Today we’d like to introduce you to Devon Stonebrook.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I began experimenting with handbag design while I was studying architecture at the University of Michigan where I used laser cutters to create pristine building models. I was inspired to adapt those model-making techniques to create acrylic handbags, and for the last six years, I’ve been honing my leathercraft and bag making skills. I officially launched Pascal NU in 2016 once I perfected the basic bag structures and developed material innovations that are the foundation of my brand.
I design handbags that feature an unconventional combination of materials like concrete, acrylic, resin, and leather. I design and assemble each bag from scratch at my studio using a hybrid of digital fabrication and traditional leather craft techniques. Most bags feature intricate hand lacing, fully lined leather interiors, and numbered acrylic hardware.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Fortunately, my venture into handbag design has been greatly aided by my other job where I work at a laser cutting studio in Austin called MakeATX. Working at MakeATX has given me an immense understanding of laser cutting skills, and it has linked me to a very supportive network of fellow artists and entrepreneurs. It has been extremely helpful to have a steady income outside of my handbag business because that has afforded me the time to build up the quality of my handbag designs without rushing or sacrificing integrity in order to pay my basic bills. I certainly recommend other creative entrepreneurs try to find a steady, if only small source of income outside of their passion so that they can pursue their passion without entirely linking that passion to their means of living.
Please tell us about Pascal NU – what should we know?
I design and assemble each Pascal NU handbag from scratch utilizing a hybrid of digital fabrication and traditional leather craft techniques. I chose to incorporate an unconventional combination of materials like concrete, acrylic, resin, and leather in my handbag designs. Most bags feature intricate hand lacing, fully lined leather interiors, and numbered acrylic hardware.
The Pascal NU studio and showroom is open by appointment only, where I create bags and accessories that my clients are truly excited to carry, made exclusively for them. All handbag production operates in house and at limited quantities in order to break conventional constraints of mass production.
Do you recommend any apps, books or podcasts that have been helpful to you?
A friend of mine, Jane Hervey, recommended that I read a book by Sharon Louden called “Living and Sustaining a Creative Life: Essays by 40 Working Artists”. The book is a beautiful compilation of concise autobiographies of artists who detail their careers in very non-romantic ways that are rooted in the reality of the day to day practices needed to sustain a creative career as an artist. Reading that book felt like a bit of a revelation for me – it really highlighted the pleasure of living as an artist in ways that better assured me how an artistic career can adapt to a range of lifestyles. Rather than viewing art as an aloof or abstract pursuit, that book helped me realize that my day to day design and assembly of handbags truly reflected the career of an artist.
Contact Info:
- Website: pascalnu.com
- Email: info@pascalnu.com
- Instagram: pascal_nu
Image Credit:
Studio shots by Erin
Holsonback, @anindoorlady
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