# Steampunk Flash Drives Artist Rob Smith's 'back2root' Revamped USB Keys will Cause Envy By Luisa Amanda Gomes | Published 2010-06-18 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rob-smith-back2root References: [beautifullife.info](http://www.beautifullife.info/industrial-design/steampunk-memory-keys-from-back2root/) & [back2root.deviantart](http://back2root.deviantart.com/) British artist Rob Smith 'back2root' has taken the USB key and embellished it into something incredible. Taking inspiration from [steampunk art](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/d-mouse), Smith has applied the intricate principles of this art form to create these [USB drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-crayola-usbc). Using the intricate parts from eight pocket watches and devoting 12+ hours to each memory stick, Smith has poured in a lot of detail and precision to his functional works of art. The results of Rob Smith's dedication to these steampunk devices are so amazing that I can’t help but be depressed at the sight of my dull [Kingston Traveler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encrypted-usb-drive) flash drive. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 89% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Modern](https://www.trendhunter.com/modern) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Steampunk Art:** Explore the unique aesthetic and craftsmanship of steampunk art to create innovative and visually appealing products. - **Artistic USB Drives:** Combine functionality with artistic design to transform USB drives into captivating works of art. - **Customized Flash Drives:** Personalize and customize flash drives with intricate details and unique aesthetics to elevate the user experience. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Technology:** Integrate elements of steampunk art into technology products to offer a visually striking and nostalgic user experience. - **Art and Design:** Merge artistry with functional objects, such as USB drives, to create unique and desirable pieces for art enthusiasts. - **Gift and Novelty:** Tap into the growing market for personalized and artistic flash drives that serve both practical and aesthetically pleasing purposes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Victorian-Inspired USB Keyboards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-diviner-keyboard.md) - [Icon-Shaped USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folderdrive.md) - [Object-Resembling USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandisk-1.md) - [Steampunk Aesthetic Espresso Makers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/steampunk-espresso-machine.md) - [Bird-Shaped USB Flash Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pinge.md) - [Laptop-Fitted USB Stick Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-antoine.md) - [Charming Retro Storage](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floppy-disk-inspired-sd-card.md) - [Ruggedly Encrypted USB Drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/encrypted-usb-drive.md) - [Steampunk Desktop Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3in1-desk.md)