Earlier this year we collaborated with designer Holly Downes on our exclusive LoveSurf Beach Volley Bikini Top. We recently sat down with Holly to discuss design, creativity, and inspiration. Let’s see what she had to say!
Where do you look for inspiration?
I truly find inspiration daily — whether it be for design work or my personal life, there is no limit to finding inspiration. I love trying new trending workouts. Moving the body in new ways and in different environments is truly inspiring and makes my mind buzz with creative concepts.
Where do you find that you are most creative?
I think all creative people have special moment they take for themselves to keep their minds fresh. Creativity flows for me when I step back and breathe — when I take a moment to embrace life. The freedom of creativity can lead to unique, fresh concepts, which lead to great design.
What do you love about designing activewear?
Designing apparel for an active lifestyle has become my own lifestyle — it’s a part of me.
How did you get your start as a designer?
I headed to college having no idea what career path I wanted to take. My parents’ guidance led me to design school. After graduating from The Art Institute, I landed my first job as an Assistant Designer for Nike Swim. That is when I found my passion for the apparel industry. And now, fourteen years later, I still have the passion and drive for designing active and lifestyle apparel. I love my job!
What is your ultimate design playlist?
Lately my music choices have been inspired by yoga classes I have been attending. Designing to music that triggers muscle memory or moments of a previous runner’s high is a pretty cool experience. A few of my current favorites are:
DJ Ease My Mind (Skrillex Remix) – Niki & the Dove
Emmanuel – Basecamp
Can’t do Without You – Caribou
Be a Body – Grimes
Celestica – Crystal Castles
Hanging On – Ellie Goulding
Northern Lights – Kate Boy
West Coast (ZHU Remix) – Lana del Rey
Eyes – Kaskade
Harvest Moon – Poolside
Midnight – Coldplay
As Close to Me as You are Now – Hiatus
Behind the Seams: Interview with Designer Holly Downes was originally published on LOVESURF BLOG
