Bryan Schultz

My work offers new & innovative ways to latch your belt. I started designing buckles in grad school as a creative outlet. I found that most buckles work the same way with only superficial changes. I wanted to invent something that fundamentally challenged the idea of a buckle, making it more than just an accessory. I’d like people to re-imagine ordinary objects as extraordinary mechanical marvels when they see my work. Creating a buckle is extremely challenging because it packs a complex mechanism into a small space. My inspirations are futuristic movies, hi-tech vehicles & fun mechanical objects. My design technique combines sculpture, ergonomics & engineering. Each design takes me months to work out & I go through 25-30 variations before I decide the mechanism & shape are perfect. The buckles are made with steel, magnets, pot metal & handcut distressed Wisconsin leather. I know a design is complete when it looks intriguing, feels good in your hand & functions perfectly every time.