We recently caught up with aviation designer Veta Traxler. Veta is a paint & interior designer at West Star Aviation where she provides insight and recommendations on the latest materials available in the marketplace and ensures the proper certification of all materials installed in aircraft interiors.
Briefly describe your work…
I work directly with customers to create a custom interior and exterior paint scheme for their corporate or private aircraft/s.
Why do you love your work?
I love that I get to be creative each and every day. Not only do I get to design for various aesthetic tastes but I get to work on every type of airframe. Within the same day I could be working on a Conquest II and a GIV. The variety makes every day interesting, keeps me on my toes, and doesn’t allow me to get in a design rut.
What inspires you?
My father inspires me. He has been in the industry for 40 years and is the reason I am in aviation to begin with. My fondest childhood memories are winning coloring contest his work hosted, attending air shows, and going to work with him when he had to work overtime on Saturdays. Whether the situation is professional or personal, my father has shown me that if you put your mind to something anything is possible.
Do you see an emerging aviation trend?
Cooler color palettes are emerging and shifting away from the more traditional warmer tone. Incorporating strong pops of vibrant color in small detail areas such as stitching, inlays and pillows is also trending. This allows for personal style and company branding to be incorporated without making a large statement. Lastly, texture has been one of the strongest trends. Customers are moving away from printed fabrics to more quilted, woven, embossed, embroidered fabrics and leathers.
Where is your favorite place to use leather on a jet?
My favorite place to use leather is on the lower sidewalls because you can get really creative with different embossing, etchings, hand painting, and colors to give the interior a very unique look.
What is your favorite era of aviation?
World War II was really the first large contribution that women played in aviation. Women took over repairing airplanes, rigging parachutes, flying military aircraft (WASP), as well as test flying newly repaired aircraft so that the men could go off and fight. Most of these women lost their jobs to men once the war ended without any recognition or benefits. This era lead to a greater social equality in the industry which allowed many of us (women) the opportunities we have today.
Where is your favorite place in the world to travel?
I have traveled all over the world and experience many things. However, since moving out to Colorado about a year ago I have really enjoyed exploring my new home state. Colorado has so much to offer whether you like outdoor adventure or the city life it has it all. One might say, I have traded in my pumps for some hiking boots. It feels so good to be on mountain time.
What is your travel must-have?
For any road trip I always bring a blanket. My fiancé blasts the air conditioning, freezing me out. You think being born and raised in Wisconsin I would be used to the cold but I’m not and this way we are both happy.
What do you pack in your carry-on?
I have the worst luck traveling. If my flight isn’t delayed it’s canceled so I always pack healthy snacks. It can be difficult to find healthy alternatives on the road so I make effort so I can stay on track with my fitness goals.
Tell us about your dream jet?
My personal jet would be pretty unique and over the top. For the exterior, I would want a burnt orange metallic base with black and silver metallic striping. The interior would be mostly monochromatic with pops of color. The carpet would be the main focal point with an intricate unique design. The seats would be nicely tailored with a contrasting stitching. They will have some sort of stitched/perforated inserts that give them a modern sporty feel.
What is one thing from the ground that you wish you had in the air?
I have the most amazing white boxer. His name is Finnegan. If I could I would love to take him everywhere!
View some of Veta’s work here:
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To browse Moore & Giles selection of aviation leathers click here.