FMP Research: Design Museum- Paul Smith

Fig. 1 Paul Smith Ring (author's own) 

Fig. 2 Paul Smith Work (author's own)

Fig. 3 Inside Paul's Head (author's own)

Paul Smith is a fashion designer who gets inspiration through everything around him, there is a room in the exhibition where you hear his voice repeating over and over tips and techniques about how he does what he does, he says, "Absorb when you look at things". Paul Smith's work may not be a direct inspiration to me, but his approach to how he does his work, his ways of creating, inspiring and being inspired teaches me. He says, "ideas can come from anywhere" and to not spend too much time looking at what other people do, because we shouldn't "go following what already exists." Saying that, at the exhibition, there was a whole hall, of which the walls on either side were filled with other people's work or random photographs, things people have sent him, etc. you can see this in Figure 3. Paul Smith takes inspiration from anywhere and everywhere, but I guess what he's trying to say is whilst registering what's around you, don't get caught up in what has been done, just take from it and move on.

His quotes inspired me more than his work, but I particularly like how he created a brand for himself, specific colours that you will see and you will know that it's him, that he was involved in that project. He is a truly inspiring man, who isn't afraid to thank his wife for being his teacher and his guidance along the way. An honest and skillful designer.