Sean's retro take on today's driver helmet designs generated some great interest from F1 fans.
How much time is usually required to complete a project?
It depends if the direction is open or very clear and restricted. The projects can vary massively, but usually a month from start to finish for a livery design is the standard process. A lot of the time is spent waiting for feedback as the teams check the designs out with different members and sponsors. My own personal work however, once the template are complete is only quick with one side design usually only taking 10 to 20 minutes.
Do you pay attention to what the media and the fans say about your creations? Will Buxton once said that your ideas are actually much better than what F1 designers come up with.
I do massively appreciate the feedback and reaction I get, especially from people with experience in the sport such as Will Buxton. In an article, he mentioned a lot of my work focuses on retro designs. So from this, it started to push myself to create dramatic new designs that can push the envelope, rather than just recycling old designs on new chassis. And I have certainly reaped the rewards from this move, with many more commissions and approaches having seen my new designs either wanting a translation onto their team or something similar! So, if you’re reading this, thank you Will!
Your creations can be seen in F2, F3, F4, Formula E, on driver helmets, in eSports with « The Crew », etc.. You're a busy man ! Still it seems there is only one area left. Any call from F1 teams interested in your work?
We will have to see (laugh)! Keep an eye out in the next couple of weeks, for sure…
Ferrari junior Charles Leclerc sporting one of several helmet liveries designed by Sean Bull
About old liveries. You like mixing vintage and modern visual ideas. Do you feel nostalgic about old F1 designs?
As I mentioned, I love the classic designs of the 70’s and 80’s. They are pure class and elegance, with the pin striping following the lines of the cars. It worked then and it defiantly works now, and it’s something we really pushed to do with the Dragon Racing cars with flowing elegant and classy striping surrounding the bodywork. So, there is still a place for the classic designs there should be a great push as to ‘what can be done next?’
In 2019, some aerodynamic parts of F1 cars will be re-designed to give more visual space to brands and sponsors. Could this lead to less visually-attractive car designs?
No, I don’t think it will be too bad. I am sure it depends on what you like such as heavy aerodynamic details. I am sure a lot of this will be cleaned up over the bargeboard and rear wing area, so they will be a lot ‘cleaner’.
What's the trickiest job, a single-seater car livery or a GT car livery?
Single seater by far. Such intricate surface details and shapes that cut, swoop and curve. A GT car is a big blank canvas by comparison!
Among your many projects, is there one that has your preference?
It has to be the Dragon Racing Formula E livery. The work is great experience and I am very happy to help the teams branding ‘refresh’ after the departure of Faraday Future this year. It came as a direct approach from the owner Jay Penske who has a very keen interest in every aspect of the team, so it was great to work with a team boss who wants to be so involved.
We have managed to create some pretty great projects this year, both with the cars, team wear, garage etc. But also with the social sides with the series of Art Deco race posters for the team I create for each race. I love doing these so it’s great to see the teams and fans reaction to my work as well. I love seeing the cars each time on track, and that’s the most important aspect of design: to be proud of your work!
Check out a vast portfolio of Sean Bull's work at www.seanbulldesign.com.
Jay Penske's Dragon Racing Formula E team called upon Sean Bull to create its 2017/18 livery.
