into the human experience, this collection reverberates with the resonance of our shared journey through life’s pivotal emotional moments. From the miraculous dawn of Birth to the intricate dance of Relationships, from the profound depths of Traumas to the triumphant Resurgence, each milestone is a testament to the complex tapestry of emotions that define us.

Within these pages, readers embark on a profound odyssey, navigating the ebbs and flows of existence through the lens of texture, print, and pattern. Like the changing seasons of life, the collection mirrors the nuanced evolution of our emotional landscape, offering solace and reflection in equal measure. Through a symphony of tangible fabrics representing intagible feelings, “Milestones” encapsulates the universal patterns of human experience, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of our shared humanity.
Brief to Outcome

The brief asked the creators to look into different patterns of life which all humans experience. There was some suggestions of looking into day-to-day life and the connection of humans to nature.

My concept revolves around the collective emotional expereince and journey which all humans endeavour through life. Beginning with birth and the naivety of new beginnings, to relationships of all kinds, to traumas and resurgence out of that darkness into the light of hope.

My solution was a bespoke, hand crafted textile sample book for my brand, ‘Milestones’. The brand endeavours to infuse memory into homes and recharge the soul’s core through pattern and print design. The book contains four key milestone ranges, ‘genus’, ‘amare’, ‘tristitia’ and resurgentia, with unique material, pattern, colour and embroided fab.


Feathers - A  Children’s Book on Grief


02.   Feathers - A Children’s Book on Grief

Feathers, illustrated and written by myself, is an allegorical novella which facilitates children’s understanding of death and grief, providing a resource for parents or guardians to broach this difficult subject. 

The book utilises symbolism and evokes emotion with watercolor illustrations, to ode to teardrops of grief falling down on to the page. Through this medium, it aims to convey complex emotions and provide comfort to young readers navigating loss, fostering dialogue and emotional expression in a gentle, accessible manner.

With the five stages of grief being the running theme throughout the book, with a fichean story structure too, this illustrated, allegorical novella guides children through emotional pain, loss, confusion, anger, solitude and friendship - amongst many other emotions. 
Brief to Outcome 

The assignment called for a children’s book with an educational focus. I developed a captivating story that intertwined learning with vibrant illustrations. This book was designed to both entertain and educate young readers, fostering curiosity and comprehension. By infusing educational elements into the narrative, the book aimed to inspire an enthusiasm for learning of difficult topics while engaging children with imaginative storytelling.

This book was a very personal project, taking myself back to my first experience of death of the beloved dappled Rafiki, (Swahili for ‘friend’) whom this book is dedicated to.  My hooved friend was a horse who changed colours with the seasons and was covered in dappled spots, hence the running theme of chanigng colours and teadrop splatters. 

Creating a final message of the thought that he, and all of our loved ones who we have lost, will always be there in spirit, leaving signs such as feathers, is something I really wanted children to find comfort in, as I have done. 
Houga - A Soul-Igniting Cider Brand


03.   houga cider 

houga cider redefines cider, bringing it indoors to nourish the soul and embody the cosy “hygge” lifestyle. this brand challenges the notion of cider as solely an outdoor summer drink, encouraging year-round enjoyment. by embracing warmth and comfort, houga cider offers a unique experience that resonates with individuals seeking a cosy and fulfilling lifestyle, no matter the season.


the inception of the houga brand stemmed from a consumer-centric approach, grounded in thorough research. discoveries revealed prevalent misconceptions surrounding cider, pigeonholing it as a beverage reserved solely for summertime indulgence, often associated with bloating. in response, my brand endeavors to shatter these negative stereotypes, redefining cider as a year-round delight for all. at the heart of the brand lies a commitment to cultivating warmth and inclusivity, offering a cider experience that resonates deeply, irrespective of the season.

brief to solution

the task was to redefine the concept of cider and establish a distinctive brand identity. I embarked on crafting a new cider brand that challenged traditional perceptions, emphasizing uniqueness and innovation. Through creative branding strategies and product design, I aimed to present cider in a fresh light, appealing to a modern audience and redefining its image in the beverage market.


houga cider redefines cider, bringing it indoors to nourish the soul and embody the cosy “hygge” lifestyle. this brand challenges the notion of cider as solely an outdoor summer drink, encouraging year-round enjoyment. by embracing warmth and comfort, houga Cider offers a unique experience that resonates with individuals seeking a cosy and fulfilling lifestyle, no matter the season.

BBC Wild Isles Animation





BBC Wild Isles Winning Animation - 
‘Beneath the Surface’: An animated allegory of ecological unity







www.liamhotson.com

Designer - Illustrator - Art Direction
Contact

Email: liam.hotson@gmail.com
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liam-hotson/