“To create one’s world in any of the arts takes courage.”
— Georgia O’Keefe
Richard Haines x Crane & Co. exploration
Inspiration
Guiding creative teams, my initial concepts often lay the foundation that broadens horizons and sparks the pivotal question, "What if?" This moment is fundamental to my philosophy, as it signals the beginning of dialogue where art seamlessly intertwines with commerce. The language we choose and the images we present in these inaugural discussions have the power to sow the seeds of brand evolution, setting a course for enduring legacy and relevance.
S’well
Embracing storytelling in my role, I believe in the power of vulnerability, inviting audiences into the creative process from concept to consumer experience, both in-store and online. It's crucial that the sensory richness of each design remains undiluted, preserving the original vision through every interpretation. Every S'well collection and product is crafted with an acute awareness of its tangible impact on daily life, ensuring the essence of our designs resonates deeply with our consumers. My starting point is always a physical mood board. To me that is the way to physically engage with an audience of designers and command attention for the work that needs to proceed.
Michael Aram
Joining Michael Aram's studio was a highlight in my journey as a designer, having always looked up to his work. The thrill of being invited to contribute my ideas and see them come to life was unparalleled. My process involved starting with mood boards which were the beginning basis of inspiration for me, Michael and the team, reflecting our rich conversations about art and design, and then bringing those ideas to fruition with the skilled team in India. Each collection's journey, from concept to merchandising and photography, was deeply fulfilling, especially presenting our tailored pieces to buyers, each crafted to resonate with different audiences.
I S O D I
Collaborating with and hopefully inspiring Chef Rita Sodi was always a highlight, where my role was to craft the visual narrative for her culinary creations. Prior to each photoshoot, I'd meticulously prepare digital mood boards, contemplating the perfect angles and lighting. However, once the shoot commenced, it was Rita's culinary artistry and the vibrant ingredients that truly led the way. Advising Rita creatively was a privilege, given her discerning taste and the indelible art we produced together.
Crane & Co.
Joining Crane & Co. as their inaugural Creative Lead in their two-century history, my initial task was to craft a luxury home line. However, the journey evolved into revitalizing their stationery and wedding paper divisions with innovative efficiency strategies for new product development. I pioneered fashion and influencer partnerships, integrating technologies such as engraveable QR codes and contemporary takes on classic designs. Leading an incredible team of artisans and technicians to creative direction, I leaned into my strength of grounding ideas in tangible, physical spaces, setting the foundation for expansive, outward growth.
