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This year I really want to embrace summer. Take it by the hand and dance with it like its Gene Kelly. Make the most of it. Really enjoy it.

That’s not to say that I don’t always love summer. I am not a natural sunshine baby. But I love bright warm days. I love how they make me feel, and how they seem to make the rest of the world feel around me. So even though I’m prone to getting too overheating and my all black wardrobe perhaps isn’t suited to hot weather. When (not if) the sunshine comes, I need to remember that, and all the grey days we’ve endured to get there, and really bask in it. Nowhere more so than when I’m on holiday this year, because I’m making the effort to take a proper relaxing summer break this year that’s all about the “aaaaah” of feeling the sun warm your skin, then the “mmmmmm” of cooling it back down in the pool, and is completely devoid of worrying about what work I could be doing.

With that in mind, I’ve created these backgrounds so every time I log on to my laptop or pick up my phone I’m reminded I shouldn’t be so attached to them and I should get my pale butt outside. They’re all free for you to download as well, because I think this is an important cause and summer if you’re in the UK is usually gone in the blink of an eye.

NB: please don’t forget to wear sunscreen, especially if you’re as pasty as me, when you head out. I know you already know, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded. It’s so so important.

MOBILE

DESKTOPS


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I’m so excited to share this design story with you, it’s just a little bit special. I’ve wanted to do a design story on my glasses from the very start of this series. They’re the biggest design statement I make every day. But I wasn’t sure how to do them justice. After some thought, I decided to reach out to the guys at Cubitts to see if they wouldn’t mind helping me out. Being as lovely as they are, they kindly agreed to help so this design story features an interview with the people who were actually involved.

Before we get into the interview let’s start at the very beginning as we always do in these design stories.

The first eyeglasses were probably invented in 1285, in Italy, by Salvino D’Armate. He shared his invention with Allesandro della Spina, an Italian monk, who made it public and is sometimes also credited with inventing eyeglasses. These first glasses were designed to help long-sightedness. By the 14th century, dedicated Venetian craftsmen were making glasses for sale. These “disks for the eyes” apparently got the name lenses because their round convex shape reminded people of a lentil.

It wasn’t until 1451, almost 200 years after the first spectacles had been made, that glasses for near-sightedness were invented by German philosopher and theologian Nicholas of Cusa. One of the most important contributions to eyeglasses were the invention of side or temple pieces that rest over the ear which were introduced by Benjamin Franklin and first advertised in 1728. Nearly 60 years later, in 1784, Franklin also created the first bifocals.

Vision-correcting eyeglasses were darkened and they were introduced into Italy via the Chinese in around 1430. These lenses were darkened for vision purposes, rather than to protect from bright light. The sunglasses we know became popular in the early 20th century around the same time as the rise of Hollywood, as stars used them to protect their eyes from the bright stage lights. Sam Foster is credited with popularising them in 1929, mass producing tinted lenses for the first time.

Perhaps the most important modern refinements of those originals designs include the invention of unbreakable lenses in 1955 and the development of plastic lenses in 1971.

Styles and fashions changed have changed over the years, from scissor glasses to cat eye frames, and the materials used to make glasses have been optimised. But they have, in effect, stayed very similar. While my Cubitts Bingfield glasses are a lot sturdier, lighter, and, may I say, stylish than those Benjamin Franklin was making, you can definitely see the resemblance.

The shape of the Bingfield is pretty classic and was super popular in the 90s, what made you decide now was the right time to bring it back? And what touches have you added to make it more modern?

We launched in 2013 with a range of 8 styles, all of which were purely acetate. At that time round frames were just starting to become more popular. We designed a number of metal frames to add to the collection, and Bingfield was the first one we launched. We’ve added custom titanium nose pads, and tweaked the lens shape a little. But otherwise, the design and construction is very traditional.

Do all of your designs begin with a sketch? Could you talk me through the process from the first spark of an idea to the finished article being on someone’s face?

We start with a sketch, which becomes a technical drawing. We 3D print and laser cut prototypes, and produce a sample. We make tweaks to this and produce further samples. Once we’re happy this product is then put into production.

Is it just one person who makes a pair of glasses from start to finish, or is it collaborative and mix of skills?

If it’s a bespoke piece the frame is made by one person. If it’s a frame in full production then many people are involved, each focussing on a very specific job.

In a lot of the design stories I’ve researched the process of creating is very iterative, is that true for spectacle design too?

This can change a lot depending on the complexity of design.

How do you go about finding the right materials? For example, why are the nosepads on the Bingfield made of titanium?

We sample materials from many different suppliers until we find what we’re happy with. We’re looking for the best quality material we can find, to produce a beautiful product that is also affordable. The titanium nose pads are lightweight, and look better than chunky silicone. When using metal there’s lots of other things to consider, like nickel content which can cause allergic reactions etc

I know that the Bingfield is named after Bingfield Street in King’s Cross, what made link the glasses and that street?

We name all of our frames after Streets around the King’s Cross area, where the company is from.

I bought my glasses online, and went through the home trial process. Was there a design process involved in how you created your service as well as your glasses? How did you make it so that the process of buying your glasses is just a pleasurable as wearing them?

It’s just about making it as simple and easy as possible. Removing unnecessary fuss, and making every step run smoothly. There’s lots of design to this process. Whether it be the structure of the store, or the checkout on the website. It’s all designed to make to process enjoyable.

Your glasses come beautifully packaged and you’ve got a whole array of accessories and artist designed cloths, why are these little details so important? And do you have a favourite cloth design?

The accessories are all included to serve a functional purpose. They are not there for the sake of it. But with the cloth in particular we had an opportunity to work with artists to make something more interesting. The first cloth we ever made was a scene scape of King’s Cross. Lucy Dalzell took a building from each of the streets we’d named frames after and created a beautiful design. It’s still my favourite one. 

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I have never been, and probably will never be, a natural runner.

I was someone who hated PE at school. That’s not an exaggeration, I hated it. I wasn’t very good. I didn’t think it was fun. I was once chased by a girl wielding a hockey stick. I hated it.

But as a grew older, and yes, a little podgier, I realised that exercise was going to have to be a part of my life whether it brought back the old trauma of secondary school sports or not.

I’d heard good things about exercise, and many people around me seemed to really enjoy it. But for me, I just couldn’t get passed the “ugh I’m out of breath and uncomfortable” stage to get to their enlightened place of zen.

I tried, and quite liked, swimming but it ended up being too expensive when I moved. I attempted recreating HIIT videos within the confines of my own home, and then gave up 2 minutes in. I even got a gym membership. I went for a while. But the feeling of being watched while I attempted, very badly, to exercise never sat that well with me either.

So, in December, that well known time when people like to be outside in shorts I decided to try running (again).

Throughout my attempts at exercise I have tried and given up on running, or rather shuffling, including an ill-fated and school sponsored mandated 10k.

I’m not sure why I thought this time would be different, but I did.

I knew I wasn’t very good at running. I wasn’t sure I could even run a single kilometre. But, instead of using that as an excuse not to try very hard I decided to get some help. I downloaded the NHS Couch to 5K podcast. I’d heard about it while at work and I thought I’d use my insider knowledge to beat running once and for all. I know realise, there’s a whole cult of Couch to 5K-ers and I wasn’t at all cool, alas.

The Couch to 5K podcast leads you through a series of run-walk sessions until finally you run, without stopping for half an hour or 5km. I followed the sound of Laura’s voice and ran and walked and ran and walked for 9 weeks.

Was it a bit embarrassing to feel knackered after running for just 3 minutes? Yes, but that’s where running on cold, dark December nights actually came into its own. Did I sometimes not quite make it? Of course, and I just did the run again because I became weirdly obsessed with earning the levels. Did I get there in the end? Oh yeah I did!

Once I got to the end of the programme I felt like I could jog reasonably well, enough that I could say I was going out for a run and actually run for a socially acceptable amount of time.

So, I, who hated PE with the burning rage of a thousand suns, now run 4 times a week. What’s more I kind of like it.

I’m still not at a stage where I just switch off and have a wonderful time while I’m running. I get out of breath. My legs ache. I get way too hot. But I do enjoy it.

As someone who sits at a desk at work all day, only to come home and sit at a desk some more, it feels really good just to move. It’s also so good to have half an hour away from a screen, outside. Whether I’m listening to a podcast or just my thoughts it’s so freeing to run in the “fresh” air, without a backpack or a coat to weigh me down, and just go.

I’ve also grown to like running because every time I go out it feels like an achievement. I’m reminded of the fact I stuck with it, and I went from not being able to run at all to where I am today and it makes me feel so powerful.

That confidence has helped me creatively too. It’s reminded me that if I set my mind to something I can actually do it and its encouraged me to try and learn new skills and actually push myself. Plus, having my half an hour outside gives me time to think about those skills.

I wanted to write this piece not just because I’m proud that I’m now running but to encourage you guys to commit to something new, even if it’s hard. Even if it’s exercise. Actually, especially if it’s exercise because we all need to get outside and move around more. Honestly, it feels so good to stick to something and keep going.

So here’s to running some more, maybes next year I might be writing about attempting a second, hopefully less ill-fated 10K.

*I would also encourage anyone who wants to start running to try Couch to 5K or something similar.

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Your 9-5 doesn’t have to be your creative passion.

I’m serious. Your 9-5 doesn’t have to be your creative passion for you to be a creative person. It doesn’t.

I listen to a lot of creative podcasts, read a lot of blogs by creative people, and scroll through more creative content than is healthy. Everything I see seems to encourage the idea that you should be turning your creative passion into a job.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m all for people monetising their passions, being creative, and just generally doing more of what makes them happy. But I do have a problem with the idea that it’s what you should be doing. That it’s the way you prove you’re serious about creating. That it’s necessary to show you’re committed and courageous. That it’s the way.

I have a problem with it because it’s not true and because it left me feeling really awful about myself.

I spend my 9-5 in an office, doing really engaging and interesting work. That means that I, like many people out there, work on my creative projects in my own time. My blog and my design work are side projects that happen on evenings and weekends. While I make a little bit of money through my design, it isn’t, and might not ever be, my full-time job, and I’m certainly not in a position to be able to do a similar role inside a company. My creative passion isn’t my job.

But that doesn’t devalue what I do. It doesn’t mean I’m nor creative. It doesn’t mean I’m not committed.

There are so many reasons I, and so many other people, have jobs that don’t involve our favourite creative pursuits, that don’t mean we’re running scared. We might like the stability they offer. We might be making sure we’re ready to take a creative leap. We might be gaining skills and contacts and experience. We might need their financial security. We might love the office environment. We might find inspiration in doing something completely different and being surrounded by people who are outside of our creative spheres. We just might love them too.

Yes, taking that leap to make your creative passion your full-time job is incredible and brave and something you should do if you want to. But don’t feel like you have to, or like if you’re not doing it right now or even planning on doing it that what you make is worth any less.

This one is for me as much as it is for anyone out there reading this one. However, creativity is a part of your life enjoy it and value it.

I think too often we define ourselves by our work titles rather than our values and our passions and who we actually are, which means that if you don’t have a creative title it can feel like you’re not actually a proper creative person. Whatever that means. So many people feel scared to define themselves as creative because their creativity comes in the form of a hobby or a side project.

“I paint but I’m not a painter.” “I design but I’m not a designer.” “I make badass creative projects and write about them but I’m not a creative.”

Do any of those seem familiar to you? Well, I’ve got news for you, if you’re creating and making and it brings you joy, you are a creative person.

Be inspired by the all the podcasts and the blogs and the creative content out there that pushes you to be more creative. But please don’t feel pressured to need a creative job title or a creative lifestyle as defined by someone else.

As long as you’re making time for your passions where you can and when you want to, then you’re already there. Prioritise creativity in a lifestyle that suits you and you’re doing it already. Keep pushing yourself to be and do better, but make sure it really is you pushing not some idea of what you should be doing.

Enjoy where you’re at. Whether you’re happy with your work situation or you’re on your way to making a change. Revel in the moment you have and the balance you currently have. Then get creative with it.

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They say you should never meet your heroes, but they don’t say anything about emailing them.

In the past, I’ve been hesitant about reaching out, because I thought it was pointless – no one would want to hear from me. But over the past few months I’ve been reaching out more and more and I’ve received so many positive responses.

So, I’m here to say if there’s someone you want to work with or get advice from, just reach out. What’s the worst that can happen?

I’ve reached out to bloggers, designers, colleagues, and companies. While I haven’t gotten to work with all of the 90% of the responses have been positive, and, I’m not sure if it’s some sort of karma, I’ve had more people reaching out to me in return. I think that goes to show that people are just people at the end of the day, and if you’re sending good vibes to good people you’re going to get lovely responses.

What changed my approach? First, I realised there were so many things I wanted to do that I couldn’t do on my own. Second, I remembered how easy it was to reach out when I was working at the student paper or when I was in my PR placement. Third, I realised I hadn’t actually ever had the bad response that I was imagining. As ever, so much of what I was anxious about was all in my head.

If like me, there are things you want to do but you need some help or advice I would really recommend just sending that email, or that DM (or letter, I have sent physical post before). People have contact information on their sites for a reason, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that receiving an unexpected email can make someone’s day or offer just a bit of a refreshing change from the same old work stuff.

Here are a few of my top tips for reaching out. They’re pretty simple and obvious but they’re definitely worth thinking about before you fire up Gmail.

BE FRIENDLY

It never hurts to be nice. You’re reaching out to someone, probably because you like what they do, so show it. You don’t need to gush but it does pay to be positive. People are more likely to engage with people who are already engaged with what they’re doing, it shows you have similar values, tastes and interests. Also, no one wants to receive a really glum or mean email.

PUT SOME EFFORT IN

If you’re going to contact someone out of the blue, please please please don’t just ask them something you could have googled yourself. It’s lazy, and rude, and more likely than not you’re not going to get a response. If you want to work with them make sure you’ve put some thought into your proposal and that it makes sense you’re asking them to do this specific thing. Do your research, and know your stuff. If you just wanna be friends, don’t be a stalker but be a little bit more specific than hey I like your blog let’s hang out, build a conversation like you would in person.

GIVE EXAMPLES

If you’re looking to work with someone I’d suggest giving a few examples of your work, because when you’re the one reaching out the other person probably doesn’t know what you do. When I do this it’s usually in the form of a few links to appropriate posts or similar pieces of work I’ve done in the past. Where it’s a new venture for me, I will sometimes put together a couple of bespoke examples to help bring my pitch to life. For example, when I emailed Lizzie Hadfield, I made a few rough test images to give her an idea of the kind of thing I’m talking about. These examples change completely depending who I’m contacting and in what capacity.

WRITE SOMETHING YOU WOULD WANT TO READ

The best advice I can give is to write an email you’d like to receive. That probably means something that’s more than just one line but isn’t a 5,000 word essay. It also means something in a friendly tone that’s pretty engaging. You don’t have to spend weeks drafting and redrafting it either. It’s just an email or a DM. No one, unless you’re applying to be a copy editor, is going to be offended or think less of you because of that one stupid typo – I promise.

DON’T BE PUT OFF

I know I said at the top of this that I usually get great responses from reaching out, but don’t be disheartened if you don’t straight away, or every time. People are busy. People are sometimes rubbish at answering their emails. People might not always want to work with you. It’s okay. It happens. It doesn’t reflect badly on you. You haven’t lost anything. Putting yourself out there can be scary, and being rejected/ignored isn’t fun but it’s okay. Don’t lose heart, learn from it and keep putting yourself out there.

So, expect to see more collaborations on this blog and if there’s ever anything you want to ask me or work together on please do get in touch!