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Based on the first Google search result on the word “aspirana”, it literally means “aspirin” in Spanish. Millennials, on the other hand, refers to the young adults born between 1981 and 1996. Our team agreed that aspirins and millenials do have a connection, in terms of the headache caused by the unwanted attention that the title carries. Jokes aside, we believe the word “aspirana” is a fancy play on the root word “aspire”. Through this, the theme of “aspiring millennials” became our very foundation in designing this motif. Encircle, was the design that resulted from this. Despite being such an obvious choice of name, it carries meaning to us that suits this competition’s theme.

First and foremost, the design retains its minimal nature while still attaining the sleek and sophisticated demeanor. As seen from the design provided, we choose to only use one shape throughout. The variants of the “circle” were repeated multiple times within our design, with some being reformed into an elliptical shape. Millennials tend to prefer designs and motifs that are much simpler, whilst being intricate in its own way. To a certain degree, it could be said that “having less, is to have more”. They tend to avoid robust and complicated designs that bring them way more attention than they desire.

Secondly, our design focuses on the individuality aspect that it carries. Each circular detail, be it the tight-small circle to the larger-than-most center ellipse, they all vary in shapes and sizes. Much like snowflakes, no two are of the exact same. The millennials could be coined as birds of a feather, with their similar experiences and beliefs upon the world around them. At the same time, being each to their own as they explore and embrace their unique identity through many uncomfortable times. They are both, one and many. Like the wings of a bird, always a pair but are of different parts. Together, uplifting into the skies.

Last, but not least, its centric design represents “the core with many layers''. The focus here being, the rings within the main ellipse. The millennials are known for their more direct approach, as they express concerns on everything wrong around them. This may be true for some cases, others may prefer to keep it hidden from society with the “masks” they wear. No matter their choice of action, the millennials still aspire to be better. To be greater. Our design itself evokes a sense of unity and movement where all of them head in this same direction. However, never should we ever only judge them on the surface. Quoting our beloved ogre, Shrek, “Layers. Onions have layers”.

The name itself, Encircle, means to surround and enclose. It acts as a beautiful metaphor, for the powerful connected feelings that are shared across every individual millennial. Forming a “circle” that pushes away negative ideologies, while strengthening their positive core energy. Perhaps through their shared individuality, only then they could strive for a more simplistic world. A world without conflict.