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In Above the Fold, we spotlight individual members of Coroflot's vibrant creative community. The idea is to take you behind the scenes and inside the minds of talented Coroflot members who we think are doing exceptional work. Coroflot was created by designers, for designers, and Above the Fold is the place where we can talk to creatives about work that we not only love, but think you'll love too!

Technology is an amazing thing, but even the most tech-savvy creatives often begin fleshing out an idea with a simple sketch. San Francisco-based Industrial Designer Colin Jackson has a portfolio filled with stunningly modern product designs that are equally focused on functionality and user experience. Many if not all of Colin's designs begin with a sketch, and sometimes other ways, like with play dough (more on that later). On projects like the Elite 800 wireless gaming headphones or the SONOS Play 1 speaker, Colin demonstrates a premium design aesthetic that is often evolved yet at the same time stays true to his initial sketches. He has worked for a number of studios over the years, but since 2012 Colin has been the Principal at his own Ink Studios, LLC, where he continues to produce impressive industrial design work.

Was there a specific moment in life where you realized you wanted to pursue a creative path?

There wasn't a specific moment for me. I think I was always creative/artistic but never realized you could make a living at it. It was only when a teacher at Syracuse University convinced me that industrial design was a viable career path that everything clicked for me. Like many young people, I wasn't aware of creative fields outside of studio art.

Who are your design heroes?

Donald Judd, Marc Newson, I also really enjoy the work of Thomas Feichtner.

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Can you share some details about your most recent project?

Well, a lot of startup work is confidential but I am in the process of building the first prototype of the Canopy table. It's machined aluminum with some steel components and should be really something. This has been a fun project as I have been working with local fabricators and machine shops. Seeing the level of craftsmanship these people employ is really something.

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Do you have any projects coming up that you are particularly excited about?

Yes, my company Ink Studios recently designed a streaming microphone for Turtle Beach that is available in December. I can't wait to see how gamers, podcasters and Twitch users respond to it. It's super intuitive and allows anyone to plug in and broadcast and is really affordable compared to conventional microphones. I also have some designs for a few startups, which will hopefully be launching soon as well.

Walk us through some of your process for creating.

My process can change depending on the type of product. I think experience has allowed me to see where the pitfalls in each project are, and how to adapt accordingly. A good example of this is recently my company designed a handheld tech product for a startup. Before we started any conventional development we made quick play dough models. These primitive forms allowed us to quickly understand what shapes worked for the design and which didn't. These models provided us with the basic architecture for the finished design. I think solving things functionally first and aesthetically later is always a good formula for success.

What is your favorite project that you've completed and why?

There have been a lot, some of which I am still not able to talk about. Working on the initial ID of the Sonos Play 1 was a fun one just because of the exposure of the product and how much of the early design carried over into the production version. I am also really proud of the projects I have completed since working for myself. When you work for someone else there is almost always a compromise on creative direction. It's refreshing when you design a product and the outcome is just you and your client's vision.

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What tools do you find yourself using repeatedly?

I use Rhino, Keyshot, and Photoshop quite a bit for digital tools. Pen and paper for analog.

Is there any work out there that you've come across recently that you've really loved?

Yes, Cloud and Co design studio, and Howl design studio are two foreign consultancies that do really nice work. Discommon is an interesting company that does a lot of unexpected accessories and their Instagram feed is filled with awesome materials and process pictures.

Do you have a ritual for getting in work/design mode (music you listen to, certain exercise, food you eat) aka a productivity tip?

I find that music helps with creativity. When I need to be really productive, especially with a deadline, I will go with just silence. I find that this slows time down and I can use my complete focus.

I also like to get into work early in the morning when it's quiet and most sane people are still sleeping. There's something about the silence at that time that works for me.

Lastly, coffee is king for productivity. After all, that's why it's for closers.

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Outside of your professional life, do you have any other creative outlets or hobbies?

Yes, I like to draw and sketch outside of work stuff. I also really enjoy concept art and illustration.

If you're stuck on a desert island and can only bring three (design) tools, what are they?

Pen and paper.

Do you have any tips for getting the most out of your Coroflot portfolio?

I think in general it's always good to be actively updating your portfolio. It makes you take stock of your skills and highlights areas you can improve. It's also very useful for getting new work and prospective clients or potential job opportunities.

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To see more of Colin's work, check out his Coroflot portfolio!

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