Maker Faire Detroit: Interview with Bethany Shorb of Cyberoptix Tie Lab – by Goli…

People always ask me why I “just make ties,” like it’s a bad word. Ties are always spoken of with such derision and sneer. They’re the perpetual punchline in songs and jokes, and consistently maligned as the most boring gift to give or receive. Think of Dad muttering, “Oh a tie. Thanks.” I wanted to change that. The necktie is such an interesting design problem; its shape gives the designer a challenging “canvas” to design on (dimension-wise, as it’s so long and thin, unlike a T-shirt).

Conceptually, the tie is a traditionally hated object, one that symbolizes restraint, conformity, and is the symbol of corporate American drudgery. What fun and challenge is there in designing something that people already love? I enjoy subverting traditional tie patterns and motifs without venturing too much into gauche “novelty tie” territory. I have many clients who have jobs in the arts and want to wear something that is still artful, handmade, and well designed — but not stifling creatively.

Read more… Previous coverage of Bethany on Adafruit here!