By Katy B. Olson
British designer Beth Travers, who recently founded design studio BOBO1325, designs from illustrations, textures, mixed media and photography sourced from her own sketchbook. The young designer chats with EAL about her muses, the relationship between design and current events, and what's next on the horizon.
How did you get started?
I studied surface pattern design for fashion and interiors at the University of Huddersfield, and whilst I found designing for fashion to be an engaging and dynamic process, I connected with designing for interiors and soft furnishings more. There is something truly special in designing for interiors. As designers we are given the gift of being a part of someone's dream, vision and safe haven.
When was your studio founded?
BOBO1325 was founded in October 2015. The company got its name from my family nickname, which is "Bobo," and my late grandfather's birthday, March 1, 1925. It was created to both achieve my dream of designing for interiors and to honor him. We have been trading since May 2016.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
I mainly draw inspiration from world events and the space around me. For instance, my Hebdo design was created after the terrorist attack on Charlie Hebdo in Paris. Like all acts of terror, I was at a loss and felt a profound sense of sadness. However, I felt this attack for those men and women were targeted that day for using their artistic license, which thousands of artists before them had been using. It's our job in the creative industry to use our voices, whether it be with words, art or design. My Before They Pass Away collection was sparked by the shooting of Cecil the lion, climate change and extinction. I believe that if we can change our thinking we can change the world, before it's too late.
Tell us about your design philosophy.
Marc Jacobs once said, "I always find beauty in things that are odd and imperfect. They are much more interesting." That truly resonates with me. Inspiration, however, can come from anywhere. I find myself influenced by beautiful landscapes, fellow designers and artists alike: Timorous Beasties, Abnormals Anonymous, Florence Broadhurst, Dalí, DainNYC, Faile, Jean-Michel Basquiat and a liberal dose of Bruce Springsteen!
My upcoming collections are inspired by "The Brexit," a collection highlighting Britain through the ages. And my "bucket list," Nevada, The Great Barrier Reef and Japan.
