after i spent a while at the upholstery studio, i decided i would try bigger projects. it worked. i sold a couch to my pal Evan, who works in IT and makes zines for enthusiasm assistance. when i get a good photo of the couch, i will post his contact information and where you can find his zines. for now, here's a photo of the sketch for the piece (it was updated and some of the dimensions changed):
Explanation: Evan lives in a studio apartment. Given the layout, it was difficult to find an "off-the-rack" couch from local and international firms that would fit the space and provide assistance for what would be lost with the opportunity cost of a couch. Evan wanted something that you could take a nap on (as opposed to spending a week on), something that a few people could fit on (3+), something that would facilitate party-seating and video games. Sure, this may not be exactly what he "asked for" but i remember discussing these options (evan? input?). Additionally, I thought it would be interesting to have asymmetrical arms on the couch, not just for looks, but to open up the room (near the short/thinner side) and to provide a flat space large enough to set a plate/laptop/wide bottom coffee cup on the opposite. originally, i had planned to have the arms interchangeable but upholstery batting proved otherwise. of course, if the batting and fabric were removed from the arms, they could be changed.
Things I learned on the project: Draw everything out, twice. Use burlier parts, overbuild if necessary. When quoting cost, double it and add 50% (I still can't do this, I feel guilty), When estimating time, double it and add another double, everything always takes longer than you think it does. Don't get mad at parts. Have an efficient workspace, clean up after you work and try not to spread out. When listing parts needed, make sure to get the small stuff (yes, staples and screws too). Use/get the right tool for the job, when using an amateur tool expect an amateur output (namely:staple gun and pneumatic staple gun, one requires additional hammering).
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