Meet the Creative Techs: Amped Atelier
Amped Atelier took part in our Creative Tech Residency, and we were so excited to have them on board to work with our new collection of parts! Amped Atelier is a tech couture studio based in California, and Sahrye is Lead Designer at the studio. She has a background in Apparel Construction, as well as a B.S and M.S in biology. Hal Rodriguez, who is Sahrye’s partner at Amped Atelier, has a background in design, is a professional software developer, and is currently finishing his graduate degree at NYU ITP. Read on to find out more about their project!
Q: What are your backgrounds in design, creative technology, wearables, etc?
Our experience in design, creative technology, and wearables is a combination of learning from the maker community and formal training. Sahrye has a Certificate in Apparel Construction and a B.S. and M.S. in biology. Hal has formal education in design studies, is a professional software developer, and is finishing a graduate degree at NYU ITP.
We started by putting electronics into costumes. In 2015 we met MakeFashion, a fashion technology community founded by three folks from Canada, at the SF Bay Area Maker Faire. Our first truly interactive garment using microcontrollers, addressable LEDs and Bluetooth connectivity was made for the MakeFashion Gala. Since then we’ve gotten to meet some amazing innovators and fashion tech designers and learn from them through tutorials, workshops, and collaboration.
Q: Where did the idea for a convertible solar safety bag come from?
Phones and electronics have become integral to daily life and we think it is important that our garments and accessories are part of that technological change. We made our first solar backpack that could charge a cellphone, as a project for our book Make It, Wear It. The convertible solar bag was inspired by Sahrye’s multi-modal commute that includes biking to a ferry and public transit. We designed it as a functional bag with safety components that is fashionable enough to use everyday and also good for outdoor athletic activities like biking, hiking, or going to the beach.
Q: What was your favorite part of working with LOOMIA components?
We really enjoyed how easy it was to experiment and prototype with the Loomia components. The components were easy to experiment using alligator clips. When needed, we could solder through-the-hole electronics and wires easily. Connecting the various Loomia components through the large solder pads was also very easy. Overall the Loomia components are well designed for prototyping and permanent installation.
Q: What, if any, challenges did you face while making this bag and how did you overcome them?
A main feature of the bag that showcased the flexible Loomia components are the convertible straps that take the bag from a backpack to a shoulder bag. This was our biggest design challenge as we wanted to maximize flexibility while making sure that we didn’t place too much strain on the electronics. Fortunately, the strong adhesive on the Loomia bus and the Loomia button was enough to ensure the electronic components stayed in place inside the strap.
Q: Who do you see being the end user of this bag?
This bag is great for someone who enjoys active outdoor activities. It can go from a day at the beach where the solar panel can charge batteries, to hiking to a scenic overlook, to biking home after dinner.
Q: Favorite feature of the bag?
We used the single Loomia backlit button on the strap to control the various lighting modes. One is a safety light mode with moving lights up the backpack for increased visibility. We also added a rainbow light mode. It feels a little bit like having a party everyday.
Q: Self-promo time! Where can we find your stuff?
Our DIY electronics book, Make It, Wear It: Wearable Electronics for Makers, Crafters, and Cosplayers can be found at most major bookstores online, and also at makeitwearitbook.com.
Our fashion tech projects are found at ampedatelier.com, and you can follow our Instagram, Twitter and YouTube channel for more frequent contact.
Instagram: @amped_atelier
Twitter: @amped_atelier
YouTube: Amped Atelier
