Adam Slade is the founding Director of Swarm Design, a firm that offers a distinctive edge and mysterious allure, as well as capturing a Victorian aesthetic. Adam aims to create contemporary designs, utilising 19th century period style, simultaneously overturning the preference for minimalist decorating. Adam has also participated in the Crafts Council 2014 Hothouse program, a scheme that provided him with the confidence and inspiration to rebrand his business. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Adam Slade.
Image Credit: 1-5) Adam Slade
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
I would say my style is mysteriously enchanting, wonderfully weird and sometimes sinister. The imagery I favour tends to include insects, antiques and statuary often given a darker twist by my style of heavy illustrative own drawing.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
The process always begins with drawing. Even if I'm not entirely sure of the whole direction the collection is going to go, I find that by drawing something the initial idea begins to develop itself.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
She is probably getting a bit sick of these mentions, but my greatest inspiration and mentor, is Tracy Kendal. I did work experience with Tracy during my final year at university and the values and skills she taught me then have stayed with me ever since. Fundamentally, she taught me that hard work is everything. As well as the valuable lessons Tracy taught me, I also hugely respect her style of work. It's bold and fearless and totally brilliant.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
As disappointing as this may sound, I find the Internet as my most resourceful and potent form of research. And I don't just mean googling pretty images. Social media and blogs are an amazing way to pool together ideas.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I feel like there are a great number of things that have lead me to where I am now. A main one was exhibiting at New Designers as a graduate, as it gave me the initial exposure which lead to my first big project as an independent designer, which in turn gave me the confidence as well as the funding to build my business.
