Mind In Motion - A creative spotlight
The first neon sign was introduced in 1910 by French engineer and chemist Georges Claude at the Paris Motor Show. He used neon gas, which glows brightly when electrified, to create a luminous sign.
Neon signs quickly rose to prominence in the 1920s and 1930s, becoming a staple of commercial advertising, particularly in the United States. They didn’t just illuminate storefronts—they became synonymous with the allure of late-night jazz clubs, sleazy dive bars, and everything in between, capturing the gritty glamour of urban nightlife.
However, neon's limitations—such as fragility, high energy consumption, and limited color range—spurred innovation.
Enter LED art: a modern evolution of neon. With its energy efficiency, versatility, and durability, LED technology has allowed artists to push boundaries, creating intricate, customizable, and sustainable designs.
As a long-time admirer of neon and LED art, I naturally came across Bag&Bones, a West London design studio founded by Gigi Foyle. Their work is some of the most iconic LED art in the UK, and I’ve become a huge fan.
Our home is currently adorned with their stunning pieces, my personal favorite being a bold LED sign that reads, “Don’t Be A Dick”—a motto I admittedly have to reference more often than I’d like to admit.
They’ve since branched out beyond LED art into sculptures and Lockboxes. These beautifully designed boxes are perfect for locking your phone away—a concept we’re all about here at BlackoutCards, encouraging more meaningful, screen-free connections.
A couple of years ago, I had the privilege of spending a day with the amazing Gigi, where I filmed a video for Bag&Bones. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch, and I’ve always been struck by how inspiring she is as a founder.
Gigi embodies all the qualities I deeply admire: humility, humor, candor, and a bold “just get on with it” attitude that makes things happen.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist asking her to be part of our Minds In Motion series, and I’m thrilled that she kindly agreed.
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- What inspired you to pursue this creative path, and how has it evolved over time?
I’ve always been drawn to art and design, especially forms that merge creativity with functionality.
The inspiration for Bag & Bones came from a desire to create something that could bring joy and personality into people’s homes and spaces. LED neon felt like the perfect medium — bold, fun, and versatile.. Over the years, our designs have become more refined, but the heart of the brand — spreading happiness through light — has remained constant.
- Can you share a moment when you faced a significant creative block, and how you overcame it?
Like any creative journey, there have been moments when inspiration felt out of reach.
One memorable time was during the pandemic when everything felt uncertain. It was hard to find motivation when the world seemed paused. I overcame it by going back to basics — sketching without a specific brief, playing with color combinations, and letting creativity flow without pressure!
Collaborating with others and seeking inspiration outside my usual sources also helped reignite my creative spark.
- How do you balance staying true to your vision while adapting to trends or external pressures?
Staying true to our vision while remaining relevant is a balancing act. I believe in creating designs that feel timeless yet playful, avoiding the trap of chasing fleeting trends.
At the same time, listening to our community is crucial — they inspire many of our designs. If a trend aligns with our aesthetic and core values, we embrace it, but only if it feels authentic to the brand. The key is staying rooted in our creative DNA while being open to evolution.
- What does success look like to you as a creator?
Success, to me, is creating work that resonates with people — seeing our designs light up someone’s home, event, or business is incredibly rewarding. It’s also about building a brand that supports a positive work-life balance, where creativity can flourish without burnout.
Personally, success means having the freedom to focus on the creative side while running a sustainable, impactful business that allows me to spend quality time with my family.
- What advice would you give to someone just starting out in a creative or entrepreneurial field?
Start before you’re ready — perfection is an illusion, and progress comes from action. Stay curious, be resilient, and embrace failure as part of the learning process. Surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. And most importantly, have fun! Passion will get you started, but persistence will keep you going!
Gigi Foyle
Web: https://bagandbones.co.uk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/bagandbones
