One To Watch: Custhom

The one to watch series is back after a long holiday break and I am excited to introduce to you these two lovely talents that form  London based mixed media design collective, Custhom. I thereby introduce to you  Nathan Philpott and Jemma Ooi, two RCA graduates who have a passion for digital embroidery/illustration and silk screen printing. I particularly love their beautiful wallpapers that react to sunlight/heat and change colour. 

I have been very lucky to have met Jemma at a couple of events. she is as lovely as her products. Here the duo kindly answer a few questions.

When did you realise you had a passion for design? 

(N) From as far back as I can remember, I was always making 'something'  whether it was a den, an egg box robot, plasticine animations or Lego ships, this grew into into an obsession with how things were created.  After initially studying illustration, this lead me to printed graphics and digital embroidery and my inquisitiveness has continued to grow.

(J) From the day I started finger painting - so... about 3 years ago? 

Where do you inspirations come from? 

(J) Mostly from my environment at the time - I'm fascinated by the changes within natural form but it can be anything from the shape of a building to what is at the bottom of a rock pool that feeds my creativity.

(N) everything and anything . . . Architecture, music videos, New Scientist, National geographic, new places, old places and dreams.

What has been the highlight of your career so far? 

(Both) Bumping into each other at the Royal College of Art and developing a range of products that are unique and challenging in their processes, from wallpapers that react to heat and sunlight, to designing a collection that recycles unwanted bone china elegantly and sustainably. 

What do you hope to achieve in 5 years time? 

(Both) Just the usual...you know, world domination :)

What famous artists/designers do you admire or inspires you the most? 

(J) We find so many people interesting, from different creative backgrounds, but a few are Martin Margiella, Michel Deverne, Jasper Johns, Charlie Harper and Sarah Sze

(N) Michel Gondry, Hella Jongerius, Roel Wouters, Robert Rauchenberg , Stanley Donwood and Wallzo.

What five words best describe you ? 

(N) Optimistic, fidgety, quietly confident & determined
(J) Perfectionist, pessimist, driven, honest & ambitious

What 5 things couldn't you live with out? 

(J) The people I love, my phone, my laptop, internet and tea.

(N) My British library card, Laptop, The Simpsons, music and grape fruits.

Thanks so much to Jemma and Nathan and I look forward to seeing more from them as I think they are fab. Good Luck :)