Bootleg Archive

Bootleg Bart Simpson T-Shirt, a genre of popular bootlegs in response to the massive success of Simpsons merchandise

Most bootlegs don't exist as singular artifacts, but as a series of objects in dialog with each other. Often time these networks go beyond simply forming a collection, and instead take on something closer to a genre of their own. For instance, t-shirts, shoes, videogames, music, luxury brands, and even food items, all leverage a complex networks of brand IP, manufacturing infrastructures, and supply chains, to create and disseminate their products.

LOT 2046

At their most basic, bootlegs are an entertaining novelties. However, they can also create larger provocations that call into question the status quo. Demonstrating a ground up approach to design, highlighting hinge points in history, and even hinting towards alternative realities. Often posing the question of "what makes something a bootleg at all?".

Losing Superbowl merchandise, made in the scenario either team can win the championship

When taken together these bootlegs can provide insights into larger social, political and economic trends. For instance, what does the emmergence of bootleg ramyeon and soju tell us about the rise of K-Culture worlwide? How does global trading policy influence the production and perception of bootlegs?

In response to American tarriffs manufacturers appealed directly to customers seeking luxury goods

Furthermore, as creative works become assets, how does their repackaging, licensing, and internationalization create "licensed" bootlegs?

Recycled Disney Animaiton in The Jungle Book and Winnie the Pooh

For this assignment you will research bootlegs based around your interests – videogames, music, clothing, luxury brands, etc. – and create an archive of bootleg objects + a way to display them such as a book, website, mixtape, exhibition, etc.

Bacchus-D and Lipovitan

This project will act as a form of research, with the intention that it will act as a basis for creating your own bootlegs later this semester.

Mr. Frowny Meal from Mr. Charlie's

Bootleg Balduk Ramen

Due Oct 16 (7 weeks)
Topics: Collections, Archiving, Organization

Overview

Step 1: Due Sep 11
Research Zone

Consider the bootlegs, and bootleg-adjacent items, you've encountered, and why they have been memorable to you. Based on these specific items (or a curiousity about a bootleg you have not yet seen), locate 2 potential research topics. Create a short ~6 minute presentation about these 2 directions including history, visual examples, and why you are interested in them.

American "Megaman" and Japanese "Rockman" box art

Step 2: Due Sep 25
Collection

After selecting your direction, collect as many bootlegs within the genre you define and bring them into class. Try to ammass at least 20 examples from the genre you have chosen. Be as specific as you can when defining your topic / the items you collect.

2Pac bootleg t-shirt by Bay Club

Step 3: Due Oct 2
Organize and Process

Working with your items, create 2 proposals for final archive presentation. Consider how LATCH organization principles, and graphic processes/processing can enhance the "meaning" of your archive. Your proposals should include platform / format / production method (book, website, riso prints, IG account, etc.), visual sketches, and any other relevant information.

Chair Shorts, Boot Boyz Biz

Step 4: Due Oct 16
Archive

Present your final bootleg archive!

See to Day, Chiraag Bhakta

Schedule

Week 1 – Sep 4
Project kickoff

Week 2 – Sep 11
Step 1 Due
Share a research "zone" + 
bring in one bootleg and present about it

Week 3 – Sep 18
Meet at 100 Beste Plakate

Week 4 – Sep 25
Step 2 Due
Collect as many example bootlegs as you can

Week 7 – Oct 2
Step 3 Due
Organize and process your collection

Week 6 – Oct 9
Hangeul Day (no class)

Week 7 – Oct 16
Step 3 Due
Final Project Due