The Inception of Definition: You’s “Youkraine” Collection
The “Youkraine” collection is the latest philanthropic installation of an artistic collective to be formed by startup clothing brand Definition: You in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Many companies have ceased operations in Russia, many others have donated funds to support refugees and wartime efforts, and many more have commented on the Russian invasion of Ukraine; though few have attempted to combat it by raising funds and awareness with the raw, emotional expression of those affected.
The creation of artistic collectives that are philanthropic in nature is not only to support those in need, but also to provide a platform for those affected to express themselves. Symbolically, it is incredibly powerful; and it’s been an honor to create a positive social impact with such talented people.”
- Jordan Carlin, CEO
About Definition: You
A graphic provided to the collective. (Instagram/@Colorfulart_Eva).
Definition: You is a startup clothing company founded on the principles of service, community, and sustainability; and it seeks to implement these fundamentals into everything it does, making it a powerful force for positive social and environmental change. Taking on a worthy cause from time to time, Definition: You forms a collective to work with artists from around the world to sustain beauty in the midst of tragedy, and to create in the wake of destruction. These collections often go through various iterations, changing and evolving with the situation itself while donating all profits made to a dedicated selection of accredited organizations that are working diligently on site to alleviate suffering.
The collections are not resolved until the situation itself has been.
"The creation of artistic collectives that are philanthropic in nature is not only to support those in need, but to also provide a platform for those affected by it to express themselves. Symbolically, it is incredibly powerful; and it’s been an honor to create a positive social impact with such talented people."
- Jordan Carlin, CEO
I was in awe when I came across it on Instagram, and elated when I got permission to include it with attribution,” he stated. “It was a stylistically penned ‘you’ with the profile of a person sketched above it, and ‘krain’ and other translations beneath it. In a way, I took it as a sign that this collection was meant to happen.”
- Jordan Carlin, CEO
The graphic that inspired the name of the collection (Instagram/@aliceaustylo).
Who Are the Artists Involved in This Collective?
The Youkraine collection has seen contributions from a number of skilled artists, many of whom are from Ukraine themselves. As of this writing, there has been no response for comment by anyone involved in the Youkraine Collective, though this section will be updated over time to reflect any changes.
If you would like to learn more about those involved, click here to be redirected to an acknowledgements page dedicated to the collective’s contributors, as well as to all those affected by the crisis in Ukraine.
How to Support the Collection
1. Attend its Public Debut at Bradley University.
A student at Bradley University, Carlin will be debuting this collection to students, faculty, and the general public in the Peplow Pavilion of the Hayden Clark Alumni Center on Thursday, March 23rd, from 11 AM to 2 PM. This debut is intended to be a convention exclusive, and preorder links on the Definition: You website will not go live until 1 PM (CT) the following day.
Image courtesy of dewberry.com, all rights reserved.
2. Purchase an Item From the Collection.
A student at Bradley University, Carlin will be debuting this collection to students, faculty, and the general public in the Peplow Pavilion of the Hayden Clark Alumni Center on Thursday, March 23rd, from 11 AM to 2 PM. This debut is intended to be a convention exclusive, and preorder links on the Definition: You website will not go live until 1 PM (CT) the following day.
A graphic provided to the collective. (Instagram/@allamatsiuk)
3. Join or Support the Collective.
One week from March 23rd, at 12:00 PM (CT), a link to a submissions page will be posted where artists will have the opportunity to submit their own art to be used in Wave II of the collection, as well as exclusive product releases and other events. Art of any medium is encouraged to be submitted, and will be able to be done so via attachment or link. While visual art can be used on products and physical art can be sold as a product, other artistic mediums will have opportunities to be presented as well.
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