When I first started making leather goods, I wasn’t fully sure about the aesthetic I wanted to create. My skills weren’t where I wanted them to be, and I wasn’t very versed in all the different construction techniques or types of leather, and I also lacked many of the necessary tools to craft some items the way I wanted to.
Over time, I slowly experimented with different leathers and accumulated more tools. Most importantly, I gained confidence, experimented, and through getting immersed in the world of leather craft, I began to favour certain styles and practises over others.
My craft is still evolving, I’m still experimenting, and still gathering new tools (and my shopping list is always growing), but as I grow as a crafter, I’ve learned to incorporate certain design elements in new designs. I know that my style will change, but for now I believe Winning Goods is at a place where it has a certain style throughout. It wasn’t always a fully conscious process - I’ve just gone with what I like and been true to myself as a designer.
I can’t forget to mention feedback I’ve had from people along the way which has always been very important (thank you everybody, you know who you are!).
So here are some of the design principles I have; I hope you enjoy reading them and maybe take something away - and get to know Winning Goods a little more, too.
BRITISH DESIGN ELEMENTS
↦ FONT
A few months in, I discovered a Gill Sans print set. I saw it on eBay and immediately knew it was the right fit for Winning Goods. It is such a classic font with ties to old London signage, and has remained timeless. Since then, I have had a custom font set created for all future projects, specifically made for embossing leather products.
↦ COLOUR PALETTE
With the array of colours on offer from all the different leather suppliers, the ones that stood out to me were muted versions of the classic leather colours: black (of course), natural, tan, green and a stunning chestnut. They remind me of the various colours of London tube stations. I love the way you can see all the variations on the Mornington Wallet.
↦ LEATHER
From day 1, from watching other crafters online, I was always inclined to start with vegetable tanned leather. Over time, I’ve tried working with chrome tanned leather, but always preferred veg tan. For now, all Winning Goods products are made with veg tan, with a preference for tumbled grain veg tan and smooth Buttero leather. Luckily, all the best suppliers have some stunning colours like the ones you see for sale with Winning Goods. I’ll probably branch out in the future and make some items with chrome tan, too - so watch this space!
↦ SHAPES
Early on, I decided through experimentation that I had a preference for angular designs - nothing too sharp, but I prefer an angular taper at the end of belts than fully rounded. With curves being used sparingly, I feel that each Winning Goods product will have a general look and feel to them. For example, the Mornington Wallet looks like it’s in the same family as the Umbrella Sling.
↦ LOGO
I have long dreamed of having a logo that feels like a classic. I personally am a bit of a cheeky guy, and one day came up with the WG hand logo idea, but lacked the graphic design skills to make it reality. With the help of the talented Alanah Sarginson, we brought the cheeky twist to a classic-looking sign. Soon the logo will begin to be a feature on a number of Winning Goods designs.
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As a solo producer who makes small batch handmade leather products, it is a challenge to come up with new ideas and designs. The fantastic thing about being solo though, is that I get to experiment as much as I want, spend as much time as I want on something, and not have to answer to anyone. Choosing the life of craftsmanship means devotion to a skill, and immersing myself in what I do to make sustainable, long-lasting goods. I hope you love what I do, too, and continue to follow me on this journey!
Thanks for reading,
Matt