Dan Matsuda x Carryology – Limited Edition ‘Fall & Rise’ Morale Patch Set

Dan Matsuda

2020 has been an unusual year. It’s been scary at
times, traumatic, and disappointing overall. Needless
to say it’s a tough year to celebrate, even with
moments of excitement and hope we’re at the mercy
of uncertainty.

For me, the very nature of carry goods is about
movement, travel and the journey from place to place.
We don’t have to be explorers or thrill seekers.
The basic necessity of commuting requires us to
transport our essentials, all of which has been halted
by a global pandemic.

I believe Space Exploration is a great metaphor of
a journey, both in the literal sense, but also as
advancement of the human race. For this reason,
I’ve decided to use this as my inspiration to create
these two illustrations.

The images are based around the ideas of Fall
and Rise. The fictitious astronaut is first shown in
a wounded posture, with cords of red invading and
piercing the suit. This was done to give the virus an
intrusive vessel as well as highlight that the suit is
empty and abandoned. Rise is represented by
showing the action of resistance and strength in
the context of a dark environment where the
horizon is fading.

Design Article: Matsuda x Carryology: The Fall and Rise of 2020