The down to earth pair Dan Black (England) and Martin Blum (Switzerland) met at Newcastle university, on the Design for Industry course, the course which also gave us John Ives, of Apple Design. Dan and Martin found their partnership worked from the beginning, rather than succumbing to the usual battle for ideas during group projects, they realised that their two heads were better than one. It seemed that Dan’s impetuousness and Martin’s practical nature complemented each other and according to Martin, “We generated an energy which works”.
Their compatible fusion of personalities is aided by their contrasting backgrounds. Before they met Martin had spent time working for an artist, whereas Dan’s followed his parents into the manufacturing design industry, “we grew up talking about manufacturing design around the kitchen table”. Dan thinks their different backgrounds creates a balance in perspective, and helps them create products which are appealing but realistic.
Dan and Martin believe that not knowing how a product works or is made is no obstacle to designing or creating something, they pride themselves on their confidence to tackle any item at all, even something like a hairdryer, were they inspired to do so. And when asked where they begin with a new product they said that they can be inspired by any aspect of the design process, whether it’s finding a new
Their compatible fusion of personalities is aided by their contrasting backgrounds. Before they met Martin had spent time working for an artist, whereas Dan’s followed his parents into the manufacturing design industry, “we grew up talking about manufacturing design around the kitchen table”. Dan thinks their different backgrounds creates a balance in perspective, and helps them create products which are appealing but realistic.
Dan and Martin believe that not knowing how a product works or is made is no obstacle to designing or creating something, they pride themselves on their confidence to tackle any item at all, even something like a hairdryer, were they inspired to do so. And when asked where they begin with a new product they said that they can be inspired by any aspect of the design process, whether it’s finding a new
material that they want to work with, or discovering a product they want to create, and that this freedom deeply enhances the end results. The other wonderful liberation seems to be that every subsequent product is a brand new idea. Most manufacturers are restricted to adding to a design series but unless Dan and Martin feel it is imperative that the product has a sibling, most of Black + Blum’s products are one offs. The James Bookends, inspired by James the Doorman are one of these rare exceptions.
Like artists in all industries Dan and Martin admit their creativity is enhanced by manufacturing restrictions, as Dan points out, “The tighter the brief the more creative you can be”.
For example, because of a lack of funds during the company’s infancy, the Fruit Loop bowl had to be created using no tooling, so the idea of one piece of metal which didn’t need to be cut or welded was born. It is still one of the pairs favourite pieces, and they rightly feel it’s a classic items that suits any era. Their favouritism is also probably fuelled by the fact that the Fruit Loop bowl has been Black + Blum’s bestselling item for several years now. “We want our designs to have a lifespan. To have a value in a second-hand store in twenty years time. Creating an iconic product makes sense, it means that sales improve over time, unlike fashion items”. cont...
Like artists in all industries Dan and Martin admit their creativity is enhanced by manufacturing restrictions, as Dan points out, “The tighter the brief the more creative you can be”.
For example, because of a lack of funds during the company’s infancy, the Fruit Loop bowl had to be created using no tooling, so the idea of one piece of metal which didn’t need to be cut or welded was born. It is still one of the pairs favourite pieces, and they rightly feel it’s a classic items that suits any era. Their favouritism is also probably fuelled by the fact that the Fruit Loop bowl has been Black + Blum’s bestselling item for several years now. “We want our designs to have a lifespan. To have a value in a second-hand store in twenty years time. Creating an iconic product makes sense, it means that sales improve over time, unlike fashion items”. cont...
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