When 41-year-old sculptor, Scott Freeland, dreamed up the wild idea of creating a retro iPhone dock, he never imagined that the entire planet would actually stop and take notice.
Just days after we first featured Scott's stunning iRetrofone base, the central Florida artist was overwhelmed with thousands of emails, untamable tech press coverage across the globe and even serious interest from both Target and pre-eminent British designer, Paul Smith.
It seems like everybody's itching to wrap their hairy man hands around the wildly popular iRetrofone, an iPhone docking station sculpted by Freeland Studios. The design loosely borrows inspiration from the iconic 1937 type 302 phone created by industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss. The idea has fueled the imaginations of iPhone owners unlike any dock creation that's come before it.
When I caught up with Scott Freeland, I learned that his retro phone business is booming. His wife Megan responds to over 50 emails a day along with fielding an endless stream of calls about Scott's little iPhone juggernaut.
"When I started making the iRetrofone I was making one a day," Scott said, "I can make about 25 in a day now. I've made two molds and tweaked my processes to up the production. Right now we're getting ready to drop our lead time to two weeks."
Scott has worked as an artist and sculptor for the past six years under his Freeland Studios banner. An average project contracted by the artist typically takes four months and hauls in over $50,000 dollars.
The iRetrofone, which is hand-sculpted and hand-cast in urethane resin, was originally designed as a one-off. The completed units sell for $195, allowing slick docking for an iPhone device while routing voice communications directly through the old school handset.
Downloading a retro dialer app lets iPhone users make calls the slow and painful way, just like grandpa did ages ago. Freeland waxed poetic about the iPhone dock that's making him famous.
"As a sculptor, when I need something in my life I make it," Freeland said, "That was the phone I had as a kid. I looked online until I saw a phone that looked like what I had and then I made it. My job is to make things."
Freeland candidly admitted that he carries some formidable girth around his cheeks, making it a tad difficult to use his iPhone in a way most of us take for granted. That's when the idea of an alternate handset came rushing in like a blinding beam of pure inspiration.
"I'm a big guy, so when I talk on the phone, my face hits the buttons," Scott said with a deep chuckle. "To me the answer was just obvious, I'm an old school guy."
After visiting the Freeland Studios website it became instantly obvious that Scott is a sculptor with remarkable vision, creating awe-inspiring fountains, heavily themed environments along with a brilliant Bat Boat and a classic "Rat Fink" car. The iRetrofone has yet to make an appearance in Freeland's portfolio next to his prolific body of work.
"An artist follows their passion. When I created this thing I wasn't expecting to sell any. I just do things because I'm driven." Scott said.
Although Freeland and his wife own a fine art studio and commercial warehouse, the iRetrofone is created in a little 20' X 12' art studio just outside of their home. Allowing for long work days while still remaining close to the family ranch. I asked Scott what he's planning next as he cranks out iPhone docks by the dozen.
"I wanna make about six to eight versions of this type of phone," Scott said, "I'm not gonna copy a phone that's been done, but I'm gonna go nuts and make stuff like a skull with the iPhone in it."
I joked with Scott about making his way onto the Ellen DeGeneres show with his device, or maybe even an appearance on Oprah. I wasn't too surprised by his response.
"Initially when I made this I sent one to Ellen. In my head I thought she has an iPhone and makes calls to people from her show," Freeland said, "She got one of the very first ones I produced."
"It would be awesome if it made it onto her show. This thing is so cool, I figured Ellen should have one."
While it's still too early to predict what great heights the iRetrofone has yet to scale, it's certain that it's only the tip of the creative iceberg for Freeland Studios.
"What happened here, I've been waiting my entire life to happen," Scott said, "It's ironic that this thing is so simple and yet it has caught the world's attention. I'm just ready to bust out."
I hope Ellen DeGeneres is paying close attention here. If she's smart, she'll carve out a guest spot for the iRetrofone on her talk show before Jay Leno scoops it up and chins it to death. And hopefully she'll nab Scott Freeland for an appearance before he starts routing calls through a publicist. Trust me on this, it's just a matter of time now.
Good luck with that Scott. You've earned it!
All the best to Scott and Megan!! I love mine - I can now work and talk on my iphone at the same time - wedging the handset against my shoulder for old times sake! You guys deserve only the best!
Posted by: DM | December 03, 2010 at 05:39 AM
Now I have implemented the same for my site.
Posted by: College Term papers | May 21, 2010 at 03:09 AM
Great Job Scott!
Posted by: sizegenetics | May 21, 2010 at 02:34 AM
Great Job Scott!!! You have done many remarkable things with your great talent and ability.
love, Richard /Sherri Link=Essexville, Mi
Posted by: Sherri | May 19, 2010 at 06:05 PM
I have worked for Scott, and he is the most artistic man alive. The Biggest CONGRATULATIONS to Scott and Megan.
Posted by: Don Smull | May 14, 2010 at 10:55 AM
I love this product, but can't seem to order one from Canada. Can you help?
Posted by: Mark Busse | May 13, 2010 at 05:26 PM
I have had the great pleasure of working with Scott on multiple projects over the years. This does not suprise me, congratulations Scott you deserve nothing but the best.I will keep an eye out for you on Ellen!
Posted by: Sherri Wilkie | May 12, 2010 at 08:52 AM
Awesome job Scott, Scott's mind is always searching for the next project. I had the privilage to sculpt for Scott in the late 90's. Scott helped develop my sculpting ability to a level I didn't know existed, but I could never accomplish his level of talent. He has a passion and love for art that I have never seen before. I promise you, there is not a better man around to deserve the recognition for this invention. Let me know when you get an appearance with Ellen!! Great job again!
Posted by: Michael McGehee | May 12, 2010 at 06:36 AM
So happy for you Scott. He has such a talented creative mind. Scotty has always put his all into everything he does. He deserves all the credit & attention that comes his way. I sure hope it comes to him in a BIG way. He is such a loving caring person who deserves the best!!Good Luck Scotty.
Posted by: sandy baile | May 11, 2010 at 08:15 PM
Congratulations to Scott, a highly talented creative individual and truly nice guy who worked his way through some really tough times and never gave up. You really deserve all the attention and rewards. I hope you sell a lot! All the best luck to you!
Posted by: Frank F | May 11, 2010 at 11:16 AM
Again, the iPhone makes someone rich just from making accessories for Apple's wonder phone.
But I'm more interested in what Ray has said about this retro dock:
"The design loosely borrows inspiration from the iconic 1937 type 302 phone created by prolific industrial designer Henry Dreyfuss."
Don't he (Freeland) got sued for copying a patented phone design without permission..??
Posted by: Antwoine | May 11, 2010 at 05:14 AM