Capsule Interview Series: Colab

Our Colab interview is a colab in and of itself; co-owner and director Peter Smith sends this intro:

Here is the response from one of our artists – Rockin JellyBean in Japan. He is also a professional musician being the lead in a band called “Jackie and The Cedrics”. His wife, Momo also has an all girls band called the “Go Devils”. I’ve seen them both play live in Osaka and they are awesome!

It’s a joy to hear that some of the most innovative eye-wear designs come from someone with such a blend of artistic influences. Colab, the brand, is a constant effort to incorporate ideas from across the globe. From their site:

Colab facilitates the artists own design into production. There is no constraint, no rules to follow, no target market to appease. We leave the design to the designers and then turn their vision into something tangible.

The result: uniqueness with a quirky twist. Check out more Rockin’ Jelly Bean here and the Colab collection at Capsule.

Q&A after the jump:

PSFK: Why did you start designing?

Rockin’ Jelly Bean: Perhaps I think it to have been a signboard, painter in my previous existence.

What’s the inspiration/idea/theme behind this season?

I usually wear glasses. I have interest in glasses very much, That’s way, this idea which I want to ware. And those that feel the essence of ROCK.

What would you be doing if you weren’t designing?

The head of a circus troupe!

What do you usually turn to for inspiration?

It depends on time and case. But, I have many cases of catching the inspiration in a dream and in a restroom.

What other designers/artists (of any kind) do you admire and why?

I’m surprised that many young girls love my art!

What film/television has been inspiring you lately?

Japanese local news surprised me everyday…

How does music influence your design process?

I think those are the same things. The music is BGM of my picture. And my art is a cut of Music. I intend to express music with a visual.

What kind of music would you say “fits” your brand, if any?

Anything you want!

What are you listening to at the moment?

Cheesy Trash Punk and Florida Funk. Of course NY Punk too!

Where’s the most exciting music coming from right now and why?

That’s from the small vinyl shop of the town. The music is all-at-onceness.

What was the last show you went to?

My solo show in Portland approximately 4 years ago.

If you could go back in time five years and give yourself some advice, what would it be?

“Be careful about a young girl and red wine!”