WHO IS BOBSMADE?
Bobsmade is a German based clothing line, run by the one person. The brand is quite well known for drawing on everything like shoes, bags, headphones, caps, canvas’s and walls. We have previously featured some of Bobsmade’s freebies ‘here’ and are now very excited to be speaking with the man behind the brand. Please note: Broken English in this interview has been translated by Diesel Laws.
- When did drawing on shoes, headphones and bags first grab your attention?
– I started drawing characters in 2007 on Chucks (Converse’s Chuck Taylor). I painted on clothes and stuff before that but not in this style. This is the first design I uploaded to Deviantart.com:
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From that moment on, more and more people wanted my drawings on their shoes. At the start I didn’t even want money for it!
The idea of customising headphones came as I got 3 pairs of the same headphones as a present. So i thought, why not draw on these? I don’t think anybody has done this before in that way (it is really hard to work on such a little area). This was the first headphones design and it got a lot attention:
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- They look awesome! What do you think is the main factor that has contributed to the success of Bobsmade?
– I think maybe I came at the right time? Or maybe it’s because I take the time to draw everything by hand and just for one person (for really little money when you think about it). Also it’s unique and beautiful and not just an object, its a piece of art. I love what I do and I’m very glad I’m allowed to do it!
- I agree, it definitely is art. Did you always picture yourself as a designer?
– Well, I don’t think I’m a typical designer. I never learnt it or anything like that. It’s more like a game where I play as a designer. I’m always interested in new styles and technology and I want to try it all out, that’s what keeps it going. And yes, I would say since the start, Bobsmade has got really big and kept me busy, but is also a good part in my life.
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- I think we can see the love for it in your attention to detail. It’s great. Suspending reality for a second, what item in the world would you love to draw on?
– There is a large canteen at the workplace of my mother and the firm have bought huge paintings with nearly nothing on it for about 50.000€ (Approx $70,000American) and everything looks dull and grey. And when they go to eat, they always watch this grey wall every day. Today my mother said “Let’s break into this room to night and colour up the walls and paintings, and every worker will be happy the next day when they go to eat again.”
- Wow, that sounds like a lot of wasted money! I think your art on that wall would be much better. Next question: How important do you think it is for designers to have an online presence?
– I think today it’s very important. I also admire people who say they don’t need the online presence at all, I think they most likely get there fame from somewhere else, like the newspaper or something.
I don’t really use twitter, and never facebook. Thats more of a social network where you can discuss with friends. I’m not interested in hearing about somebody going to bed, being at work or what he has watched on TV; it’s just not for me. Deviantartand a bit of Myspace is much better for me because it’s about your art and you visit those sites to see art and not read personal things. There are also a lot of strange kids out there, but that’s really my viewpoint, because without Deviantart no one would have ever heard about Bobsmade.
- Interesting viewpoint. Ok, here’s a random question: What’s your next move?
– I’m planning to develop a forum on my website so visitors can discuss about their experiences of customising shoes and other items, what products they need and where to get them. Because we all live in different parts of the world and get different materials in stores, I want to encourage people to share. I also have no secrets, I have told everything in lots of videos (also tutorials that are coming soon). I get many questions everyday about what to use and that’s why I want a place for discussions.
- I think that’s a fantastic idea! I’m sure many people will be able to benefit from those forums.
Thank you BOBSMADE for allowing BLANKBOTS.COM to interview you, it has been an absolute pleasure to hear (and see) your impressive and detailed designs. Who else would you love to see interviewed on BLANKBOTS.COM?
– You’re welcome. Thank you. Definitely my dude Schakalwal should be next. He’s one of the best for Logos and Typography. We have done a shirt together over the last few days too. You can vote here if you like.
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Ok, we will contact him asap. Thank you again BOBSMADE.
If you want to check out more of BOBSMADE’s amazing designs here’s the links:
print version