Screen Shot: Cobalt Collective
Website: cobaltcollective.co.uk
Instagram: @cbltcollective
CITY BASED: Bridlington/Manchester
What inspired the brand name?
The Name itself derives from the colour blue and the shade of Cobalt. Collective was chosen as I wanted to make my brand a collective of like-minded people who all share the same passions.
At what moment did you realize you wanted to start a brand?
When I was around 14 years old, with various attempts, until recently when I was able to seriously pursue it.
What helps you get over creative blocks?
I study a creative course at University, so I’m constantly surrounded by creative people, and we are encouraged to put work and ideas up and around the building, so this is for sure one of the ways in which I gain inspiration. Another way is through both my home town and the city in which I study in, the differences between the two help emphasise various aspects within a student’s life, and these are things that help influence my pieces.
What is the biggest mistake you have made?
With some of the earlier releases I set myself unrealistic deadlines for aspects of the releases, causing me to then go over, something that I think may have reflected poorly on the brand.
What is the biggest success you have had?
I think each release has been extremely successful, and the support by our followers is always incredible. Although I do think that the first release was most successful by numbers, but my second release was most successful by introducing us to newer customers. Overall, this upcoming release is on track to be our best yet by both numbers and bringing new customers into the collective.
A SOURCE OF INSPIRATION PEOPLE MAY FIND WEIRD?
The mundane and every day, some people tend to try too hard for inspiration, so hard in fact they overlook something that could potentially influence their work, just because they see it every day.
Favorite color to use?
Purple, although I haven’t included it yet, I have a few unreleased pieces that incorporate it.
ARE THERE ANY RETAIL SHOPS YOU WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU BRAND IN?
There are a few independent brands in and around my town/city that I would love to have my work in, specifically I’d like to have my work featured on ‘The Priory’ website, and previously their store in my hometown.
ANOTHER BRAND THAT INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?
Bittersweet continues to inspire me, ever since I stumbled across their page I was drawn to their pieces and their concepts behind each piece. This may seem obvious, but there are so many brands that use the same formula and concepts for multiple releases, and it eventually just becomes boring and you lose interest. But I think if you create each piece with a concept and narrative, then you are more likely to keep your customers engaged through the story, and therefore with your Brand.
Where do you see yourself and the brand in 1 year and 5 years?
I see Cobalt being sold on a few suppliers websites within the year, as well as potentially being in a smaller store in my hometown or place of study, and for the page to continue to grow, as well as this I see Cobalt potentially collaborating with other smaller brands such as my own, combining two fanbases together through one or more pieces. In 5 years, I see Cobalt collaborating with more and more brands, both large and small to continue to bring the best possible pieces to our customers. I want to experiment with styles and different items of clothing and accessories, and can see this being more viable in 5 years’ time. As well as this I’d love to have my own flagship store in my hometown to help represent Cobalt and where we originate from.
In 5 words or less describe your brand?
A Depiction of Youth.