A Sticky Situation

Fashion is a broad category which encompasses some obvious items and some that are obscure. Today, I want to talk about a more obscure item, stickers, and how they can play a role in improving your fashion. They may not be the most noticeable item in your fashion agenda or even be a part of your fashion style, but they should be. I am positive when people see this small, yet impactful, asset they will know more about you.

Hailey Tapp is one of the many creative artists who make their own stickers. Though you may be thinking of a flimsy gold star when I say sticker, I want you to push that notion out of your head. People like Hailey are creating fascinating works of art that just happen to take the form of a sticker. These stickers are durable and up your fashion game. Like anything you wear in the fashion world, you want something which will hold up over time. These stickers will not only last long, they also look good.

You are probably wondering, how exactly does a sticker improve my fashion? Well, like buttons, pins, etc. a sticker is a tool which can showcase more of your personality. For example, a special key-chain with a Star Wars figure showcases your love for the film and devotion to it. A sticker on your bag, coat, or accessory can let people know more about you. Is this not the whole point of fashion? Of course, it is! You want fashion to be an external representation of your internal personality. Stickers are a cheap and effective way to do so. I like to think of stickers as “sticky, little masterpieces” because they are works of art. When purchasing a sticker from an artist directly, such as Hailey, you are obtaining something with value that was made by a person not a machine. This personal piece of art can mold into your own individual fashion because you can find or request any style that works for you. Today, everything seems mass produced, so it is amazing to add personalized and unique pieces to your look, without spending hundreds or thousands of dollars.

Some of my favorite stickers from Hailey are pictured here in this article. My absolute favorite is the image of the creature going off to fish. It is just a joyous image filled with a fun and bright colors. It also hints at irony or personification of this marine creature’s ability to “fish” for prey in the deep sea. When people see me with one of these stickers it starts a conversation. I can tell them I am wearing this sticker not only to support my talented friend, but also because I can relate to the piece in its fun and humorous depiction. It is something small in my look, yet it makes a big difference knowing it is there. The sticker, like any other part of fashion, depicts something I like whether it be an idea or an aesthetic. Like posters in your dorm room, stickers are a way to show appreciation for things you enjoy and, in turn, reveal more about yourself.

If you want to see what else Hailey Tapp has in stock, whether it be stickers or other commissions, you can reach her at Tapp352@gmail.com If you live on or near Ball State’s campus you should reach out to her and if you are far away…still do it! It is important to support local artists and by purchasing their works you can enhance your own fashion. I want to leave you all with the reminder that even the smallest items or ideas, can make a lasting impact. In other words, small things can “stick” around for a while.

This Article is Sponsored by Hailey Tapp