USA TODAY
Alan Tipp and Gamal Prather Created MTRLobjects with One Mission in Mind: Put Meaning in the Making
Moving away from mass-produced products—accessories to apparel—with little thought to their deeper significance, two designers, Alan Tipp and Gamal Prather, are forging a new path. Under their shared venture, MTRLobjects, they are not just designing products; they are creating products that tell stories, evoke emotions, and connect people with brands in a way that feels authentic and personal.
Their mission is clear: design should not be disposable. Instead, every accessory created should show the meaning behind its creation, including its utility and purpose. With extensive experience in industrial design, the duo has taken a holistic approach to their craft, moving beyond aesthetics to focus on psychology, functionality, and storytelling.
ADVdes offsite speaker series
Chicago, IL —
Our third Offsite Session features designers Gamal Prather and Alan Tipp. Gamal, a Long Beach-based industrial designer, thrives on problem-solving and blending 2D and 3D design. As the owner of The Original Article and co-owner of MTRLobjects, he focuses on creating meaningful narratives through design innovation, specializing in eyewear and distilling complex ideas into purpose-driven designs.
Alan, a Nebraska native and KU graduate, is the award-winning founder of ATIPPICAL, a consultancy bringing products to market—from eyewear to handheld objects. With expertise in design, manufacturing, and go-to-market strategies, he collaborates with startups and Fortune 500 companies alike. As co-owner of MTRLobjects, he explores cutting-edge materials and technologies shaping the future of eyewear.
This free virtual lecture takes place tomorrow—Saturday, March 22 at 11AM CDT
Omaha Magazine B2B
OMAHA, Neb. —
Thirty-five patents. Fifty clients. Three hundred products. Fifty million in revenue. The red and black typography boldly claims its success on the business website, ATIPPICAL. Owner Alan Tipp wears many hats (or sunglasses in his case) as a consultant, designer, and problem-solver. Tipp’s creatively unconventional approach turns around ideas and transforms them into marketable products.
The Millard North alumni received his Bachelor of Arts and Industrial Design in Kansas and launched his career after landing a position in Baltimore, Maryland, at 180s (previously Big Bang), known for their winter weather gear, like ear warmers.
KETV 7 News
OMAHA, Neb. —
As 3D-printing technology evolves, some people are using it to make things more practical. One of the newer creations is 3D-printed glasses.
"I've been designing eyewear for about 25 years," said frame designer Alan Tipp. "There's a big problem if you go into any retail store, whether it's sunglasses or optical, the department has to make some decisions as to what they're going to carry."
And that's why he said there's a growing market for 3D-printed frames.
Tipp prints custom frames out of his home studio in Elkhorn, and he'll soon start selling 3D-printed glasses from his company Mtrl Objects..
SILICON PRARIE NEWS
This Omaha designer is 3D printing the future of eyewear
Omaha-based Alan Tipp was one of SPN’s first interviews way back in 2009 when he was designing performance eyewear for Under Armour. Since then he’s accumulated dozens of patents and launched an innovation consultancy to help other inventors turn their ideas into retail-ready products.
GOLF MAGAZINE
The Game Day polycarbonate lens, developed by Zeiss for Under Armour Eyewear, highlights white objects (such as golf balls) against a green background. Under Armour says the lens provides up to 20 percent more undistorted peripheral vision and is up to 10 times stronger than regular polycarbonate lenses. The titanium-thermoplastic frame has an adjustable nosepad for proper fit.
THE MANUAL
Post-Workout Eyeball Recovery is a Thing and Under Armour is leading the way with its Tuned lenses.
USA TODAY
Steph Curry Sports UA Hi-Roll at the 2018 Warriors Parade- Design by Alan Tipp
BUSINESS INSIDER
Named best sunglasses for women. Under Armour has an athletic appeal to its sunglasses, which are specifically designed for golfing and other activewear outside.
MENS JOURNAL
The best summer running gear for men 2016. Protect your eyes from UV rays with sunnies that won’t slide down your nose. The UA Big Shot Multiflection sunglasses hold on without pinching and have a glare-reducing coating that resists smudges and scratches
SPORTS ILLUSTRATED
Cam Newton fined $10,000.00 because of the Under Armour logo visible on his helmet clips; paying the price for his brand loyalty and trust in equipment that was designed to suit his needs.
EDGE MAGAZINE
Sept 2015 Alan Tipp Shares inspiration through design.
THE SURGE
Performance eyewear should tell a story. It should have it’s own point of view and must be able to stand alone without the logo.
Chase Elliott
Sponsorship announcement on Twitter
DEZ BRYANT
Top Wide Receiver signs deal with Under Armour
TOUCH OF MODERN
Sunglasses With Hidden Storage
Founded in 2018, ViceRays creates shades that complement your active lifestyle while serving a useful secondary function. Each pair features a hidden storage chamber perfectly sized to carry joints or pre-rolls. Totally stress-free and discreet, it's a smart solution for hikers, explorers, beach lovers, and anyone who enjoys life in the open.