Hey friends –
Whether you’ve been following along from the very beginning, or we’re still just getting to know one another, you may be wondering why in the world this is called Red Umbrella Designs… Well, wonder no more!
When I started Red Umbrella in 2012, I was living in Seattle – infamous for its gray skies, rainy weather, legacy of grunge music, black jeans, Doc Martens, and cups and cups of dark coffee. If you know me at all, you know that in contrast to all that broody gray and darkness, my soul longs for laughter and joy, playfulness and cheer. My heart lights up when I’m out in nature. I believe in optimism, positivity, and hope. And while I love adventure, I am an unapologetic homebody, and believe wholeheartedly in the power of shelter – both literal and relational.
So in the context of a dreary, gray city sidewalk, and in a crowd of run-of-the-mill black umbrellas, the image of a red umbrella embodies a spirit that is joyful, hopeful, bright, unique, and playful.
That’s what we strive to do: create artwork inspired by nature, that helps people seek beauty in the everyday, keep hope in a crazy and sometimes dark world, and give kindness to themselves and everyone around them.
I’m so grateful you’re here, and as cheesy as it sounds, I’m super happy to share my umbrella with you any day!
Xo, ~Baylie