David Oxley is a product designer and owner of Inertia Projects, operating from Newcastle Upon Tyne, UK. David began the company to create modern lighting, in particular LED desk lamps. Unusually their first lamp - the Harvey LED desk lamp - was funded by 155 backers on Kickstarter in 2012. Since then David has designed a number of new innovative designs, such as a reinterpretation of the classic bankers lamp. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of David Oxley.
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1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
In my designs, I’m striving for honesty and simplicity. By this I mean, I want the nature and characteristics of the materials used to be evident in the end-product. The end result should be longevity and high quality in the product.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
Ideas usually start as a scribble in my notebook, then if something looks good I move onto feasibility and costing. After that the hard work starts, the details. 90% of the work is on parts that are hidden or later on discarded.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I love to work with talented engineers, especially electronics engineers - they can make the seemingly impossible happen. Also they tend to have a very different take on things which often leads to new ideas forming.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I love my work and find that ideas come thick and fast every day. In my experience, I find the mundane aspects of everyday life as my main inspiration. It is sometimes about finding something so normal and accepted, but a fresh perspective might make a new idea ‘pop’.
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’ve worked for over ten years as a product designer on various other projects for many companies before having the confidence to strike out on my own. I think patience and perseverance are qualities needed to succeed, and my experience gave me the skills and confidence to start a project plus the tenacity to see it through. My advice would be to keep going and try to enjoy it.
