Plastic problems prompt designer's move into the fast lane - The Leamington Observer

Plastic problems prompt designer's move into the fast lane

Leamington Editorial 16th Jun, 2019   0

PLASTIC problems have seen a designer move into the fast lane.

Issues over the use of plastics in food packaging by supermarkets has created an unexpected opportunity for motor sport-loving graphic designer Dominic Bowen, who runs Ephemeral Design near Kineton.

The former Princethorpe and Warwickshire College student was being kept busy creating packaging designs for food stuffs for big name firms, but the work dried up partly due to environmental concerns over the use of plastics.

Dominic, who has raced karts at Shennington, has now moved into designing helmets for motor racing drivers following a chance meeting with the supplier of his own helmet.




The 45-year-old said: “It is something I have always been interested in as it is the only visible thing a driver can make his own especially due to the constraints teams place on there brand the helmet becomes that unique focal point that can determine a drivers identity – something that sets them apart from everyone else.

“I know It is a change of direction for me but it is welcome as the future of packaging is in doubt.


“Piers Dowell Paint helmets who painted my helmet and liked the design on mine which I did and he painted, asked me to do one for another customer, who loved it. More commissions followed.

“It is amazing how the loss of one sector has meant me falling into a new one, personalised racing helmets, and one I am equally passionate about” he explained.

Dominic has now created designs for over a dozen racers at the start of the new season including the likes of three time British Touring Car Championship Champion Matt Neal and currently joint points leader in the British GT Championship Adam Balon.

His helmets will be seen racing around circuits such as Shennington, Silverstone, and Brands Hatch. He has also designed a helmet for a leading aerobatic pilot and had talks about doing similar work for climbers, sky divers, and cyclists.

 

 

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