20/09/2024
How My Design Career Began: A Journey Back to 1988 🚀
It was 1988, and I was on the brink of taking the first steps toward what would become my design career. I had my sights set on applying for a design course in York, but there was one crucial task standing between me and my goal: assembling a portfolio. Little did I know at the time that one of my chosen projects would feature a design now considered vintage (😲), the Durabeam flip torch from the 1980s!
The inspiration for this torch design came from an unexpected source—a design program I had seen on TV. The program was all about the design process behind the Durabeam torch, and as soon as I saw the technical drawings, I was fascinated. I had a Durabeam myself, a trusty companion for camping trips and army cadet battle camps. To see how something so familiar to me had been designed was eye-opening, and I instantly knew I had to draw it for my portfolio.
The torch became the perfect subject for me to explore different perspectives and hone my skills. I created multiple views: top view, side view, and even an axonometric view, trying to capture every detail as precisely as possible. I vividly remember sitting down with my best coloured pencils, carefully shading and bringing the Durabeam to life on paper.
It wasn't just about the drawing, though—it was about truly understanding design and how an everyday object could be both functional and aesthetically pleasing. This project sparked a deeper love for design that has stayed with me throughout my entire career.
The images you see in this post are the original drawings I produced for that portfolio, along with the actual Durabeam torch itself, which I still own to this day. Holding onto both reminds me of where it all started—the beginning of my journey into the world of design, filled with excitement, curiosity, and a passion that continues to drive me forward today. 😊
Does anyone else own one of these classic torches?
Best
Marcus Johnson
