Project Overview
I’ve had Alopecia Areata since I was three years old, so I know exactly what it’s like to grow up feeling like the "odd one out". Navigating school without hair meant dealing with people who didn't understand my condition; they often looked at me with pity or just assumed I was sick. I created Areata Bandanas to change that experience for other kids. I never saw my condition as a problem, it was just something that made me unique, and I wanted to create a brand that helps kids see it that same way.
The goal of this project is to let kids "wrap themselves in entertainment" so they can move through the world with pride. This brand is about much more than just hair loss; it’s about giving kids back their confidence and helping them feel like they have a say in how they look. I designed six custom prints inspired by things that kids actually find cool, like robots, dinosaurs, and spiders. These specific patterns include Spider Print, Robot Parts, Playful Pigs, Googly Eyes, Dinosaur Tracks, and Paw Print.
The experience doesn't stop at the bandana itself. Every bandana is delivered in a personalized box that features the specific pattern of the product inside. I wanted the packaging to feel like a treasure chest, so inside every box, you’ll find the custom bandana, two brand stickers, a fun fact card, and three temporary tattoos. These extras are designed to make the unboxing feel extra special, and give kids even more ways to express their personality.
The areata family is built to be a brand that celebrates what makes every child different. By turning these fun designs into high-quality products, the collection helps shift the focus from a medical condition to a child’s individual style. Every piece of this project, from the vibrant patterns to the brand stickers, is meant to put a smile back on a child’s face and show the world that Alopecia is just a unique part of who they are.
Spider Print
Robot Parts
Playful Pigs
Googly Eyes
Dinosaur Tracks
Paw Print
josh.sommers35@gmail.com