Meet the team of Melbourne creatives behind DocG’s new collection and campaign, ‘Cartoons’
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONNOR MAY FOR DOCG
WORDS BY IZZY WIGHT
“Collaboration is, and always should be, any creative’s bread and butter.”
Cartoons is the latest extension of the DocG universe, a world dreamt up by multidisciplinary Melbourne creative, Nush (aka DocG). More than just a clothing collection, Cartoons encompasses animation, digital artworks, sculptures and videography, all inspired by emblems of childhood nostalgia. To bring the Cartoon world to life, DocG enlisted the help of artists from “various disciplines, ages and cultural perspectives”.
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The Cartoons collection itself is playful and vibrant without being naive. Simple pieces like denim shorts, crew-cut cotton T-shirts and tube socks are elevated with unique graphics, and the classic Converse All Star is given the DocG treatment. Below, the creatives who helped bring Cartoons to life speak on art, nostalgia and collaboration.
Brandon, mixed-media artist
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Brandon, and I’m a mixed-media artist from Melbourne. Lately, [I’ve been] focusing on analog video synthesis but also delving into experimental forms of photo and music.
My work incorporates different artistic mediums, frequently incorporating my perception of music and visuals, which go hand in hand with influencing one another. I like to say I have a hard-yet-soft approach to my work, I love destroying and reconstructing, essentially ripping something apart and rebuilding it into something.
What does nostalgia mean to you?
Nostalgia holds significant importance to me. I strive to evoke nostalgic emotions through my work, incorporating modern digital processes to create a sense of novelty. Like processing video through an old CRT TV, yet capturing it with a digital camera. Interestingly, many of the tools and equipment I use, such as VCRs, cameras and video gear, have been passed
down or purchased from older generations.
For example, a video mixer I bought from Japan was once owned by a grandfather who used to make home videos for family, he’s probably got no clue I’m using it to absolutely mangle footage. Repurposing older tech that was once used for family or home videos allows me to connect its past with the present.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection and why?
My favourite piece from the collection would have to be the sweater vest. What I love about this piece is not only the off-kilter design but also the fact that it offers an inverse version in black with the full-sleeve sweater. The positive/negative design concept adds an intriguing dynamic to the garment, making it visually ‘pop’.
Connor May, photographer
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Who are you and what do you do?
I am Connor May. I design products and take photos.
How does collaboration influence your work?
Collaboration influences outcomes that are often more innovative and refined than what could be accomplished individually. It encourages synergy, creativity and promotes a sense of trust and willingness to listen and learn from others.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection?
I don’t have a favourite in particular. Every piece in the collection has its own special charm, and together they make up Nush’s unique style and perfectly capture his vision.
Ryan Snacky, artist
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Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Snacky aka Ryan, I press buttons and make all sorts of things.
How does collaboration influence your work?
Collaboration is a celebration of minds, [of] ideas ebbing and flowing. It influences the way I work by giving me an opportunity to learn and acting as a gateway to different perspectives and experiences. I build upon this, taking bits and pieces from here and there, levelling up my stats.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection and why?
The classic DocG eyes in Rug form. A bit of a left-field choice, but there’s just something about it. Reminds me of the early days when I first met DocG.
Monamie Mbunsu, model
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Monamie Mbunsu and I’m a professional human.
How does collaboration influence your work?
I see collaboration as a tool. A chance to learn, work and grow with like-minded creative individuals.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection and why?
My favourite piece from the collection is the jorts, Doc’s tags and attention to detail are what made them stand out to me.
Amina Soubjaki, producer
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Amina and I am a creative producer and production designer, although my daytime job includes the curation and producing of short-form content at an agency!
How does collaboration influence your work?
Collaboration is, and always should be, any creative’s bread and butter, Beyoncé wasn’t built in a day. You need to be actively a part of ideation, change it, flip it, reverse it – until you all agree you have the best possible outcome.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection and why?
My favourite piece has gotta be the shorts! The patchwork detailing is so fresh and the length just hits! I love styling myself in different silhouettes with long skirts and dresses, so shorts seem to be the next logical step in my wardrobe.
João Marco Deloie, film director and writer
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Who are you and what do you do?
My name is João, I’m predominately a film director and writer, but have a background as an artist and as a photographer. I was the director of photography for one of the video pieces with DocG Studios.
How does collaboration influence your work?
Collaboration is the whole reason I moved from photography and being an artist to focusing my practice on filmmaking. I was drawn to film as I enjoy the shifting nature of collaboration and how new potential influences and ideas are shown in a project by working with other departments.
What’s your favourite piece from the collection and why?
My favourite piece would have to be the Converses. I feel like Converses are… associated so much with nostalgia, especially the classics, it makes a lot of sense seeing them in the DocG universe.
You can shop the Cartoons collection here.
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