Judson Beaumont: Designer Interview
Designer Profiles, Innovators & Creators
Judson Beaumont is owner of Vancouver-based Straight Line Designs, established in 1986. Known for his custom wood, fiberglass and mold making, Beaumont enjoys offering a whimsical view into his world through furniture and exhibit design. Much of Beaumont’s studio work has been displayed around the world and on numerous design sites.
What was your first impressionable moment that involved design as a child?
I never did art classes as a child, it wasn’t until graduating high school that I started to look into it as a profession. I then began to look at design more seriously and decided to take the concept farther by attending art school.
It is easy to see that you are influenced by your childhood; what are the things from your childhood that you wish to pass on to others through your work?
I try to pass on the ideal of never limiting yourself or your creativity, take chances and hold onto the childlike fascination with the abstract.
You attribute your style to people like Walt Disney, Dr. Seuss, Warner Brothers, Pee-wee Herman, as well as designers like Philippe Starck and Frank Gehry. Have you had the opportunity to meet or correspond with any of these cultural icons?
I have met both Frank Gehry and Philippe Stark at various trade shows. I admire the fact that they push the limits more than any other designers, always reaching forward and defying limitations.
How did you make the transition from student to business owner, creating Straight Line Designs out of design school?
I never wanted to leave art school; for me it was the greatest thing I had every experienced. After going through a short trial in the movie industry, I decided to venture out on my own and start my own studio. My plan was to create my own art school environment.
What is the key to your success in your design studio, having worked nearly 25 years with so many clients on so many projects? Is it the atmosphere, the content of your work, or maybe the end result of seeing people enjoying your finished work?
I think it is a little bit of everything combined. The talent of my staff, being able to create such unique products and getting to enjoy the reactions afterwards.
How important is it for you to have sketches and renderings to communicate to your clients before you create your finished designs?
It is one of the most important aspects of design. It is very important for me to visualize the project with the client on paper before it ever begins being built.
You have said that you try to incorporate elements into your designs that make each project un-intimidating, interactive and fun. Is this difficult when working with a medium such as wood?
No, we work with many different techniques to bend the wood and create unique shapes, we definitely push the medium. We also incorporate fiberglass and mold making into our list of materials, as well.
Giving talks and slide shows must be rewarding, but how do you make time for speaking engagements; do you travel to schools and businesses or do they come to your studio?
It is definitely a little bit of both. I enjoy going to schools and events and talking with students but it is also great to get them down to the studio so they can see everything in a real working environment.
What should an aspiring designer do every single day, with the intention of becoming a better designer through habit?
I would say sketching, and researching are definitely the most important stepping stones to becoming a better designer. Looking into other artists, getting inspired and seeing what others are doing around you.
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