The less-travelled path is not always the easiest. Time and again, I’ve seen independent brands focus on one category, present themselves as ‘specialists’ and do well. It makes marketing easier and probably more sense commercially but I’ve often questioned, why design a number of products that do similar jobs when you can create one that does them all?
It’s not until recently that I’ve taken a step back and noticed a shape to my work. I’ve never tried to solve the same problem twice and so there is no crossover between products. Each fulfils its own purpose. Together, I can see that they are organically forming a kit bag of the staple products needed for an expedition. The designs that I’m currently developing are set to fill in the remaining gaps.
If you speak to anyone that’s set out to do their own thing they would be lying if at times, they had been unsure of their path. I’m no different and having that realisation was a big moment for me. It felt like something had clicked. To see where you’ve come from and where you’re going in sharp focus is a great feeling.