This work traces the visual potential of 2Dimensional space inthree dimensional garments and questions aesthetic standardsin the field of menswear. The aim is to discuss the visualconsensus of flat and spatial construction. Construction has been chosen as the key aspect for digital and analoginvestigations. It builds the main emphasis of this project and leads toa deeper visual understanding of how we perceive garments with clearborders between three - and two dimensional sections. The design process has a dual structure. 1st stage - ‚virtual investigation‘ This is where the experiments start. By using Simulation andrendering software such as ‚CLO3D‘, ‚Marvellous Designer‘ and ‚Keyshot‘the aim is to develop and unlock multiple constructionprinciples that deal with similar visual aspects. These results suggest anetwork of variations (garment types/parts, e.g. sleeve construction,trousers etc..) that need to be translated into real prototypes. 2nd stage - ‚Analog translation‘ Based on the preferred results of the 1st stage, the aim is to filter oneconstruction principle for further studies.The choice of working with the flat sleeve construction is the keyaspect and builds the fundamental for ellaborating the design process.This phase is mainly characterised by material and shape experimentsand relates to a lasting construction principle. The result suggest a spread of examples that deal with the sameconstruction principle. The examplified versions include differentmaterial qualities and differ in terms of their complexity in detailsolutions and production.The final choice works as a unit and offers different ways ofapproaching and developing the construction principle further.Especially the layering aspect in example 8 and 9 became dominantand very important for increasing the visual expression.That indication offers an imidiate and direct approach and showsthe potential within the field of 2D expressions.Nevertheless my next step would lead me back to the digital studiesto understand more about the diversity of layers in two dimensionalgarments. Eventually it would suggest both a wearable as well as aconceptual outcome.

This collection acts as the supporting evidence of the hypothesis that, while acting as Graduate Director of SIU’s Digital Xpressions Lab, Matthew Gordon was able to successfully provide effective support for the digital expression of collaborator’s and client's domains of knowledge while forming innovative research partnerships with academics within the SIU system and beyond. A unique form for a MFA in Creative Writing’s thesis, this collection represents the multimodal creative work a contemporary narrative designer can undertake in a single academic year when given the ability to lead a facility like Southern Illinois University’s Digital Xpressions Lab. Qualitative evidence in the form of Digital Xpressions Lab Collaborator Statements and quantitative evidence in the form of media exemplifying multimodal creative work are collected herein. Sections begin with brief descriptions of their topics as they pertain to Matthew Gordon’s thesis objectives while acting as the Graduate Director of SIU’s Digital Xpressions Lab from fall 2022 - spring 2023. A selection of supporting media from Matthew’s full portfolio has been included in sections where relevant.