We’re currently living in a world where face masks are as customizable as sneakers or hats. If this is going to be our new normal for the foreseeable future, shouldn’t we at least protect ourselves in style? One downside of a mask is that it’s harder to see the wearer’s full facial expression. That’s the issue San Francisco-based product designer Danielle Baskin set out to conquer. Via Simplemost, Baskin created Maskalike, a company that issues face masks you can customize with your own face. In other words, you can basically pose for a selfie showing your full face even when you’re wearing a mask.
Is it scary? Is it great? Only you can make that decision for yourself.
I wanted to improve my face masks in the same way that a hobbyist baker wants to get better at baking bread. It took a while to get this quality. I had to learn how to sew better.
— Danielle Baskin (@djbaskin) June 29, 2020
But then I stumbled into a multi-million dollar business. I was invited onto Shark Tank 3 times. pic.twitter.com/FWCth5Uebt
“From the creator of ‘masks that unlock your phone’ featured in The Wall Street Journal, comes Maskalike!” reads the welcome message on the website. “We’re a service that prints images onto protective face masks. Whether it’s a replication of your own face or your favorite meme, we care about the details. Our masks are sure to make people around you do double-takes and have a brighter day.”
Maskalike
As the official website states, if you’re not a fan of showing off your expression every day, Maskalike allows you to customize your mask with other photos of your choosing. Love animals? Want to rep your favorite food? Maybe you’re an Animal Crossing turnip fan. You name it, Maskalike will print it.
Baskin first tweeted about her foray into mask making back in June. Her masks soon went viral thanks to The Today Show and NBC News picking up on the unique venture. Add in the crazy way news spreads on the internet and Baskin suddenly found herself with a massive inbox and waiting list over 25,000 customers, who all wanted their very own “maskalikes.”
I woke up this morning to learn that the Today Show aired my Maskalike face masks (without a heads up). Then NBC news. Then it spread through the internet for the 4th time. I got several emails per minute. Now I have >25,100 people on the waitlist and 1,225 unanswered emails.🤯 https://t.co/yQWN9a46C9 pic.twitter.com/3NubjtQ4xt
— Danielle Baskin (@djbaskin) June 28, 2020
The bad news is, these masks aren’t actually available yet. But if you want to join the 25,000 person waitlist, you’re more than welcome to throw your hat—er, mask—into the ring.
Featured Image: Maskalike