In light of our Baski plantswear designs, we meet up with creative people to talk about what inspires them in life.
For this first edition, we met with Niels Bal, aka the guy who always has a smile on his face. Niels is a Digital Designer from Utrecht. You can spot Niels in the creative scene in Utrecht and beyond, like at Kapitaal (print studio and club in Utrecht). He keeps himself a life by visiting nature, new cities, music and art events, and spending time with friends. In his free time, Niels loves listening to and selecting the best music combining dutch, techno, and electronic music.
Who are you?
I'm Niels Bal. Bal is a 'Zeeuwse achternaam'.
Describe yourself in three words.
Creative, enthusiastic, connector (through music and art).
Where are you now?
I work as a Digital Designer and occasionally freelance in UX. Because it pays well (laughs). Just kidding. When choosing freelance work I focus on visual projects, because I love to do that in my spare time. The thing I like the most in my work is experimenting and learning new things.
What inspires you on a daily base?
Well, now I'll grab my notes (laughs). I've written down: nature and kind people. And I think music is part of that too. But I find it difficult to say. I just like meeting people. That might be my motto. I think that everyone has something that makes him or her unique. It makes me think of the book ‘Human Kind’ by Rutger Bregman. I honestly think you can learn something from everyone. Everyone has their own experiences and stories to tell. I try not to judge, the first time I see someone.
If you could choose a Baski design today, which one would you choose?
Ooh, today I feel like I'm having a pretty creative day. I've been doing design work this morning so I think the Rocky Sahara and the Green Chess are reflecting my day. Both Baski's feel a bit like experimenting on canvas. This afternoon, we spent quite some time in nature during our photo shoot. Green Chess feels a bit like combining nature and design. It feels like a good trip to nature.
"I love Green Chess. This afternoon, we spent some time in nature during our photo shoot. Green Chess feels a bit like combining nature and design. It feels like a good trip to nature."
How would you describe your own (interior) style?
My girlfriend Hajar is more responsible for the interior I must say. But I do think that the colors of my clothes are reflected in my interior. Mostly pastel and royal colors. Just like my fashion style. As long as the colors are right, everything can be combined in style. Like royal blue with gold things. I think that both interior and clothing style is about mixing colors. Sometimes I also go completely black but that depends on my day.
I think it's really sick to have an interior with castle vibes. With candle lights and ornaments. Or just completely modern. A modern interior can calm me down. When working from home it is nice to work in a calm and clean place. This works well for my focus but is bad for my creativity.
I also think that you should create an interior based on the character of the house itself. I should not create the same interior that we are having now in a different house.
You chose Black Grid from our Bold collection for the photo shoot. Why Black Grid?
I've chosen Black Grid together with my girlfriend Hajar. Mainly because we thought it is a nice graphic design. And because it fits well into any interior. And we think the design is practical too. We were thinking: which Baski design matches with other accessories in our interior?
Black Grid also reminds us very much of the graphic style of De School (night club) from Amsterdam. That stood out. I also think the design Organic Shapes is nice and beautiful.
"I choose Black Grid mainly because we thought it is a nice graphic design. And because it fits well into any interior."
