The Creative Process Behind Full Time Human: Mike Reesé’s Alphabeasts

A closer look at Mike Reesé’s original sketches, finished graphics, window display, and garments created for Full Time Human.
The creative process behind the Full Time Human collaboration began with artwork by Mike Reesé.

Original sketches by Mike Reesé, part of the installation at Nepenthes Los Angeles, explore his Alphabeasts, an expressive alphabet of letterforms, each representing a different emotion or aspect of the human experience.

These drawings became the foundation for the graphics created as part of the H3LM Supplies × Mike Reesé × Nepenthes Los Angeles collaboration.

Mike’s Alphabeasts bring an expressive and distinctly human quality to the project. Their organic forms and individual characters reflect the ideas explored throughout Full Time Human, human touch, emotion, individuality, and the relationship between creativity and an increasingly automated world.
The original drawings were translated into graphics for the limited Full Time Human collection, carrying Mike’s artwork from the sketchbook into the finished garments created by H3LM Supplies, Mike Reesé, and Nepenthes Los Angeles.

Final H3LM Graphic Design of Mike Reesé Alphabeasts sketches for the Collaboration Collection

Final FULLTIME HUMAN Graphic Design of Mike Reesé Alphabeasts sketches for the Collaboration Collection

Seeing the original sketches alongside the finished graphics offers a closer look at how the artwork developed throughout the collaboration, from Mike’s initial drawings to the final pieces created for Full Time Human.

The project brought together artwork, surfboards, apparel, and installation in a shared exploration of creativity, human expression, and the handmade qualities that inspired Full Time Human.

To learn more about Mike’s Alphabeasts and his work, visit @mikereesay.