Gen Zers on TikTok are embracing how the platform makes them feel like the main character of their own narrative. As teens search for meaning in what feels like a chaotic and unpredictable world, adding excitement and romance to everyday moments is getting them through.

It’s well-established that people place more value on things they’ve helped create, but that doesn’t mean everyone will appreciate a custom t-shirt in the same way. Canvas8 spoke to Dr. Anne-Kathrin Klesse, an assistant professor of marketing, to learn how self-image impacts personalisation.

There are numerous ways in which to define oneself – from physical appearance to hobbies to religious beliefs – but what do people see as integral to their identity? Canvas8 polled 1,000 Americans and spoke to eight individuals to understand how they would characterize themselves.

As the pandemic keeps people at home, the way we use our phones is changing. But shifts were happening pre-COVID-19, as tech moved away from novelty and into everyday life. Is design alone enough when it comes to creating aspirational items? And how are ethical values impacting the tech space?