InspirationMar 17, 2021

Designer Collector: Tags made using Specialty Paper & Printing Techniques

Designers are known to be collectors. The process of carefully cataloging objects can bring inspiration when least expected.

Written by Lin Oosterhoff RGD, Twin Studio

What do you collect?

I collect clothing tags — not your every-day clothing tags, but ones that are printed on specialtypaper, feature specialty printing techniques like embossing or foiling or have interesting shapes.

I try to keep my collection fairly small. I currently have around 30 pieces kept in a little box that once housed a Starbucks mug.

Since when?

I can't recall exactly when but I was still living in the Netherlands — so over 10 years ago! Unfortunately, I had to leave that collection behind when I moved to Canada.

I started collecting tags when I purchased an item that had a stunning, specialty printed tag on it. I'm pretty sure this was one of the first nice clothing items I got after getting my first (weekend) job, making my own money.

Being a person that loved art and design from a young age, that tag was just something that stood out to me. It sparked a love for specialty printing that I still carry today.

How does it inspire you as a designer?

What I love about my collection is that it is so closely related to being a designer and the craft of design that I so love. It is inspiring that something as basic as a clothing tag can actually be a thing of beauty.

I also like that my collection is compact and easy to carry. Clothing tags are not a huge object that require a special place to put them. I can easily keep my collection in a small box in my desk drawer and enjoy rifling though it whenever I need some inspiration.

Your favourites?

My favourite tag at the moment is one from Paloma Wool. I love the blue and pink colour palette and the way that the differently-sized tags hang together. The play between pattern, typography and empty space is great and of course, I mostly love that it has a tiny letter-pressed line right in the centre of the front card.

An item you aspire to have in your collection?

My collection is fairly casual — I come and go from it. In my mind, my collection is not really something that has to have a masterpiece or an aspirational item to procure. I just keep my collection for the love of good design and specialty print.

Lin Oosterhoff RGD

Twin Studio

I’m Lin Oosterhoff, brand designer and creative director, born and raised in the Netherlands. Dutch minimalism taught me to strip things back to what matters. Living in Canada taught me to design with care and intention. As co‑founder and creative director of Twin Studio, a female‑founded design and photography studio in Canmore, AB, I bring that mix of bold simplicity and thoughtful purpose to every project. We believe in less is more: less BS, more character. My focus is on building fresh, fearless brands for mountain people—whether it’s an outdoor adventure label or a hospitality business shaking up its scene. I love partnering with clients who are passionate about their work and eager to stand out.