The Rocheputter Project

An experiment in infinite design meets social commentary.

Photos by Jack Connolly

About the Design

The Rocheputter is a signature, hand-drawn design created by Micah “Breeze” Walker (senojfromtheroc). It is characterized by organic curves and shapes, interconnectivity, and motion. Visually, the Rocheputter is quite complex to follow, with a seemingly endless number of random shapes twisting and spiraling a round each other. Special characters, shapes and faces can often be found throughout the design at random, adding to the intricacy. But this complexity is not without consistency. The design maintains a distinct design language no matter how large the application, making it easily identifiable and comprehensive. The randomness of the shapes as well as their arrangement are somehow sensical, despite lacking the repetitive nature of a traditional pattern.

Walker on the Rocheputter design:

“It started as just something I’d doodle in class when I was coming up. But over time I realized it was versatile and pretty unique. Now I see it as a sort of experiment in infinite design. You can’t tell where it begins or ends— everything is interconnected and any ‘border’ could seamlessly be added on to. I just think that’s dope.”

The Rocheputter Project

The Rocheputter Project is a social movement started by Walker using his Rocheputter design as its stylistic base. The project aims to spread positive, provocative, and socially progressive sentiments through fine art pieces, posters, stickers, and clothing. Simple, but weighted statements are drawn to look like a note card taped to a wall of Rocheputter pattern. These statements vary in their divisiveness and provocation, ranging from community-echoed sentiments such as “Protect Black Women.” to thought-provoking narratives such as “Equality ≠ Equity.”

“I wanted to use the Rocheputter to say something— well, many things. As an artist, I have messages to share and my works are the medium I use to share them. I started the Rocheputter Project to say the things I wanted to say, as simply as I could say them, and use the design’s appeal to draw peoples’ eyes in and give them something to look at,” says Walker.

As previously mentioned, he plans to use his design to make project posters, stickers and clothing, and have them available for sale through his online store. Additionally, Walker plans to create a series of fine art works in 2024 revolving around the Rocheputter pattern. Some of these works will be large-scale pieces on traditional canvas, while others, like his 2024 Rocheputter bike helmet will be on more “adventurous” canvases. Nearly all pieces will be available for sale to the public upon their completion and all profits will fund future endeavors of the project.

Why that name?

Walker admits that Rocheputter is undoubtably an ‘interesting’ name choice, but he stands firm on his decision. The name is derived from his hometown, Rochester, New York , and the word putter, which is a rough synonym for ‘doodle.’ When asked about the name, this is what Walker had to say:

“I named it the Rocheputter for a couple reasons. For one, I wanted it to be a sort of ode to Rochester. Something that was born and raised here, like me. I wanted the design and the project to catch on in such a way that when people saw it, they instantly knew what it was and where it came from— give us Roc natives something else to be proud of and have ownership of. And second, I did it ‘cause I wanted to make it so if you searched it up on Google there was no mistaking what you were looking for. Ain’t no Rochester, Minnesota Rocheputter, it’s just here with us in the 5.”

Despite its local roots, however, Walker isn’t opposed to the project spreading elsewhere, so long as it is recognized as Rochester, New York’s very own. He hopes the project, as well as the design, become widely recognized not only in upstate New York, but across the country.

“I want it to spread and be recognized as a movement as well as an art style. The same way you can see Keith Haring’s style and recognize it— I want the project to eventually reach that level of recognition; not only for the art, but more so for the messages associated with the project and how the art perpetuates those messages.”

Ultimately, Walker doesn’t know where the project will end up, or if it will be successful. According to him, it’s his job to produce the art, market it as much as he can and pray it takes off in the way he’s hoping it will. Either way, he plans to produce art regardless of the project’s success.

“Nothing is ever guaranteed. I understand that. But I’m still going to move forward like the project can’t fail because I know that even if it doesn’t blow like I want, at least a few people will enjoy the art and the messages behind it. That’s enough for me,” says Walker.

The Rocheputter Project will commence at the start of 2024, with master prints and fine art pieces already being made in preparation for the project’s full launch. If you are interested in supporting the project, please visit royalcitysfinest.com/shop and consider purchasing a piece. If you would like to become a sponsor of the project, please visit www.royalcitysfinest.com/donate to explore sponsor options. Links and example designs are available below.