BLOG CHAT_16 MATT RICHARDS

We would like to introduce you to London based Freelance Illustrator, Matt Richards. He creates fashion, editorial and portrait work. His career started in the fashion industry, designing, developing & managing product however illustration has always followed him on his way.

Matt's illustrations have been used for the likes of Alexander McQueen for Puma, Tommy Hilfiger Denim, and Mary Portas amongst others. His first solo show Musical Views can be seen this summer as part of the East 17 Art Trail in London, www.e17arttrail.co.uk. Also check out more of his work at www.mattrichardsillustration.com

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?

I've only been illustrating full-time for about 3 years but I have always drawn.
As a kid I was quite happy with wet weekends when you couldn't go out and play with your mates as I would draw out my make-believe world. At school, I loved life-drawing and spent most of my lunch breaks in the Art Studio. Drawing continued as a Fashion Designer and when that turned into a more managerial role, I started freelance illustrating in my spare time.

2. IF YOU WERN'T DOING WHAT YOU ARE DOING NOW, WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE?
I did quite a lot in the fashion industry and I never consider at all that the door to that has been closed. I'd be happy to go back to that.

I'm really into music too. Not so much now but, I used to put on parties all over London with a friend, Notting Hill Carnival, boat parties down the Thames, that kind of thing. A lot of our followers have grown up now and children mean they can't party as much as they might like, to but we have a podcast to keep the musical connection with them. I think I would be producing music if I wasn't illustrating/designing. Failing that getting outside, something to do with gardening, how about looking after Jamie Oliver's veg patch? He could pay me with food!

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE DESIGNER'S/ILLUSTRATORS BLOCK'?
Get unplugged from the computer and get outside!

During the working day sketching is fantastic for getting things going. It doesn't even have to be revelant to the subject you are working on either. I'm sure a lot of creatives get this, but there are times that all I want to do is draw a particular thing. Instead of cramming it into a brief I might be working on, I'll take some time out and get it out of my system via a sketchbook. If drawing for a brief, I have to spend about half an hour sketching anyway to warm-up and get into a flow.

I also find travel always inspirational as it broadens the mind and makes you look at mundane things from a completely different perspective. In a different country in particular, everyday objects appear to the foreigner as fascinating, where the native would take them for granted. Having London on my doorstep is a definate plus as it is so rich when needing to find ideas, inspiration and research.

4.WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am currently putting together my first solo show for the start of September as part of the E17 Art Trail which is a bit nerve-racking but exciting at the same time. As part of my research, I have been interviewing and recording local musicians,  and all have been absolutely fascinating so far. The aim is integrate their music with the portraits I create, I'm adding information about it as we go along on my website.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
It's best not ask me anything complicated before my morning coffee & probably some of my best work has happened late at night. I do have the tendancy to forget the time if I'm really engrossed in something. Having said that, I hate wasting the day (particualry if the weather is good). My partner is a morning person so that kind of keeps me in check!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
I love my coffee, I have an old faithful Bialetti Moka on the stove that makes a pretty decent Latte. While that's boiling up, I'll nip out into our garden to check on my vegetable patch.
I try to resist chocolates, biscuits, that kind of thing,  but I am a total sucker for peanut butter & jam on toast!

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
I'm rubbish with lists so this will be true now, but maybe not next week - Turquiose

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
As above really...How about opening the fresh coffee tin in morning? freshly cut grass? Baking bread? I actually like that smell of boiling tar you get at roadworks!

9. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE DESIGNER'S/ILLUSTRATORS BLOCK'?
I probably wouldn't survive as my record collection runs into 1000's and it's bloody heavy!
My gorgeous 15 year old cat
A Cornet (small trumpet) that was handed down to me from my Grandad that I learned to play at school but by then it was feeling so sorry for itself, it had to be retired and I moved onto the Trombone, and then guitar.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
Oh Jeez! I just looked at my blog feed to answer that one, at the moment I'm subcribed to over 300 blogs and have well over a 1000 feeds to read! If you can find a favourite out of that lot, you are a better person than me! Pintrest is pretty good for inspiration these days too.
I'll have to mention my friend's blog totallywould.wordpress.com as she is a fantastic wordsmith and very amusing with it.

11. WHAT'S ON YOUR PLAYLIST?
If you like foot tapping stuff you can check out my own mixes at "Carnivalism"  click here, carnivalism.co.uk also post one song a week as Carnivalism Fridays because, well everyone is in the mood on Friday aren't they?

I've spent the last year putting all our CDs and some vinyl on our server, it's a massive job but great for re-discovering old tracks. I even have some of my mum's old records from her hippy days, from which I think everyone should have a bit of Sandy Denny in their lives particularly as folk seems back in favor these days. But for more random stuff, anyone on Spotify can find me "Carnivalism" open.spotify.com/user/carnivalism I always love to know what other people listen to, it's a great way to find new music so come and say hi on there! 

Musical Views runs from September 1st - 14th

For more information visit www.mattrichardsillustration.com

BLOG CHAT_15 BLISS HOME

We would like to introduce you to this dynamic duo, Mike and Gabrielle Bliss. They form the British interiors and homeware brand, Bliss Home. 

The company have been established for over 30 years, and was originally set up by Mike and his friend Andy Plant, previously known as Woody Enterprises. They created various successful products from 're-cycled' wood such as mouth clocks, wooden postcards, wooden neck ties.  And Mike designed a cheerful daffodil and tulip table and floor lamps which became an instant success around the world in the 1980's. Then Andy Plant decided it was time to try something different and left the company. The company changed to Bliss Home, and Gabrielle joined.

Mike has collaborated with Sebastian Conran and produced the award winning Equilibrium range of home accessories, and this then led onto working with chef, Nigella Lawson's kitchen range. And more recently has been collaborating with popular graphic print designer, Orla Kiely on her kitchen range. We were first approached by Bliss Home to work with them back in December 2010 and have been working with them since to develop their Bliss in the Woods kitchenware range. To find out more about the collaboration and to view the full range, check it out at www.ourworkshop.co.uk
To view more of Bliss Home, go to www.blisshome.co.uk

1. HOW DID BLISS IN THE WOODS HOMEWARE RANGE COME ABOUT?

Mike: For ages we have wanted to develop a range around animals that was very British, contemporary and cool. We didn’t want to do twee or too modern and needed the range to have a broad ‘family’ appeal. A kind of British morph somewhere between Jonathan Adler and Alessi but affordable.

2. HOW DID YOU COME TO WORK WITH OUR WORKSHOP?

Mike: Simply searching for designers online 

3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

Mike: Working with talented people.

4. WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS OR ICONS?

Mike: David Bryne

Gabrielle: David Bowie

5. WHICH PRODUCT DO YOU WISH YOU HAD DESIGNED?

Mike: Bicycle

Gabrielle: iPad

6. WHAT'S THE PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT OF YOUR CAREERS SO FAR?

Mike: Remaining in business for 34 years.

Gabrielle: Still speaking to each other after 34 years!

7. WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO WANT TO WORK TOGETHER?

Mike: We're married so it just kind of happened.

8. WHO MAKES THE MOST TEA?

Mike: 50/50

9. IF YOU HADN'T SET UP BLISS HOME, WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU'D BE DOING? 

Mike: Struggling as an artist. 

Gabrielle: Working in an office.

10. DID YOU HAVE A PLAN B, OR IF YOU WERE NOT A PRODUCT DESIGNER, WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Mike: A tennis professional in my dreams.

11. YOU TRAVEL A LOT WITH YOUR JOBS TO SOURCE PRODUCTS AND MEET SUPPLIERS. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE WORK TRIP AND WHY?

Mike: Two answers - Hong Kong – always changing, inspiring and full of energy. Portugal – pragmatic people, very pro-British and plenty of unheralded surprises in the country. 
Gabrielle: Same as Mike.

12. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR PEOPLE STARTING OUT ON THEIR CAREERS TODAY OR HOPING TO SET UP THEIR OWN BUSINESSES?

Mike: You need tenacity more than talent, a thick skin and a clear vision of what you are going to do.
Gabrielle: Be prepared to have a go at whatever your dream is – if you fail at least you won’t regret not having given it a try.

13. ARE YOU A NIGHT OWL OR AN EARLY BIRD?

Mike: Early bird.
Gabrielle: Early bird.

14. IF YOU WERE TO BE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT THREE THINGS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?

Mike: Gabrielle, Imogen and Chloe - my wife and two daughters.
Gabrielle: Mike and my two daughters.

15. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE PIECE FROM THE BLISS IN THE WOODS RANGE?

Mike: Peacock measuring spoons.

Gabrielle: The Salt bird, just loved seeing them in the factory all lined up!

16. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT, ANY EXCITING PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE?

Mike: Some beautiful handmade products for Nigella, some great new textiles, tins and vases for Orla Kiely, new Vintage kitchenware with the Hemingways and some gorgeous new kitchen tableware for London Underground using archive posters of Kew Gardens. 

BLOG CHAT_14 DACIO LAMOUNIER

We'd like to introduce you to a good friend of ours, Dacio Lamounier. Dacio is a Creative Consultant and founder of Casa Lamounier. He studied Interior Design and in Brazil and ventured to London when he was 24 to explore the diversity and intensity of this city. Since moving to London he has worked in Harrod’s and for the international team at The Body Shop, creating inspiring and innovative Visual Merchandising displays. From there, Dacio went on to become Head of Creative Design for Notcutts, a national chain of garden centres.

In 2011 he founded Casa Lamounier to help realise his dream of running his own consultancy and helping brands to develop their creative ideas. Check out Casa Lamounier's newly launched website here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
As a Creative Consultant my passion for design started in Brazil where I had my own Interior Design business, moving to London lead me into Visual Merchandising and Marketing, working for companies such as Harrod’s and The Body Shop. Setting up Casa Lamounier was definitely the next natural move in my career, helping brands to develop and flourish by finding their niche using trend intelligence and bespoke services.

There are great trend websites out there; there has never been such great information on hand. Our main differential is that we collate the most influential and relevant trends to our customers and translate them into practical actions to help them get ahead of their competitors.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A CREATIVE CONSULTANT WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I love what I do! Helping brands to find solutions, improving their appearance, seeing their progress is very gratifying but if I wasn’t doing that I would definitely be working in the fashion industry as a photographer or designer.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
I leave the office and go for a good walk in places I haven’t been before.
Sometimes we take it for granted, but living in London is a great privilege. You can find inspiration almost everywhere.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I’m working on a new trend safari expedition in Brazil – watch this space!

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Night Owl definitely! Mornings are for cockerels!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Macaroons and a macchiato

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Red

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Because I’ve worked with fragrance development, I love perfume and find the entire process fascinating. My favourite scent is Carnal Flower by Dominique Ropion – it’s Intoxicating.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My cat Sargent, my Mac (with all my photos and music that mean so much to me) and my vintage camera collection

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I have a few:
for fashion I follow bryanboy.com and bainser.com
for business tips: Seth’s blog - sethgodin.typepad.com
and of course Our Workshop blog for amazing design tips and new talents.

BLOG CHAT 13_LAURA SPRING

We'd like to introduce you to Laura Spring, a textile designer from Glasgow. For the past eight years Laura has been involved in the field of fashion and textiles. She graduated from The Glasgow School of Art in 2002 with a degree in Visual Communication and went on to work for various t.v and theatre companies in their costume departments before embarking on a career as a textile designer in 2007.

This year has been very busy and interesting for Laura, as she was selected to take part in a craft residency at Cove Park in Scotland during the early summer. Here she developed her interest in the relationship between a pattern and it's function as she continued with explorations about the British obsession with the weather. Once back in her studio in Glasgow she completed a weather inspired luggage collection and was invited to take part in 'Spotted by Charlotte Abrahams' at Top Drawer in September. Now Laura's back in her studio and preparing for "Spotted Plus" in January 2012.
We have also got Laura's Weather range of tote bags, make-up bags and wash bags on Our Shop, check them out, here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
It's a bit of winding story..... I did a degree in graphics at Glasgow School of Art which was great but I always knew it wasn't quite right for me, especially after I spent more time avoiding the computer than using it! I began to do some screen printing as part of my course and instantly loved it, but  after graduating I took a theatre design course and from there became seduced by the world of costume as I loved sewing and learning about all the techniques etc. After five years working in the costume industry I began to miss making my own work regularly, so I took an evening course in screen printing to refresh my mind and then realised it would make sense to combine my love of printing with fabric so a friend and I set up a design collaboration called Mouse and Bean. We set up a printing studio in Glasgow and worked together for three years printing fabrics by the metre and making cushions but decided to call it a day last year. We still share our lovely studio though and I decided to make a suitcase last Christmas after receiving a lovely old pattern from a friend in Canada and my current practice just grew from there....

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
That's hard because I've always loved working with fabric.....and designing things! I used to work in the wardrobe department at Scottish Opera before I set up my printing studio which was lots of fun and very interesting, so maybe something along those lines....?

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
A cycle round Maxwell Park near my studio. I love being on my bike and the fresh air really helps clear the mind!

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
A couple of new designs for my luggage collection to be shown at Spotted Plus in January 2012.


5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird, every time! Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
A dark chocolate digestive.


7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Orange, for now....but it's open to change!

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Freshly cut grass...mmmm.


9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My photo collection, my dandy trailer tent (although technically it lives at dave's mums, but I would be distraught if it got burnt!) and my great grandma's jewellery.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
Fine Little Day, a total treat! i love this lady's work!

BLOG CHAT 12_GEORGIA BOSSON

We'd like to introduce you to Georgia Bosson, a textile designer from Greenwich, London. Georgia graduated last year from studying Embroidery at Manchester School of Art. She has been working on a variety of projects, which include:
The Floating Cinema- creating structural curtains for a critically acclaimed cinema which toured the London canals this summer and will be used during the Olympics. Working for a successful textile collective Puff and Flock, including exhibitions such as designers block as well as projects with Elisabeth Buecher including costumes for the V&A- Siamese monsters, and a Music video- costume production for Saint Saviour. Georgia is currently setting up a new London studio practice developing new print designs and continuing to explore structural textiles. Georgia has created some gorgeous printed cushions for Our Shop, please check them out here.To see more of Georgia's work, please click here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I have always made things, from peg dolls to extravagantly decorated rafts, I love being creative and making things, whether it is to make a living or just for fun. I’m not sure I could do anything else!

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
There isn’t really anything that I wish I was doing instead however if I had to choose another job it would be an air hostess but one who worked about twenty years ago when it was mandatory to have a weeks holiday before flying home again.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
The only thing that ever works for me is drawing. If I look at other people’s work I get frustrated that I am not working but if I draw I find the ideas eventually start to flow again.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Developing my work into more commercial products and continuing to explore the architectural side of my work that I started to develop with the Floating Cinema.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird, I am rubbish at night, my brain stops working properly past 9!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Oatcakes with nutella on.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
All of the colours between yellow and orange!

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Baking cakes.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My cats, My portfolios and My Nana’s engagement ring.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
verydesignersblock.co.uk they always have an insight into the new designers coming out of degrees and MA’s.
 
puffandflock is great for new technologies and exhibitions.
 
The designboom newsletter is pretty good too.

BLOG CHAT 11_VICTORIA SPRUCE

We would like to introduce you to Victoria Spruce, a footwear designer based in London. Her designs are sculptural, abstract and unique. Victoria has recently graduated with an MA in Womenswear Footwear from Royal College of Art (2011), and has previously achieved a 1st Class BA(Hons) in Footwear Design at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion (2008). Victoria has worked successfully as a footwear designer for a high street wholesaler and supplier but is now keen to develop her own more creatively experimental collections. Find out more here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
Weirdly, I've always known that I wanted to design shoes. I can't remember a time that I didn't know! It was only when I finished my A levels that someone recommended to me the Footwear BA at Cordwainers, London College of Fashion and I was lucky enough to be accepted without studying a foundation in art first. The degree was 4 years and it ignited my love for shoes even further, so after working for a year I then decided to complete an MA at Royal College of Art where I was lucky enough to be accepted as one of two students for womenswear footwear. And that was 2 years ago... so now I have just very recently graduated and I'm out into the big bad world of trying to develop my collection into something that I can sell!

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I think that if I wasn't designing fashion then I'd probably be selling it instead. I've had a few part time jobs within clothing and shoe stores, and I actually find that really enjoyable too... so perhaps I would start my own boutique specialising in new upcoming and undiscovered designers. Or alternatively, people always seem to think on my appearance that I am hairdresser, so maybe I'd give that a go!!

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
Ahh, good old designers block... it happens, and its a nightmare when it does. But I find that fretting over the fact that I can't design what I want to just makes the whole situation worse and the block becomes harder to budge. I find the best thing to do is walk away. There is no point trying to force something. I think creativity is a very fluid organic development and you have to let it naturally occur. So in my case, I take a day off, or maybe two if I can afford to, relax, try not to think about it, and then I find it will gradually come when I do sit down to it again.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I'm currently trying to work out my next steps in terms of developing my shoes for production. I have the designs and the samples but I now want to push it further onto the next step.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Definite night owl... my brain doesn't really function before lunch time!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Crisps... unfortunately!

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
It changes constantly! I don't think I can pinpoint one exactly. I always tend to use quite neutral colours in my designs though.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Petrol...!

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
1 - My laptop because it has all my work, music and photos on it
2 - My handbag, because just having recently had mine stolen, I now realise how much I rely on its contents everyday.
3 - My Boyfriend!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
The Sartorialist, I love the collection of photo's that he posts.

BLOG CHAT 10_YIYING WANG

Hi, it's Friday, nearly the weekend! We'd like to introduce to you the talented designer and author, YiYing Wang. YiYing is the brainchild of Noodoll. YiYing created the World of Noodoll as part of her Master’s course - an MA in Communication Design from Central Saint Martin’s, London. She has global experience in character design; licensing; clothing, bag and accessory production; and writing. YiYing has been a guest lecturer on design topics at a number of universities; has written for a wide range of publications; has written six successful books- including two bestsellers in Taiwan - and Noodoll’s debut children’s book: Ricehead’s Revenge published by Blue Apple, New York. Take a peek at her gorgeous world of Noodoll here. We loved her stuff so much, that we've got some of her gorgeous Monster Bookmarks and quirky monster and cloud toys in Our Shop, check them out here!

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
For some unknown reason,  I turn everyone into cartoon characters in my head when I meet them so I decided I should make a career out of it. It makes me laugh! After a while I just felt I needed to do different projects to keep me entertained and to avoid boredom so I started to write books... that's how all it started.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would be.... a chef or chocolatier. I would work in anything food related.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
I feel so blessed and happy to be able to express myself through my works, therefore the things that bother me are not related to creativity or ideas. All of my anxieties are caused by running a business. I just can't yet manage my time and finance properly!

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I have been working on a new range of stationery called 'Noodoll's friends', collaborating with designer friends like Donna Wilson and Luckyboysunday. It's been an exciting process as I get to use their designs and turn them into stationery products.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Definitely earlier than early bird! I love mornings!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
A stretch, a breath of fresh air, some biscuits, chocolate, more FOOD!

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Neon yellow in summer, navy blue in winter.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
The smell of burnt wood and country side.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My laptop, my passport, and my toys.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I am not a regular blog reader and don't stick to any particular ones, but, I do love lots of blogs like Marimekko, ohcomely, fifilapin, it's nice that and lots more!

BLOG CHAT 09_ALEXA MOTTRAM

Hi, we would like to introduce you to Alexa Mottram, a product designer. Alexa was working in a furniture company and realised that all the offcuts of upholstery leather were being thrown straight in the bin. Confident that there must be an alternative, she started taking it home and making it into slippers! Making lots of gifts for friends, and enjoyed it so much that she decided to set up a business. Do check out more of her work, click here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
This is quite tricky to answer!  I guess I’ve always loved making things and creating objects. I’ve gradually realised that this is the thing that makes me happy, and that I’m best at.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A PRODUCT DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I think maybe a writer.  I used to write weird stories all the time when I was little.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
I usually have a coffee, which I don’t normally drink.  It makes me hyper and also like a ‘proper designer’,
because I reckon they all drink coffee all the time! 

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
A friend is helping me overhaul the website, which is really exciting, and I’m about to start designing a new product range.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird.  Chirp chirp!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Cake and/or biscuits.  (Same goes for tensies and twelvsies…)

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
I’m mad about brown at the moment. 

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Freshly baked bread.  It’s a cliché, but I love it.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
I think I’d probably be too busy panicking and flapping about like a headless chicken to save anything!  I’m a total wetbag. 
I’d just have to hope that someone would save me.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
www.itsnicethat.com

BLOG CHAT 08_STINA LANGLO ORDAL

Hello, we're excited to introduce you to Stina Langlo Ordal, a norwegian illustrator and children's book illustrator/author. Stina has worked with a variety of publishing houses throughout the years to bring her curious and magical stories to life. Stina not only illustrates, but she also writes children's books, a very talented lady! Many of her stories are based on a child's eye view on life. She also regularly exhibits her work in galleries. Check out more of her work at illustina.no.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I've always been drawing and when I discovered illustration I knew it was what I wanted to do

2. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ILLUSTRATOR WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I'd be a flower decorater (is it the right word?) My dad was a florist, and I wanted to take over the business when I was old enough.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME AN ILLUSTRATOR'S EQUIVALENT OF A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
Ohh, I tend to dive into the internet. Reading the news. Reading interesting blogs, or perhaps plan dinner. Or sometimes I´d just bang my head against the wall..... I wish I´d be better at leaving my studio to go for a stroll, enjoy nice weather and get some air.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
A picturebook about jealousy.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird, that always fall asleep on the couch trying to keep the night owl company.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Dark chocolate and peppermint tea.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Right now: Green in various shades. blue-ish green....

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Freshly baked bread. sharp cool air, christmas, do I have to pick one?? 

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My family, my cat and the mac.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
Ourblog:-)

BLOG CHAT 07_MATT GOODALL

We would like to introduce you to Matt Goodall, originally a print designer, working at various sales promotion, marketing and experiential agencies over the last 10 years for some of the worlds most recognised brands. The last two years has seen a full transition to digital media and an embracing of the inner nerd. Inspired and equally excited by new technologies and how brands can use them to connect with consumers. Matt has become a social media/mobile evangelist. Check out his work at Arnold and Pearn  or visit his facebook page.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
Crumbs, first I’d have to know exactly what I am! I’ve always been uncomfortable having to talk about myself. (you’re regretting asking me these questions now ;-)

I do know I’ve always been passionate about creating and making stuff, interested by thoughts as well as images and things. I think the need to show off this creative side is why we make careers out of it. Even as a small child, sat alone in the corner surrounded by pens and scraps of paper as the other children played outside without a care in the world I knew it was crucial I have a career in design or advertising ;-)

2. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ART DIRECTOR WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I did consider computer programming. This wouldn’t have been a bad choice at all, but despite my mild autism – no offense to programmers! – I’m a bit rebellious so want to break rules and I’m not sure this works for computers. That or an engineer, a bad one probably.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
I don’t seem to have a problem starting a project but I do get moments of doubt halfway through and this can be a bit crippling. Like everyone I guess you just have to wander off and do something else until you feel happy to go back and keep chipping away at it. There are so many distractions out there it’s not hard to snap out of your funk soon enough.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I’ve got a few projects on the go at the moment. It’s really early days for Arnold and Pearn so it’s still kind of sussing out what it is, and exactly where it belongs. Having said that, everything I’m doing is very exciting.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Such an early bird it’s ridiculous. I can get more work done between 7 and 9am than I can in the rest of the day.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Crisps are my Achilles’ heal. Maze based snakes to be precise, onion rings are so filthy but sooooo good. ** licks orange dust off fingers and cries **

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
#2d6985

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
The first time you smell freshly cut grass in spring is amazing. But so is frying garlic, Play Doh, sun cream, mulled wine, my cat’s head, hot tarmac and new carpet.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
As long as everything living was out safe, I’d have to go for my back-up hard drive. I got an amazing brass pineapple from an online shop – that would have to come too, and I’ve got a pair of antique medical prints that I just love.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I can’t really say I have a favourite because I read different blogs for different things but the ones I check religiously are twitter (if you want to class this as a micro-blog) notcot.org gizmodo.com and ffffound.com. Mashable.com, www.tumblr.com and Flipboard on the iPad is a great aggregator and finally foundmagazine.com is great if you need reminding how beautiful and strange people are.

BLOG CHAT 06_SHELL THOMAS

Shell is a furniture and product designer living and working in London. Her work marries a whimsical spirit with sustainable materials and digital processes, signified by an ever-present element of playful quirk. Shell's work includes a range of bespoke cardboard furniture, retail window installations and her first product, Reggie the Eco Rocker- a flat-pack cardboard rocking horse for cool and creative kids. Check out more work at, shellthomas.com

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I've always really loved... well, things. I know pretty-much everyone likes stuff, but I became aware of how lovely objects can make me feel warm and fuzzy pretty early on. My Mum says that when I was 2 or 3 and people would ask me what Santa might bring for Christmas, I'd tell them I was hoping for a new pillow, although I pronounced it 'pellow' back in the day. I got proper into home-wares. It's no secret I've coveted my Grandad and Grandma's vintage glasses and harlequin sets of anodised aluminium tumblers FOREVER and, although my early interior design and fashion concepts fell well short of successful, I was never short of a bonkers vision. It wasn't until I was already a grown-up that it ever really occurred to me that what I love might somehow be what I do.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T AN PRODUCT DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Oh, I like the idea of all sorts. I love cooking and I've always fancied being a shopkeeper, too! I'd love to have a design store, offering a bespoke design service alongside vintage and new furniture, objects and books, with a lovely cafe inside. I would bake the cakes and my husband Huw would make the best ever coffee. I'd also love to learn about set dressing for film and TV, sourcing and arranging props to create the right look.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
Get out and get happy. I am uber-proiductive when I'm feeling upbeat, so if I'm not feeling it, I'll pack it in for a bit and come back when my spidey senses are tingling. Specifically, this might be a natter with Huw or whoever's working in the studio, or some blog-spotting or you-tubing. People falling and getting hurt makes me laugh. A lot. To an untrained-eye it may seem like I'm a great big procrastinator, but it's all just part of the magic!

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Some new products - new specs and some desk accessories. I'm working with some new materials so it's relatively experimental at this stage.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early Bird, although this winter's been particularly tough one and I have struggled to get out of bed some mornings, but I start out each day on maximum-productivity-power and it steadily diminishes throughout the day.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
I've recently become a biscuit freak, but that has got to stop! Fox's biss quits. I do love that gangster panda!

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Green. All sorts, but what really gets my jazz-hands working is a well-curated palette of colours rocking it together. Perfection

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Pool Ponies.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
Huw, (assuming he can't save himself) and practical things, I guess. Nothing really crosses me as truly irreplaceable. That's a bit sad, isn't it?

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
Oh my goodness, SO. MANY. These are probably my favourites...
The Design Files for getting in-touch with Melbourne design and peeking at lovely Australian interiors.
Dlisted for ridiculously hilarious, yet equally unimportant gossip.

BLOG CHAT 05_TAMSIN ALLEN

We are really happy to introduce you to a good friend of ours, Tamsin Allen. Tamsin is an Art Director based in London. She has specialised for fifteen years within the fashion and beauty industries as an art director and designer. Amongst others, she has worked with Rimmel London, John Lewis, Free Lance Paris, Thomas Pink, The Body Shop and Jigsaw gaining a wealth of experience managing projects, from concepts through to final deliveries; her experience varies across all platforms - print, tv and digital. Check out Tamsin's work at tamsinallencreative.com

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I had always loved art and wanted to be a graphic designer since the age of 15 (without even fully knowing what it was!). Nothing else was really an option and I went on to study graphic design. I met my (now) husband at the end of my second year at Uni - he's a fashion photographer and totally opened my eyes to the world of fashion and photography and we started working together (the rest, as they say, is history). I love art direction and how it can span many aspects of design, photography, illustration etc and you're the one who ties it all together. I believe there is art direction in all aspects of the arts.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ART DIRECTOR WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Probably something more humane like psychology or life-coaching. Or running a B&B in Italy.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
Stress normally causes my 'writers block', but soya chai lattes are my latest obsession - they chill me out (even more than normal). 

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
Some Rimmel TV ads at JWT featuring Zooey Deschanel and, in my spare time, I run my husband's blog for his photography courses business. www.focushubcourses.com. There's never a dull moment!

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Both, strangely enough. I can work all night and still get up early to go to work the next day. This, however, seems to be a rapidly decreasing talent as I get older.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Soya chai latte and maybe a cupcake or muffin.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Black. It's intense, powerful and goes with everything!

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Diptyque Figuier candle. And my address for all donations is...

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
Daughter, husband, cat.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I love blogs! I look at blogs for different reasons - interiors blogs because we are also renovating our house in South London and fashion ones for research for my husband's blog. My friend, Pui, introduced me to Bloglovin' - 99 blogs later I just can't pick a favourite. I would feel unfaithful. :)

BLOG CHAT 04_JULIE LABULLE + DEVA

Meet Julie Labulle and Alessandro Barbieri. They are new contributors to Our Shop and have each created their own range of seriously gorgeous notebooks! Julies are labelled the 'Hairy Series' and show her unique, detailed, illustrative style. Alessandro's 'Neon Geometry Series' have a two tone cover structure that matches the geometric grid of the inner pages. They are all hand-made and printed on a Riso press. All are unique to Our Shop and Limited Edition.

JULIE LABULLE (GIULIA DOLCI)

Julie is an Italian illustrator and graphic designer currently based in London. After graduating in Industrial Design at IUAV University of Venice in 2008, she started working as a freelancer for some personal and commissioned projects, including a collaboration with Replay jeans. In 2010 she decided to come to London with her boyfriend to begin a new adventure. Her work enclose a world of patterns, textures, lines and Japanese reminescences. She loves cats, birds, black ink tattoos, alchemy, black & white photography, books, folk music and hair. Check out: julielabulle.com, julielabulle.tumblr.com

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
Since I was a child I have always been fascinated by art, old patterns and handmade little things. At that time I was an only daughter and I used to play on my own, creating paper castles, dolls, dresses and strange cardboard monsters; it was my magical world. Growing up, it came naturally for me to choose the high school of art and, then, the Industrial Design course at IUAV University of Venice. I then ran away from Italy to discover new cultures, ideas and places.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T AN ILLUSTRATOR/DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I think I would anyway be linked to art, maybe as a collector of little precious antiques found all around the world and I would create my own pieces, giving life again to these things as handmade objects.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
If you are an artist, an illustrator or a graphic designer for most of the time you work inside a room/studio so the designers block is a common issue that happens every time that room becomes a cage for your thoughts. When I feel I am getting into that state of mind I just leave my desk for a while and I try to entertain myself with pleasant things such as having a hot shower, making cakes, reading a book or simply going out to breathe fresh air. Coming back to my desk I might not have the solution to a problem but, for sure, I can easily find one.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I am working on some handmade notebooks and postcards that I will be selling on 'Our Shop' super nice on-line shop and I am starting a new range of illustrations and graphic design little publications.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
I am definitely an night owl: I love to sleep in the morning and I work better in the evening, but living with my boyfriend, I am learning how to be an early bird. Despite that, the owl is one of my favorite animals so it will always be my favorite one!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Due to the influence of London, my breaks are becoming more British: tea with milk and buttery biscuits (or delicious carrot cakes) is my favourite afternoon break. During the morning I prefer fresh fruits.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
I really like subtle antique colors but my favorite one is black, followed by skin pink and red.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
I have a big nose so I really like to sniff at things. But my favorite ones are these three: the smell of new and old books, clean laundry and the parfume of the skin of people I love.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My laptop with all my life inside, my drawings, my cat (I don't have one now but I will have it for sure in the future).

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
What often happens that having a blog is just an excuse to share and reblog little anonimous things without knowing exactly where are they from and what are their stories, but, fortunately, there are also many interesting blogs about art, photography, illustration and typography. My favorite one ever is butdoesitfloat.com. I can't stop myself from taking a quick look everyday.
I am also happy about my own one because is a sort of diary in which I put any thing I find, I see, I know everyday here in London: I can tell a little story for each post. julielabulle.tumblr.com


DEVA (ALESSANDRO BARBIERI )

Alessandro "Deva" Barbieri is an italian visual artist. A controversial graffiti artist and "progettista grafico" who gather both experiences together with the aim of creating something forward-looking. Currently living in London with his girlfriend and artist Julie LaBulle, he's working on personal projects who encompass paper/digital publications, illustrations and works of art.
Check out Deva's work on alessandrobarbieri.net and grafitemagazine.com


1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
Once upon a time I was the perfect example of what-parents-want-their-son-to-be, trying in my free time to be what myself felt I was. I suddenly found that my free time was much more important to me than whatever people think I should have been. That's why now I'm a creative problem solver. That's also why I confuse myself too often working time, with free time!!

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I guess I would have been a musician.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
Playing with my juggling balls around the room. If the problem persist the solution is eating chocolate biscuits.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
On something that needs a lot of chocolate biscuits!

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird. Definitely.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
I swear I usually eat fruits, not biscuits.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Prussian blue.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Uuuh... bread!

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My girlfriend, my sketchbooks and my HardDisks!

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
julielabulle.tumblr.com, butdoesitfloat.com and grafitemagazine.com

BLOG CHAT 03_CREEA

Adam and Mik are model makers and create props for theatre, retail  window schemes, prototypes, bespoke exhibition stands and furniture,  models for advertising and sfx for film. You can see their work in the windows of Hermes on New Bond Street, London and also on the stage of  the Welsh National Opera where they made all the armor for Aida.  They enjoy taking an idea from the clients imagination and creating it in 3D form, be it a magicians mask or a giant spray can. They set up their workshop in 
Battersea called Creea 4 years ago and are currently working on a product range of their own. For more info, do check out their website: www.creea.co.uk

ADAM

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I was always interested in drawing and sketching, then during my art foundation course I realised that I always made a model of some desription for my final piece on any assignment. I then looked around at different degree courses and found model making that encompassed all the different aspects I enjoyed and the rest as they say is history.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A MODEL MAKER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A formula one driving, wildlife filming camera man, who on spare weekends turns out for his beloved Liverpool football club(midfield maestro)

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
In my line of work I usually go back to basics, start over and create in as far a removed way as possible from the last attempt, this strategy usually works on about the fifth go which is usually an amalgamation of all the previous attempts.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
We're currently developing a few products ideas, making up maquettes and solving the unforeseen problems in taking ideas from the sketch pad into a 3D working form.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Definitely not an early bird, more a growling hungry bear who went to bed too late and got up and found someone had nicked his porridge.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Peanut butter on toast.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
This week is red.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Raisin toast.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My wife, Bed(memory foam, so comfy) and Insurance policy.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
creearetaildisplay.blogspot.com of course but I do follow WeHeart.co.uk


MIK

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
A heady combination of Loving Airfix models as a kid, enjoy having my own workshop space and not listening at school, enough!

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A MODEL MAKER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
A wood turner? a sculpture? a boat builder? a ceramist?...its important to me to work with my head and hands and the outcome being a crafted object.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK?
If in workshop by myself; loud music , if in company through discussion.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
A combination of retail and shop display projects alongside our own self designed projects. Its important that we have time and energy to design and create our own products as well as working to other designers briefs.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Unfortunately due to having two active kids; early bird!

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Vimto and toasted cinnamon bagel.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
The colour of diluted vimto.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Guiness.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
ipod, ipad and iphone.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
Not exactly blogs but Needlesandsins.com, DesignBoom and last but not least creea.co.uk.

BLOG CHAT 02_BEN SHUAR

Born in Bangkok, Ben Shuar (aka 'Benja') grew up in Australia and has been based in London for the last decade. With a background in graphic design, his screen-prints have a style that is bold and contemporary. He uses minimal colours; black and bright neons which punch their way through and demand your attention. Ben finds inspiration in nature, history and the bright lights of the big city where he feels most alive. You can buy one of Ben's limited edition Rose or Bubble Girl screen prints here.

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
Drawing had always been one of my favourite things growing up, so I figured I'd go with my strengths and did some research into careers with an artistic leaning. After I started a design fundamentals course I was hooked on the versatility and competitiveness within graphic design, rather than doing just pure illustration. That and I'd be rubbish at anything else.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A GRAPHIC DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I think I would also love to have been an industrial designer. When I was 8 or 9, I used to do dorky stuff like sit for hours re-designing my camping torch or our family car. I love the idea of designing objects that can be used in different ways. If I took design out of the equation, I think I would like to try being a baker because I'm a whore for cake.

3.  HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK'?
I tend to listen to music with a bit of pace and push loads of other people's (good) work under my nose, design, photography, illustration, anything visual. It seems to make me feel oddly competitive and my brain starts jogging and having ideas which hopefully lead to others again until I'm happy.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
I'm currently on some brand refresh work, overhauling my website and more screenprinting.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
I love getting up early, the prospect of a new things to happen and do fills me with excitement. I make people sick.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Cake is always my first choice, but I will also settle for some 'Nairns' stem ginger oatcakes and/or a banana and/or some nuts & raisins and/or rice crackers. I like elevenses.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Neon orange.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Food either cooking or baking.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My girlfriend, my computer and my record player.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I don't know if these are technically blogs but I'm addicted to designspongeonline.com  and  visuelle.co.uk

BLOG CHAT 01_OUR WORKSHOP

This is a new feature for Our Blog, introducing a variety of designers, illustrators, photographers, textile designers, model makers etc. To kick it off, we thought we'd go first. We are graphic designers, Gemma and Pui. We set up Our WorkShop in 2009, and then we launched Our Shop last July, as a platform to showcase other designers/makers work and also allow us to create our own products too, we have been balancing the two ever since.

GEMMA

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
It felt right at the time! When i was younger I was always excited by advertising strangely. I loved the idea of creating a concept that would sell a product and the creativity involved in that process. It seemed like a game. The processes of ad creation and graphic design can be a nice bubble to walk around in.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A GRAPHIC DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
I would like to have been a conservationist of some sort. Or write a novel, but everyone says that.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK '?
A walk outdoors and a coffee

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
One job is for creating a new kitchen and bathroom range and running the shop of course.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
Early bird when I'm working, night owl when I'm not

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
Cup of tea and Jaffa cakes

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Yellow

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Clean washing.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My husband
My charley harper prints
My laptop with all my photos on

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
www.swiss-miss.com


PUI

1. WHY ARE YOU WHAT YOU ARE?
I was always making things when I was younger. From recycling old clothes to drawings cartoons. Going to art college seemed the most natural path to follow, and explore more. I experimented with theatre design, textiles, animation and realised that I loved designing. And loved the process of design. From thinking up an idea to exploring and crafting a final campaign, and seeing it in print.

2. IF YOU WEREN'T A GRAPHIC DESIGNER WHAT WOULD YOU BE?
Hmm, I probably would have been a fashion/textile designer or a tailor, as when I was younger I use to make alot of things for plays etc and was always sewing or making something, taking clothes apart and trying to remake things. I think I drove my mum mad as she was always pricking herself with pins that I left around the home. I would have love to have had a stint at old school tailoring, like Savile Row. I've always been fascinated by the art of tailoring. But now, I think I would like to be a pastry chef and have my own tea shop, I fancy being a shopkeeper.

3. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME A DESIGNER'S BLOCK'?
I would probably go for some fresh air, if there was time, I might go to an exhibition. It's always good to give your eyes a rest and a change of scenery I think. Fresh eyes= fresh ideas.

4. WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?
We're working on an exciting home range project at the moment. It's quite challenging and good fun at the same time. Also we are constantly developing our online shop, and working with different designers, which is always good fun.

5. EARLY BIRD OR NIGHT OWL?
I'd like to think I'm an early bird, but I'd be kidding myself. I'm an night owl.

6. WHAT DO YOU TREAT YOURSELF TO FOR ELEVENSES?
A nice cup of coffee, and some biccies. Or cake is even better, lemon or carrot cake.

7. MY FAVE COLOUR IS...?
Greens, from peppermint green, olive greens to forest greens. I tend to like quite dirty or subtle colours.

8. MY FAVE SMELL IS....?
Fig, maple syrup...food especially, and also I'm also bit of a design geek, I love the smell of freshly printed work, be it on a poster, flyer, book.

9. IF YOUR HOUSE WAS ON FIRE, WHAT 3 THINGS WOULD YOU SAVE?
My photos, my passport, some of my fave old books.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVE BLOG?
I am addicted to blogs. I can spend hours reading them, one leads to another..but my fave is The Selby as its portraitures and also a peek at interiors too, which I love. www.theselby.com