In Maine, ingenuity and resourcefulness are part of our character. We have all sorts of wicked weather and rough terrain to navigate and as a result we have learned to tinker with things to make life go better. It was in this tradition that Anchorpak’s founder, Colin Sullivan-Stevens, a Maine native and Rhode Island School of Design graduate, designed the Anchorpack. He needed something to carry all his stuff to his studio on his bicycle. It needed to feature accessibility, hands free carrying, stability and comfort. Using an old movie screen for material and his geometric expertise from studies in acoustics, he designed and stitched together his first Anchorpak.
It is in the spirit of local community and environmental awareness that Anchorpak manufactures all products in Maine. Maine is a state with a long tradition of quality textile manufacturing but over the years they have lost many jobs to overseas manufacturing. Anchorpak aims to do their part to restore this valuable skill set and employment sector to Maine, and source materials in the USA.
What are some of the most important practices for your creative process?
Brainstorming: My approach to small and large decisions is to attempt to work out flexible connections between the concrete functional aspects at play and the multifaceted soup of ideas and experiences kicking around upstairs. I try to store up on the possibilities even when ideas and things don’t connect because storage is free.
How does your current creative practice tie into your time spent at RISD?
From my current perspective as a designer working outside my field study at RISD which was painting, I was not too surprised to shift my creative practice to address the ergonomic design of bags. The sense that there is always more to understand about everything, that solutions to creative challenges are unlimited if enough focus and hard work are put forth was implicit at RISD and remains the basis from which I begin my work everyday.
Is there a work/body of work that you are particularly excited about sharing with us at RISD Craft this year?
Yes, I am looking forward to being back on Benefit Street to share a design invention I’ve dubbed The Anchorpak bag. I have a feeling that it might appeal in the RISD community where can develops an eye for simple effective product design.
Tell us about some of your main sources of inspiration.
Childhood/Nature: butterflies, building “forts” in the snow and in the woods, downhill skiing, whale watching, flying an airplane at age 11 and The Space Shuttle. Later on… free-jazz, Bjork, the earth, nature and hearty mysteries, food, good civics and well balanced design systems, uncertainty and humanistic ideals.
Any recent press, exhibitions, achievements or awards you’d like to share with us?
Anchorpak has been granted funds by the Maine State Technology Institute in 2015, 2016, 2017 to understand and develop our innovative ergonomic bag design concept for improved everyday carrying. We have been featured in NE regional press often including The Boston Globe and Downeast Magazine editorials, Maine Biz and Old Port Magazine entrepreneur/artist /designer profiles.
Visit anchorpak.com to see more!
