Meet Bibi de Lang, graphic designer and owner of BL-ij. A studio and small shop located in Arnhem [The Netherlands]. It's a very inspiring place filled with paper products. Like postcards, prints, masking tape, stationary, books, vases and lamps.
How did you decide upon the name, BL-ij?
The name is composed between my initials and the Dutch word 'blij' (wich means happy). Therefor there's a - between the first two letters and the last two. Together it makes the word Blij!
When and how did you came up with the idea of BL-ij?
How would you describe your designs and the concept of your store? What inspires you?
My designs are colorful with simple design. A base reduced to a simplicity of lines in combination with new patterns and a modern color palette. Dreamy illustrations, soft pastels and lovely patterns are usually the basics. Along the way I realized that working with paper products gave me the most joy. I find a lot of inspiration in paper and illustrators all around the world. Therefor I wanted to collect all what inspires me in my shop at my studio, so visitors can be just as inspired.
I started BL-vormgeving [BL-design] in 2005. I was doing different kind of jobs as a designer. From graphic design to exhibition design. Later on I made some free work just for fun and got nice response to it. So I started printing my designs on a postcard an sold them in some local stores. The name BL-ij came later on when I wanted a different name for this free work. Now a days I only make designs which make me (and hopefully others) very happy.
How would you describe your designs and the concept of your store? What inspires you?
My designs are colorful with simple design. A base reduced to a simplicity of lines in combination with new patterns and a modern color palette. Dreamy illustrations, soft pastels and lovely patterns are usually the basics. Along the way I realized that working with paper products gave me the most joy. I find a lot of inspiration in paper and illustrators all around the world. Therefor I wanted to collect all what inspires me in my shop at my studio, so visitors can be just as inspired.
Do you have favorite designers, illustrators, artists?
There are so many designers & artist who inspire me. Illustrators and product designers, but also musicians. To name some illustrators who I also sell in the shop: the Arnhem designers Het Paradijs [The Paradise] they have such a nice way of drawing, very delicate. I also like Arnhem designer Anne van den Berg a lot. She has the same way of delicate drawing but with a (sometimes) sharp story in it.
Describe a perfect (working) day
In the morning a bit quiet in the shop, so I can do some designing in the studio. To think of a new product gets me exciting! And then later on in the afternoon some nice customers at the shop who get just as exciting about the products as I am.
How would you describe your home interior?
A bit like the studio and shop, very bright en lots of light and very colorful. I have a lot of small stuff I collect. Like vases in al sorts of pastel colors. I have to display them in a closet because our cats like to play with them as well...
Are there also paper products at your home?
Yes! The paper bowls from Arnhem designer Yvette Jacobs in various colors. I have some posters on the wall from Het Paradijs and a special drawing form Esther Hörchner (one of the illustrators from Het Paradijs): two bikes she specially made for me and my boyfriend's anniversary. Also a silk screen print from Geertje Aalders and a print of Sofie Børsting and lots of books.
Describe one of your designs you're very proud of
That's difficult, because a design is never really finished. But I'm very happy with the stationary 'All neon like..' It's a new type of design for me with which I wanted to experiment with. It's more graphic and grown up then before.
Would you like to share a future project or design you're very excited about?
In the morning a bit quiet in the shop, so I can do some designing in the studio. To think of a new product gets me exciting! And then later on in the afternoon some nice customers at the shop who get just as exciting about the products as I am.
How would you describe your home interior?
A bit like the studio and shop, very bright en lots of light and very colorful. I have a lot of small stuff I collect. Like vases in al sorts of pastel colors. I have to display them in a closet because our cats like to play with them as well...
Are there also paper products at your home?
Yes! The paper bowls from Arnhem designer Yvette Jacobs in various colors. I have some posters on the wall from Het Paradijs and a special drawing form Esther Hörchner (one of the illustrators from Het Paradijs): two bikes she specially made for me and my boyfriend's anniversary. Also a silk screen print from Geertje Aalders and a print of Sofie Børsting and lots of books.
Describe one of your designs you're very proud of
That's difficult, because a design is never really finished. But I'm very happy with the stationary 'All neon like..' It's a new type of design for me with which I wanted to experiment with. It's more graphic and grown up then before.
Would you like to share a future project or design you're very excited about?
At the moment I'm dying to go on vacation.. The studio & shop just have been moved and I'm pretty worn out. I need some rest and some new inspiration for new products to design. By the end of the summer I want to start fresh with new products. So I have nothing to share at the moment. I do have a Christmas postcard which is ready for this winter! It's going to be a serie of three.
Where can we meet BL-ij on the internet?
Currently we're working hard on the new BL-ij website with a new webshop. An online version of the real shop. The new website will be online at the end of 2012. Up until then the current website and webshop will be available.
BL-ij is also on twitter and facebook.
Links listed:
Where can we meet BL-ij on the internet?
Currently we're working hard on the new BL-ij website with a new webshop. An online version of the real shop. The new website will be online at the end of 2012. Up until then the current website and webshop will be available.
BL-ij is also on twitter and facebook.
Links listed:
photography
Wow, prachtige foto's en wat ziet het er mooi uit. Daar word ik ook blij van! Maar eens een dagje Arnhem plannen....:-)
ReplyDeleteWat een mooie "spotlight"... leuk om te lezen en die prachtige foto's nodigen echt uit om een keer een stukje te rijden naar Arnhem :-)
ReplyDeleteDank jullie wel! Ik zou zeker een x een middagje Arnhem plannen.
ReplyDeleteBinnenkort volgt nog een mooie Arnhem spotlight op beeldSTEIL... ;-)
Fantastic. Love the store!
ReplyDeleteVery well done. Your interview is fantastic and I love the shop. Great photos as well!
ReplyDeleteMooie foto's! Wil het echt een keertje een bezoekje brengen
ReplyDelete