1.What inspires you to create the work you do?
If I’m working on my own collections (and not on a set client brief) I just go with how I feel. It sounds silly but I honestly do just make it up as I go along. I like to feel unrestricted. I play some good music and just draw; I try to work freely and organically so that my work feels spontaneous and not contrived.
2. What is your usual creative process? Where do you start and what mediums do you use?
I come from a screen-printing background so I still like to be pretty hands on. I still hand draw pretty much everything – I really prefer to work this way. I’m not too keen on drawing straight on to the computer with a graphic tablet. I tend to use a number of black pens in different thicknesses, making lots of marks and textures. Then I scan everything in and work it up using Adobe Illustrator. I like to experiment and most of the time the outcome is actually a happy accident! I LOVE colour- selecting a colour palette can be one of my favourite parts of the design process.
3. In three words- how would you describe your work?
Fun, quirky and spontaneous!
4. What do you like to do on your days off?
I love travel. Since being self-employed I’ve been fortunate enough to travel a fair bit. I’m a big fan of city breaks and I book trips away as much as I can. I get so much from travelling and I always return home feeling fresh, energized and inspired. I also love walking my dog; I take my camera everywhere and enjoy wandering and documenting my findings. I’m a big fan of Instagram! I love live music and really enjoy going to gigs and concerts too.
5. Obviously you have a huge interest in fashion- what’s your favourite item of clothing that you own?
My Fearne Cotton shoes- I’m a big button lover and they’re gorgeous high-heeled shoes with giant button details. I also bought a bright orange mac last year in the sale. I love wearing a bright coat in autumn; it brightens up a dull day. I never really wear black!
6. What three things would you want to have with you on a desert island?
Good music, drawing pens, sketchbook.
7. What is the most rewarding part of your job? And the most challenging?
I love the freedom that my work brings. Every day really is different and I’m someone who thrives off the unknown. It has made me more daring as an individual and I’m a fan of taking chances and risks.
I’m very lucky that the majority of my clients give me this freedom and recognize my natural style. This freedom has been a great reward and is something I've always longed for! My patterns are applied to various products, and my style seems to translate easily and adapts to various areas of the market.
Working for yourself can be really challenging. I do find it really hard to switch off sometimes. My friends and family always tell me off as I can be a bit of a workaholic! I’ve also found that it has taken away a lot of design time, as I have had to become my own manager, which involves processing a lot of admin. However I’ve recently hired a fab assistant so I do feel I’m starting to get the balance back a little now. You really do get back what you put in though; I’ve found that the hard work really does pay off!
8. What book are you currently reading?
Banksy: The Man Behind the Wall.
9. Do you ever get ‘designer’s block’? If so, how do you combat it?
It’s very rare that I get designer’s block theses days, as I do so much managing and admin. I have so many ideas and just not enough design time! If I do get stuck I walk away from the computer, make a cup of tea and play my favourite song. If that doesn’t work I take a break and go on a walk to try and clear my head. I also look at sites such as Pinterest and Print and Pattern to give me that little creative lift. I do try and visit exhibitions and design shows as much as I can, I think it’s really important to go and see all of the things that are happening around you and soak up lots of inspiration.
10. Who is your favourite designer?
I’m a big fan of Lucienne Day and I have always really admired the work of artist Jackson Pollock and fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
11. Do you have any news or information that you’d like to be put up on the blog?
I’ve just launched a brand new, custom-built web shop. It’s been a long process but I’m really pleased with the end result.
I’m really excited about my new phone case collection too. I’ve collaborated with USA licensing partner ‘Artscase’ to create a vibrant, fun and fashionable phone case collection.
motivating and highly inspiring !!!
Posted by: nandita singh | October 31, 2012 at 12:09 PM