Living in an era of consumerism, we’ve all inevitably come across a useless item or two. I mean, you guys, in what world does Diet Water actually need 
to exist? Is that not an oxymoron? Much to our chagrin and frankly, entertainment, these absurd items continue to make it to the shelves, so it’s only right to make light of them (perhaps the one time they’ll find a use?). After launching our Useless design challenge to do just that, we’re here to announce the winner: Aneesh kumar.T.K, for his design “Combo”. Read on to learn more about the artist, and shop his winning design here!
Congrats on your winning design “Combo” for the Useless challenge! Why don’t you tell us a little bit about yourself?
First, thanks for the wishes. I am Aneesh, a Creative Controller at Ogilvy & Mather Advertising and Communications in Bangalore, India.
How did you originally get into art, and why is it an important part of your life?
I was an art student in school and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts. I’ve been interested in the field of art since I was a kid, as my parents were also closely associated with this field.
What tips and tricks do you have as an artist to keep ideas flowing and fresh?
A lot of things help me with art, like observation, behavioral study, past experiences and my general love towards art as an artist.
When considering an idea for the Useless challenge, how did you come up with your ultimate concept for “Combo”?
The word “useless” is relative as the perception about one thing changes with every individual. So, I chose one thing which people might use it for various other purposes, yet not exactly for what was shown. Then I connected the visual using a great tool called art.
Would you mind taking us through the process of creating this design?
I was very clear about what I was sketching when I started with a pencil and a paper. Then I colored it using an ink pen. Finally, I uploaded the sketch to my computer screen to give it a final touch.
So you’re a reindeer born with a gigantic comb on your head. What in the world do you do with it?
I possibly wouldn’t have done anything for myself. But, I guess that I would have become a hair stylist for the other animals in the forest.
What is the most useless thing you’ve come across in your lifetime?
Nothing, I guess. Because anything I have come across in my life helps me do what I am doing today.
Have you ever discovered an unintended function from something originally quite useless?
No, nothing as of now in my life.
Where’s the first place you plan to wear your winning tee?
I would love to flaunt it in front of my family.
Any other shout-outs?
First, thanks to Jake Nickell, Jacob DeHart, and all the entire family of Threadless. Also, thanks for your valuable recognition.
