The Playful World of Ursula Futura
The Creative Freedom of an Alter Ego
In the vibrant world of design, Kathrin’s alter ego, Ursula Futura, serves as a powerful catalyst for creativity and boldness. This article delves into the origins of Ursula, highlighting how she embodies the fearless spirit that encourages risk-taking and imaginative exploration. Through pivotal experiences, such as a daring dance project in her youth, Kathrin learned that authenticity stems from stepping outside comfort zones. Ultimately, this journey illustrates the transformative power of creativity when guided by a bold, imaginative persona.
We The Cool: What inspired the creation of Ursula Futura as an alter ego?
Kathrin: Ursula Futura emerged from my desire to push beyond my limitations and embrace boldness. I often find myself asking, "What would Ursula do?" and the answer is almost always, "Ursula would do." She embodies the courageous, fearless part of ourselves that takes risks, explores the unknown, and embraces creative freedom. Ursula isn’t just my alter ego; she symbolizes the boldest, most imaginative version of anyone. Through her, I step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and create objects that invite both play and discovery. In the end, it was this concept of an alter ego that gave me the courage to start my own business.
WTC: Can you share a pivotal moment in your journey that defined your creative path?
K: There have been many pivotal moments, but one that stands out was during my teenage years when I had to choreograph a dance for my final project. At the last minute, I chose to focus on the topic of "ticks," and I created this quirky dance about my ticks and mosquitoes. It was an unconventional and daring choice, but by allowing myself to step beyond my comfort zone, the result was incredibly authentic and turned out far better than I could have imagined. This experience taught me that creativity is not about striving for perfection, but about having the courage to take risks and trust the process.
I realized a similar pattern during my student years as a designer. My best projects were almost always the ones where I let go and enjoyed the process, rather than those where I wrecked my brain trying to come up with the perfect idea. This mindset has become the foundation for Ursula Futura, where boldness and experimentation lead the way.
WTC: You describe Ursula as an embodiment of your boldest self. How do you channel that energy into your designs?
K: I channel Ursula’s energy by constantly asking, "What would Ursula do?" It’s a reminder to be daring and not hold back. Whether it’s using unexpected color combinations or blending unconventional materials, I let Ursula’s adventurous spirit guide the creative process, resulting in designs that invite curiosity.
WTC: Nature and science play significant roles in your creations. How do you translate these elements into functional designs?
K: Nature and science are endless sources of wonder for me. I translate these elements by mimicking organic forms or scientific processes in the materials I work with, especially in glass. The way light interacts with glass, for instance, is a reflection of natural phenomena like water or the way the atmosphere plays with light. It’s about capturing that sense of wonder and making it functional and dynamic.
WTC: What does the concept of "playful fantasy" mean to you, and how do you incorporate it into your designs?
K: Playful fantasy, to me, is about challenging reality by adding a layer of imagination and joy. It's about creating moments that surprise and engage people in unexpected ways, turning everyday objects into something more whimsical and fun. I aim to incorporate this into my designs by blending functionality with a touch of the surreal—whether it's through unconventional shapes, vibrant colors, or materials that invite interaction. I want my pieces to spark curiosity and make people smile as they discover new facets of the object, blurring the lines between fantasy and reality.
WTC: What qualities of Ursula do you strive to express in your day-to-day operations as a designer and founder?
K: Ursula stands for courage, curiosity, and endless exploration. I strive to embody those qualities by leading with curiosity, taking creative risks, and being open to new collaborations and ideas. In the daily grind of running a business, I ask myself, "What would Ursula do?" and it often gives me the push to take a path that feels risky but exciting.
WTC: What is it about glass that captivates you, and how does it inspire your designs?
K: Glass has this incredible duality—it’s both strong and fragile, and its relationship with light is magical. The way glass transforms depending on its environment is what inspires me. I try to harness that fluidity in my designs, creating pieces that change depending on how they’re viewed.
WTC: What future directions do you envision for Ursula Futura that align with your mission of openness and discovery?
K: I see Ursula Futura continuing to evolve by exploring new materials—possibly venturing into the realms of lamps, lighting, or even wearables. One direction I'm particularly excited about is creating work that fosters dialogue—pieces that invite people to interact, question, and engage with their surroundings in new ways. I’d also love to expand the concept of Ursula as an alter ego for others, encouraging them to embrace playfulness and take creative risks in their own lives. I envision more collaborations that cross creative disciplines, building bridges between different worlds of design and craft, ultimately expanding the scope of what Ursula Futura can represent.
WTC: Can you walk us through your creative process?
K: My process starts with curiosity. I often find inspiration in nature or through scientific phenomena, which I then sketch out in abstract forms. From there, I experiment with materials, collaborating closely with artisans to bring the concept to life. It’s a dialogue between impulsive creativity and meticulous craftsmanship, always with an openness to the unexpected.
WTC: What advice would you give to aspiring designers who want to infuse their work with emotion and playfulness?
K: Don’t be afraid to embrace your inner child. Playfulness comes from a place of freedom, where you’re not afraid of failure. Surround yourself with things that inspire you, whether it's art, nature, or science, and permit yourself to break the rules.
WTC: Tell us about your life in Austria? Favorite coffee shops, restaurants, galleries, etc.
K: Austria is such a beautiful place to live, and Vienna in particular is full of inspiration. One of the city's gems is the Danube Island, a vast natural area right in the city where locals gather in the summer to swim, dance, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s unlike anything I’ve seen in other cities. As for food, I love indulging in the city’s amazing restaurants and wine culture. Some of my favorites include Cafe Kandl, Bruder, RoseBar Centrala, and Mraz & Sohn. I also adore the traditional institution of Trzesniewski—don’t let the simple idea of bread and spread fool you, it’s incredible! Schwarzes Kameel is another must-visit. When it comes to art, the MAK Museum of Applied Arts is a constant source of inspiration, and I also adore the Art History Museum, with its amazing architecture and exhibitions. I love visiting smaller galleries too, like Gianni Manhattan, which brings a fresh, contemporary perspective
WTC: What changes in perception do you hope to see in the design industry in the coming years?
K: I think we’re already seeing a beautiful shift in the design world, with younger designers being given a platform through collectible design and the rise of design as art. I also love that craftsmanship is becoming more central, receiving the recognition and spotlight it truly deserves. As we move forward, I hope to see this appreciation for both the artistic and the handmade grow, with more opportunities for diverse voices and innovative ideas to thrive.
WTC: How do you approach the perception of beauty in your work, especially when it comes to functionality?
K: Beauty, to me, is deeply subjective—it’s in the eye of the beholder, and every person’s experience of it is unique. In my work, I aim to strike a balance between beauty and functionality, creating objects that are not only visually striking but also serve a practical purpose in everyday life. Beauty, for me, goes beyond just aesthetics; it’s about how an object feels and how seamlessly it integrates into our routines, enhancing daily experiences in subtle yet meaningful ways. I believe that beauty and functionality can coexist harmoniously, and that’s what I strive for in my designs.