Creating a bracelet for my father brought a personal dimension to my work. He had seen an art inspired piece I created earlier and wanted his own version with a colour scheme close to his taste. He requested a primary black design with white or red accents and gold spacers to complete it. This colour scheme, though not unique, carries sentimental value and has long been in the back of my mind as a classic option. I had actually been saving these colours for future K-pop inspired designs, as they’re versatile and could represent fandoms or personal design, depending on interpretation. But seeing my father’s enthusiasm confirmed the value of bringing personal requests into my work, aligning my craft with meaningful relationships and memories.
Creating this piece highlighted the practical skills I’ve gained so far. Having worked with black and white beads in past designs, I felt confident in the composition and was able to assemble it quickly and with greater precision. This stands in contrast to my usual process, where I spend considerable time experimenting with various combinations. For custom designs, I think a strong foundational knowledge will speed up my creative process as I accumulate reference points and learn which combinations work best. The more efficient I become, the more I can handle custom requests and respond to future inspirations.
As I finalized the bracelet, I could tell that the sizing and balance suited my father’s style perfectly. There was a deep sense of satisfaction in knowing that he’ll wear it as a reflection of my work and our bond. It also made me consider how valuable it is to understand my audience’s preferences. In this case, knowing my father’s style and his interest in bold, classic colours was a big help in nailing the design. I envision my future work will lean more toward bespoke creations, where people can make requests based on their own tastes, letting me capture their vision as I did for him.
This project has reinforced my commitment to creating pieces that are both personal and carefully crafted. Each custom request helps me build a mental catalog of popular combinations and adds value to my designs. I’m eager to continue experimenting with new ideas and, ultimately, use these connections to guide me toward a deeper understanding of my craft and my audience’s needs.
CONCLUSION
Designing this bracelet for my father added a personal layer to my journey, allowing me to reflect on how relationships can inspire meaningful work. This process not only enhanced my technical skills but also strengthened my desire to make pieces that speak to people’s personal style and interests. As I continue, I hope to draw from these connections, making each bracelet a representation of both my growth and the diverse stories of those who wear them.