We love our GS1 colorways, but sometimes you want something with a little more…personality. So as a nod to our 10th anniversary coming in 2025, we asked muralist Lauren Echo to create something that represented the GS1 and our home state of Utah:

Ventum is on the cusp of its 10th year as a company, and to commemorate we asked muralist Lauren Echo to paint us an ode to our home state of Utah. Laid out on our GS1 gravel bike and inspired by the red and orange bluffs of southeast Utah, the final product is a blend of Lauren’s unique style and the natural beauty of the Beehive state.

We sat down with Lauren to learn more about the inspiration behind her incredible work, the challenges she faced, and the journey of bringing her artistic vision to life.

Ventum: Starting with a bike frame brings unique demands. We’d love to hear more about the hurdles you faced and how you overcame them.

Lauren: This was my first time painting a bike frame! Once we decided to collaborate, I researched artists I admire and selected Spray.Bike spray paint for the paint, and began designing. Initially, I planned an intricate illustration of Mineral Bottom, UT, featuring a ton of colors, but Spray.Bike paint dried quickly, posing a challenge to my original design. So, I went back to the drawing board, simplified the palette, and reworked the design to make the process smoother.

I mapped the frame dimensions in Adobe Illustrator, divided the design into sections, and cut vinyl masks with a Cricut. Though the vinyl didn’t stick perfectly, I layered the paint step by step: yellow for the logo, deep purple for abstract lines, and an ombre of red, pink, and yellow. Applying the thin lines around curves was tricky but worth it.

The most rewarding moment was peeling off the masking tape. I was so nervous, but the final design turned out beautifully—it made all the effort worthwhile!

Ventum: Your artwork has a signature style—how did your vision influence the look and feel of this particular frame?

Lauren: I wanted to capture a Utah landscape, given its deep connection to Ventum’s story. Having lived in Utah for many years, I’ve explored its diverse terrain, and the red deserts and mesas stood out as the state’s defining features. Naturally, the White Rim came to mind, specifically a memorable experience at Mineral Bottom.

While shooting Ryan Standish’s film, Why Wait?, I was struck by the vibrant reds of the rocks and the sky’s transformation into dusty pinks and purples. It was a moment I wanted to recreate on the bike.

Translating that vision to the GS1 meant choosing colors that truly felt like the desert. Colors are central to my work, and thankfully, Spray.Bike had the perfect palette to bring it to life!

Ventum: Was there a moment in the creative process that really stood out for you, or a detail that you particularly enjoyed working on?

Lauren: My favorite part of the process was the puzzle of masking. It was tricky at first to layer the paint correctly without overlapping and to place the vinyl pieces at the right time. Waiting for the paint to dry and adjusting for daily temperature changes added to the challenge, but I loved experimenting and figuring out what worked best!

Ventum: We’re always curious about what it takes to create something this intricate—how much time and effort went into each step?

Low: Including my initial trial-and-error approach, it took about three weeks of daily work to complete the frame. With the lessons I’ve learned, I’m confident I could now finish the same frame in just one week.

Ventum: Could you walk us through your creative process? How did you take the concept you had in mind and translate it onto the GS1 frame?

Lauren: I wanted to encapsulate a Utah landscape because it’s such a big part of Ventum’s story and my own experiences. The red deserts and mesas immediately came to mind as they’re iconic to the region. The vibrant reds of the rock and the dusty pink and purple sky felt like the perfect scene to recreate on the bike.

To bring this idea to life, I started with an illustration, my primary art form. Once I had a design I loved, I mapped it out in Adobe Illustrator to ensure the dimensions fit the frame.

I sanded the bike and applied a primer designed for carbon frames. Then, I painted the yellow base for the Ventum logo, masked it, and added a deep purple layer for the abstract lines. Painting the thin lines to form the landscape was challenging, especially around the bike’s curves. The final ombre layers of red, pink, and yellow brought the design together, finished with a matte topcoat to match Ventum’s vibe.

The process took about three weeks due to a few early setbacks. Simplifying the color palette and perfecting my masking technique helped me achieve the effect I envisioned.

Peeling off the tape at the end was the most rewarding moment. Seeing the vibrant colors and intricate design come together felt worth every challenge. I’m thrilled it captures the essence of the Southwest and Utah so beautifully!

Ventum: After all the challenges and rewards, do you see yourself doing more bike frames in the future?

Lauren: I would absolutely do it again! This project inspired me to brainstorm a series I hope to complete next year and led to an exciting collaboration with Black Diamond. Using leftover paint, I created a custom-painted climbing helmet for them.

What I love about this process is how much there is to learn and improve. I’m eager to keep experimenting, refining my techniques, and collaborating with more brands to push the boundaries of gear personalization.

Behind-the-scenes images from Lauren Echo’s Process:

Lauren Echo’s work on the GS1 is more than just a custom paint job—it’s a testament to the seamless blend of performance, artistry, and passion that Ventum embodies. Special thanks to Lauren Echo!