Creatives In Nature: Rob Boyd
Our series Creatives In Nature continues with Bristol-raised and London-trained sportswear designer Rob Boyd; currently working for Soar Running, Rob also has a vast archive of running and sportswear pieces that provide plenty of source material and inspiration through his Instagram.
What do you do for work and where are you living?
I am a sportswear designer, I occasionally work as a stylist and creative contributor. I’m currently living in East London.
What are your favorite ways to get into nature regularly?
Fortunately I live close to a lot of green space, If I want to get amongst it then my go-to would be a run around Hackney Marshes. If I’m in my hometown of Bristol (UK) then I’ll go for a run up into Ashton Court/Leigh woods!
Do you have any mindfulness practices that you regularly use?
I Don’t, although I am open to exploring different practices. When I want to switch off I tend to look through old magazines/books or watch a film. I love film it helps me escape my thoughts. Otherwise I find running the best way to relax my mind.
Did you have any favorite outdoor adventures or trips in the last year?
Yes, I climbed Cadair Idris with my Dad – (A Mountain in Wales). We got lucky with the weather, It was a clear day, no rainfall on the day/day before making the ascent a little easier and we were met with a 360 degree clear view at the summit.
What are a couple of your favorite pieces of gear or tools and why? (Bike, shoes, watch, pack, jacket, etc anything)
My Soar Elite Tempo Top 2.0 is my favourite garment to run in, followed by the Soar Ultra Jacket in space grey they perform perfectly and as I run hot these lighter layers really make sense. My go to running shoes are the Hoka Bondi 6 Blk/Blk, they offer great support. When commuting my favourite outer layer is the latest Veilance Partition, the detachable hood is the perfect shape - much like the hood found on the Arc Beta AR – I don’t have to worry about the rain and it has enough compartments to store all my daily essentials. The Partition also breaths well which is useful considering I get on and off hot trains frequently. And finally I have an old Carhartt X Real tree jacket that I put on whenever I know the garment will be used heavily and carelessly, it’s so robust and full of features. A lot of new/up and coming work wear companies need to study its construction and take note! It blows a lot of current kit out of the water for sure.
How is your experience in nature reflected in your creative work?
I will often take photos of my surroundings that can later form a print design or even just the colour pallet for new product. I often take mental notes whilst wearing certain garments in nature and then hand sketch said garment when I get home and illustrate how and why I could/would improve the product. It’s also imperative I run in Soar prototypes which of course is always outdoors/in nature – product testing is always reflected in my creative work.
After a run/ride or trip where you’re away from devices – how do you find your perspective has shifted when you sit back at your computer?
Running helps to clear the mind although I do listen to music when I’m out so maybe I’m never completely detached. My mind is often a lot more focused after a run, My physical activity is complete for the day so I can relax knowing that I’ve bettered myself in that sense – when I get back to my computer after a run I feel I operate more productively.
What trips or places are on your list to explore in the next year?
I want to revisit the Amalfi Coast in Italy. My girlfriend wants us to check out Santorini so that’s on the cards. And finally I would love to finally visit Japan, I intend to spend a week in Tokyo and then another week up in the hills! All of this depends on how the current pandemic restrictions pan out of course.
What tool or piece of gear is on your wish list right now?
I’m looking for a multi-functional running vest, something light that will hold two bottles, my keys and phone. I just haven’t found the right one yet! I am also looking for a particular discontinued Veilance Jacket but I would rather leave the product name out. I don’t want to track it down while competing with others to find it… I’m having enough trouble as it is.
Is there any way that you’d like to combine your creative process with nature in the future?
Yes, I would love to design a shoe, trainer or boot (from scratch) at some stage in my career. This would have to work well in most natural environments. It would have to be tested in nature so I guess the combination would stem from there.
Our series Creatives In Nature continues with Bristol-raised and London-trained sportswear designer Rob Boyd; currently working for Soar Running, Rob also has a vast archive of running and sportswear pieces that provide plenty of source material and inspiration through his Instagram.
Tags: Creatives In Nature, Movement