Surfboards, walls, ceilings, canvases – Tobias Degel brings colour to everything he touches. Born in Saarbrücken, this Wiesbaden-based graphic designer studied communication design at the University of Trier and has been freelancing since 2013. Beyond corporate design work, he creates bold, colourful designs for expansive interior and exterior walls, shop interiors, and marketing campaigns. Yet he's equally passionate about smaller formats: canvases and hand-woven day blankets. As Head of Design at Kanoa Surfboards, Degel seamlessly blends his love of illustration, calligraphy, and painting into every project. His inspiration comes from everywhere – conversations with friends, music, and artists like Keith Haring. His work playfully subverts colour and form, always with a knowing wink. Through his online shop, Degel sells both prints and woven day blankets produced in small runs in Tunisia. Each blanket is crafted from 80% recycled cotton and 20% polyester, with only 20 copies per design. Every purchase supports the craftspeople who make them. Graphic shapes define the visual language. The "Smile" blanket – like all of Degel's designs – measures 105 by 155 centimetres and showcases intricate weaving. It works equally well draped over a sofa, across a bed, or hung on a wall. Practical too: a 30-degree machine wash removes crumbs and water marks without compromising colour vibrancy. Alternatively, display these blankets as you would a framed print.

www.tobiasdegel.com

(Featured in CUBE Frankfurt 02|23)