Corporal Hoffman Series: Behind the Designs

Personally, the meaning behind the designs means more to me than the finished designs themselves. I had the pleasure of trying my best to get to know Josh these past few weeks and months. In doing so, I was able to learn his major interests: driving fast, Ford Mustangs (a white 1994 Mustang to be exact), loud classic rock music (his dog is named after Motley Crew), comedy and playing pranks, Michigan football, "collecting" t-shirts, UFC and mixed martial arts, and in his home is a shadow box of military medals and patches that solidifies him as an "official" hero -- as if that were ever in question.

Before we dive into the meaning behind the designs, I should point out that as of this past Friday (view pictures from the launch party), Josh's designs are available to purchase from Musicskins for your cell phone, laptop, MP3 player, and more. Order before Tuesday, December 20th, to make sure to get them in time for Christmas.

I have a few people I plan to buy them for -- I'm sure you can think of a couple, as well.

[View Josh's designs and learn more about the meaning behind each of them after the jump]

DESIGN 1:
We first met with Josh and asked if he had a design already in mind. Without hesitation he said, through his communicator, that he wanted the Fallen Soldier Memorial (two boots, gun, and soldier helmet) and an American flag. We then asked Josh what it meant to be a "hero," he responded that a hero is someone who sacrifices themselves -- TOTAL SACRIFICE.

We wanted to tell Josh's story through the design by utilizing the unique and extensive communication code. This is the "alphabet" that Josh and the few people he is able to communicate with use:



After coming up in nearly a dozen of options for him to choose from that incorporated these basic elements, Josh made his decision on which he liked best:

Buy this design as a skin for your cell phone, laptop, and/or MP3 player from Musicskins.com/corphoff

DESIGN 2:
In our meetings, we quickly discovered that Josh loved driving fast. Particularly, Josh loved Ford Mustangs. Even more specific, he loved the white 1994 model Ford Mustang that he had before his injury.

During the research phase of the design process, I learned that the English Bulldog was the "official unofficial" mascot of the U.S. Marines. A bit deeper in the research process, I came across a vintage WWI poster that had the Marine bulldog frozen in a nearly identical pose as the Ford Mustang logo.

It seemed like a perfect fit to combine the two in a mashed up version of its own.

Buy this design as a skin for your cell phone, laptop, and/or MP3 player from Musicskins.com/corphoff

DESIGN 3:
Josh is a very accomplished Marine veteran, but he is a very humble one that you wouldn't know of his accolades unless you witnessed his "medal collection." When we visited his house, I was in awe. He had more medals than Michael Phelps -- and Josh's were a bit more meaningful than just being able to swim fast (no offense, Michael).

In the third design, I was inspired to incorporate his medals and patches while also including Josh's communication code in alphabet form:

Buy this design as a skin for your cell phone, laptop, and/or MP3 player from Musicskins.com/corphoff

On behalf of all of those who have worked so hard on this project, which have been all volunteers, please help us in spreading the powerful story of Josh. The Corporal Hoffman Series is not only about Josh, but more importantly, it's about the countless others who have sacrificed themselves for our freedoms.

[Fashion Has Heart] hopes to continue to work with other wounded soldiers in other military branches to give them a new reason to battle back into good health and into civilian society. Even for those who do return home from battle, often times, their battles are not over. Their battles may live with them  constantly for the rest of their lives.

Take some time to reflect on the messages represented in this project. And remember, get your MusicSkins before Dec. 20th in order to get them before Christmas.