Lush Waves: Creativity From Within

How a sketchbook in one of our stores became a full Saltrock collection. Watch the story unfold….

At Saltrock, creativity has always come from the coast. From long days in the water, road trips between surf spots, and ideas scribbled wherever they happen to land.

But sometimes, the best ideas don’t come from the outside world at all. Sometimes, they’re already right under our noses.

Last year, we ran a social media competition inviting our community to design their own Saltrock artwork. The response was exactly what we’d hoped for; bold, imaginative and full of personality. And while all of that creativity was flowing in, something unexpected happened.

Jasmine, part of our team at the Mumbles store, started sketching her own ideas during quieter moments.

From shop floor to sketchbook

Jasmine has always been someone who draws. Growing up in a creative family of painters and artists, it’s something that’s always been part of her life. “I was always the kid that wanted to draw instead of playing outside.”

These days, not much has changed. She sketches most evenings, draws when she’s out and about, and almost always has something on hand to capture an idea. “I try and draw every day. If I spot something interesting or a nice view, I’ll just stop and sketch it.”

Her work is instinctive, playful and full of movement, often inspired by everyday moments, people, pets, or even dreams.

What makes her work different

Jasmine describes her style as playful, energetic and a bit whimsical and that comes through in every design.

“I like turning things I see around me into little characters.”

Her sketchbook is full of those observations. Quick ideas, bold shapes, unexpected details, nothing overthought, just drawn in the moment. Sometimes it happens on her break at work. Sometimes at home on her iPad. Often both at once, switching between mediums depending on the idea. It’s that mix of spontaneity and personality that caught the attention of the design team straight away.

Turning ideas into something real

What started as a quick doodle quickly became something more. After sharing her work, Jasmine was invited to Head Office to meet the design team and explore how her illustrations could translate into product.

“After I sent it off, I didn’t really think anything would come of it. I thought maybe I’d just win the chocolates.”

But when the feedback came in and the idea of turning her drawings into an Artist Takeover collection became real, it took her by surprise. Working together, those original sketches evolved into a full collection staying true to her style while adapting into pieces that work across clothing, accessories and more.

From sketchbook to collection

Every piece in Lush Waves started the same way, as a drawing.

The characters, colours and compositions are pulled directly from Jasmine’s original work, keeping the same sense of energy and playfulness that made them stand out in the first place.

Because the artwork is so bold, it translates naturally across different products, from statement graphics to simpler standalone designs.

A true Saltrock story

This isn’t just another collection launch. Lush Waves is a reminder of what Saltrock has always been about:
• Creativity that starts with real people
• Ideas that grow from everyday moments
• A brand shaped by its community and its team

Because Saltrock began with drawings and designs inspired by life on the coast. And that same spirit still runs through everything we do today. This time, it just happened to start in one of our own stores and we couldn’t be happier.

Explore the collection