Molly Paterson - Women in The Bike Industry Summit 2024 Brand Designer

Paul and I had been following each other's work for some time and I think our shared passion for mountain biking and design naturally led to collaboration.

I've long admired Paul's work and it's been a pleasure to work with him at Bough.

My love for mountain biking definitely influences my design work in several ways. Firstly, being in nature always sparks creativity. Additionally, being part of the mountain biking community exposes me to different perspectives which enriches my design choices.

Choosing this career path was a natural progression for me. I knew I wanted to be a designer within the outdoor industry, since it seamlessly combines my love for the outdoors and design. I soon realised that the ideal way for me to create a fulfilling and balanced life was to go freelance.

My dream is to continue creating designs in the outdoor space, particularly focusing on making a difference and inspiring others. Additionally, I aim to spend as much time as possible outdoors, mountain biking.

In terms of opportunities for women, I see immense potential. The design industry is continually evolving to become more diverse and inclusive.

While there are challenges, there’s also a growing recognition of women’s contributions in both design and mountain biking. The Summit was a perfect example of the increasing presence of women in these fields. It’s about breaking stereotypes and showcasing that women can excel in any industry.

Overall, I believe that both the design and the mountain biking industries hold significant promise for women, offering avenues for creativity, innovation, and growth. However, it is essential to continue advocating for gender equality and supporting women in their careers.

To people looking to enter this space, I’d say: stay true to your passions, keep learning, embrace risks and prioritise your happiness.

Building a strong network is key - connect with fellow designers, industry professionals and potential mentors. Networking can lead to new opportunities, collaborations and valuable insights.

While the design industry can be competitive and challenging, staying resilient is crucial. Your authenticity will set you apart and attract the opportunities that align with your values.

Keep an open-mind and don’t be afraid to share your work! (Something I am currently working on). Feedback is invaluable.

Professionally, I aspire to create designs that contribute meaningfully and inspire, continue refine my skills and grow creatively.

On the bike, my aspirations are grounded in personal fulfilment and connection. Basically, just experiencing the sheer joy of riding bikes.

Paul at Bough oversaw the creative direction whilst granting me complete creative freedom, which was incredibly enjoyable. I began by sketching ideas and concepts that captured the essence of the event, taking into account factors such as target audience, location and purpose.

Subsequently, I experimented with various visuals, colour palettes, and typography, refining them into cohesive branding elements. The entire process was a collaborative effort and throughout I sought feedback from Paul, which was vital for improvement.

The event was organised by Aoife Glass from the International Working Group (IWG) for Women and Sport, and Spindrift Podcast, Vedangi Kulkarni, adventurer, endurance athlete and writer and Colena Cotter and Emily Stratton of DMBinS.

It wouldn't have been possible without the kind support from South of Scotland Enterprise, the UK Government through the Shared Prosperity Fund, Rab, Komoot and Endura

This event was part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/...